The history of financiers

Financiers are delightful French almond cakes known for their soft, spongy texture and delicate taste of browned butter. These small cakes, typically shaped like rectangles or gold bars, have a history that dates back to the 17th century. While they are now enjoyed around the world, their origins lie in French convents, and they later gained popularity in Parisian patisseries. Their simplicity and elegance make them a must-have in any gourmet bakery.

The origin of financiers is often attributed to the nuns of the Order of the Visitation, located in the Lorraine region of France. These nuns created a small almond cake known as the visitandine. This recipe, made with almond flour, was known for being easy to prepare, having a refined texture, and being ideal for long-term storage. The visitandine became a perfect treat for the long days in the convent.

The popularity of this cake began to spread beyond the convent walls and into the patisseries of France. It was in the 19th century that financiers, as we know them today, gained prominence in Paris. The change in shape and name is attributed to a pastry chef named Lasne, who worked near the Paris Stock Exchange. Lasne adapted the traditional recipe of the nuns to create a smaller, more practical cake, designed to meet the needs of businessmen who needed a quick, clean snack.

The name financier is directly linked to this Parisian financial district. The cake’s gold bar shape, reminiscent of bullion, and its wealthy clientele at the Stock Exchange made the name a perfect fit. Additionally, financiers were made with high-quality ingredients, adding a sense of luxury to these small cakes.

The secret to the success of financiers lies in the combination of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients: almond flour, egg whites, sugar, browned butter (beurre noisette), and flour. The browned butter, which imparts a nutty flavour and special texture, is the distinctive touch that elevates financiers from a simple cake to a fine dining experience. Moreover, being primarily made of almond flour, these cakes are naturally lighter than traditional sponge cakes.

Today, financiers are a symbol of refined French patisserie. They can be found in gourmet bakeries around the world, often with variations such as pistachio, chocolate, or raspberry. Their versatility and elegance make them the perfect treat to enjoy with a good coffee or tea, or to impress at a special occasion.