Financier (cake)

Financier (cake)

The Financier is a small French almond cake, often associated with the region of Brittany. The cake is light and moist, similar to a sponge cake, with a unique flavor derived from the almond. The Financier is often baked in a small mold, which gives it a distinctive shape.

History

The origin of the Financier is attributed to the French pastry chef Lasne, who in the late 19th century operated a pastry shop near the Bourse, the financial district of Paris. Lasne's clientele were mainly financiers who wanted a small cake that could be eaten without utensils and would not spoil their suits. The cake was named after these financial workers.

Preparation

The Financier is made with almond flour, crushed or ground almonds, butter, egg whites, and powdered sugar. The ingredients are mixed together and then baked in a mold, traditionally a small rectangular shape, but other shapes such as oval or round can also be used. The cake is usually served plain, but can also be topped with icing or fruit.

Variations

There are several variations of the Financier. The Friand is an Australian version that is larger and often has additional flavorings such as coconut, chocolate, or fruit. In Japan, a similar cake called the Castella is made with honey instead of almond flour.

See also

• French cuisine
• List of French desserts
• Madeleine
• Petit four