If you are looking for a succulent and tasty dessert to impress your friends or family, look no further than Almond and Raspberry Financiers. These fluffy and melting cakes are a real concentrate of flavors that will delight the most demanding palates. In this article, we will explore the origin of this dessert and share a detailed recipe, so that you can create these culinary wonders at home.
The History of Financiers
Financiers are small cakes originating from France, known for their light and airy texture as well as their delicate almond and beurre noisette flavor. Considered a staple of French pastry, their creation dates back to the Middle Ages, where they were already appreciated for their exceptional taste qualities.
The name “financier” on the other hand, is more recent and finds its origins in the middle of the 19th century. It would refer to the traditional shape of these cakes, which resembles that of gold ingots that the financiers of the time handled in large quantities. The recipe would then have been specifically designed for them, allowing for quick preparation of sweets ready to be consumed without the need for utensils.
Variations on financiers
If the traditional recipe for financiers is based on almond powder, there are also variants that use other ingredients to provide a different flavor. Among these alternatives, for example, we find financiers with hazelnut powder, which offer a more pronounced and rustic taste.
The Almond and Raspberry Financiers
It’s this version that we are going to explore today: Almond and raspberry Financiers. The addition of raspberries in this recipe adds a fruity and tart touch that perfectly contrasts with the sweet taste of the dough. This indulgent dessert will undoubtedly please those looking to savor something refreshing and original.
How to prepare almond and raspberry financiers?
To make this recipe at home, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients:
- 125g of butter
- 100g of almond powder
- 25g of hazelnut powder
- 200g of icing sugar
- 50g of flour
- 4 egg whites
- 1 pinch of salt
- Fresh raspberries
Preparation of the dough
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (th.6) and generously butter your financier molds. You can also use silicone molds if you have them.
In a bowl, mix the flour, almond powder, and hazelnut powder along with the icing sugar and a pinch of salt. Then add the lightly beaten egg whites and work everything with a wooden spoon until you get a fairly thick dough.
Cooking Beurre Noisette
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat to make a beurre noisette. For this, let it heat up until it takes on a golden color and gives off a smell of toasted hazelnuts. Be careful not to burn it as it would give a bitter flavor to your financiers. Once the butter is ready, strain it through a chinois or a fine strainer to eliminate the black particles.
Incorporation and Cooking
Gradually add the browned butter to the dough, mixing well to achieve a smooth texture. Fill three-quarters of the financier molds with this mixture and place a few raspberries on each cake, lightly pressing them into the dough.
Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the financiers are golden and a knife point comes out clean. Let them cool on a rack before gently removing from the mold.
Tips for successful almond and raspberry financiers
To be sure of knowing how to prepare almond and raspberry financiers, here are some useful tips:
- Use butter with a maximum fat content (at least 82%) to achieve a more melting and fluffy cake.
- Do not whip the egg whites too much so they remain liquid and allow for properly coating the rest of the ingredients without providing too much natural baking powder.
- To avoid too fast browning of the financiers during baking, place your tray in the middle of the oven or choose a silicone mold which will promote a uniform distribution of heat.
- Even if you do not have a specific mold for financiers, you can use a small rectangular mold and cut the cakes into ingots after baking them in the oven. Finally, do not hesitate to vary the pleasures by adding other fruits to create even more different flavors.
By following these tips, you should be able to make delicious Almond and Raspberry Financiers, to be enjoyed with pleasure at snack time, as dessert, or simply to offer yourself a gourmet moment. Enjoy your meal!