Pastries & desserts

Financier

A small almond cake with a tender center and browned-butter flavor.

Say it: fee-nahn-see-AY (approximate English pronunciation)

Financiers are compact cakes made with almond flour, egg whites and butter. Browning the butter adds a toasted flavor that complements the nuts. Shapes vary from small rectangles to round tea cakes, and bakers may add fruit or other flavorings. They offer a simpler bakery treat than a cream-filled pastry, with the cake itself taking the lead.

Names to look for on menus

financier, financiers, french almond tea cake

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