Double Chocolate Financiers Recipe — Rich, Mocha Almond Cakes

These Double Chocolate Financiers have a moist center, crisp edges, and intense chocolate flavor that will satisfy any chocolate lover.

If you enjoy baking small elegant cakes, financiers are a wonderful recipe to keep in your repertoire. They’re a great way to use leftover egg whites and require only a handful of ingredients. Despite the fancy name, financiers are simple to prepare and bake quickly.

This double chocolate version is adapted from a classic financier base. The cakes develop a crisp exterior and tender, buttery interior thanks to brown butter and almond flour. Cocoa powder replaces part of the flour for a chocolatey batter, and chopped chocolate on top adds even more rich flavor.

If you don’t own traditional financier molds, a muffin or mini muffin pan works well as a substitute. The recipe yields delicious small cakes no matter the shape—give them a try and enjoy one of the best bite-sized chocolate treats.

What is a Financier?

A financier is a French almond cake made with beurre noisette (brown butter), egg whites, sugar, flour, and nut flour. Financiers come in various shapes and flavors; almond is the classic, while hazelnut or pistachio are common alternatives.

The name likely comes either from the traditional rectangular mold that resembles a gold bar or from the pastry’s popularity among finance workers who needed a small, portable cake. Either way, financiers remain a beloved French tea cake prized for their texture and flavor.

Ingredients You Need

• Brown butter (beurre noisette). Melting and toasting the milk solids transforms butter into a nutty, complex-flavored fat that defines the financier’s taste.
• Egg whites. Use room-temperature egg whites so they incorporate evenly into the batter.
• Castor sugar. Financiers benefit from finely textured sugar; confectioners’ sugar can be substituted by weight.
• Honey (optional). A touch of honey helps keep the cakes moist and adds depth of flavor.
• Cake flour. Low in gluten, cake flour helps deliver a tender crumb. All-purpose flour can be used if needed.
• Almond flour. Adds richness and texture—this is a signature ingredient.
• Cocoa powder. Replaces part of the flour for subtle chocolate flavor in the batter.
• Baking powder (optional). A small amount provides a slight lift.
• Chopped chocolate or chocolate chips. Sprinkled on top for extra chocolate intensity; use good-quality chocolate for best results.

How to Make Brown Butter

Use a light-colored pan so you can watch the color change as the butter cooks. Melt the butter over low–medium heat, stirring frequently. The butter will foam, then the milk solids will brown—watch closely because it goes from browned to burnt in seconds. When the solids are golden and the butter smells nutty, remove from heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl to stop the cooking process. Allow to cool completely before using in the batter.

Financier Mold Substitute

Traditional financiers are baked in rectangular molds that produce bar-shaped cakes, but you can use a muffin or mini muffin pan instead. For crisp edges, a metal non-stick pan works best. Silicone can be used, but metal pans generally produce a better golden crust.

Baking Tips

• Watch the brown butter closely. It can burn quickly, so stay attentive while it browns.
• Mind the temperatures. Use room-temperature egg whites and fully cooled brown butter for the best texture.
• Resting the batter. Chilling the batter for at least an hour (or overnight) helps flavors meld and firms the batter for easier piping, though this step is optional.
• Fill molds properly. Fill molds about 80–90% full to leave room for a small rise while baking.

How to Serve Financiers

Financiers are best the day they are baked and are ideal within 24–48 hours. If you want freshly baked cakes anytime, prepare the batter ahead and keep it chilled for a few days, then bake off small batches as needed. Serve with tea or coffee, or enjoy them on their own as a delightful everyday treat.

More Financier Ideas

• Almond Financiers
• Churros-style Financiers
• Fig and Cream Cheese Financiers
• Hazelnut Financiers
• Savory variations (for example, with sausage)