Homemade Roasted Plum and Almond Financiers – Elegant French Tea Cakes

If you love desserts that are both refined and comforting, Homemade Roasted Plum and Almond Financiers are the perfect choice. These little French-inspired cakes combine the nutty richness of almond flour with the sweet-tart flavor of roasted plums, creating a delicate balance of flavor and texture.

Golden on the edges, tender in the center, and bursting with juicy fruit, these financiers are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting brunch, enjoying an afternoon tea, or simply craving something special, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your own kitchen.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes financiers so unique, how to make them perfectly every time, and creative ways to serve and customize them.

Why You’ll Love Roasted Plum and Almond Financiers

Financiers may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to make. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites:

Elegant Yet Easy: They have the flavor and texture of a high-end patisserie treat, but you can whip them up in under an hour.

Rich and Nutty: Almond flour and browned butter give these little cakes a deep, toasty flavor.

Beautiful Presentation: The roasted plums create a gorgeous, glossy topping that looks stunning on any dessert table.

Perfectly Portable: These cakes are small, travel well, and make lovely edible gifts.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Plums:

• 3 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

For the Financiers:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup almond flour
• ⅔ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional garnish: sliced almonds or powdered sugar for dusting

Yield: 10–12 financiers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Instructions

1. Roast the Plums
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sliced plums with honey, vanilla, and cinnamon, then spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 10–12 minutes, until they’re slightly caramelized and tender. Set aside to cool.

2. Brown the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes). Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt.

4. Add Egg Whites and Vanilla
Lightly whisk the egg whites until frothy (no need to beat to peaks). Add them to the dry ingredients along with the vanilla extract, and stir until combined.

5. Add the Browned Butter
Slowly pour the cooled browned butter into the mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and glossy. The consistency should be thick but pourable.

6. Fill and Top
Grease a muffin tin or financier molds and fill each cavity about ¾ full. Top each one with a roasted plum slice and a few sliced almonds if desired.

7. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, until golden around the edges and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

8. Cool and Serve
Let the financiers cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 190
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Sugar: 11g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g

These little cakes are light yet satisfying — perfect for when you want something sweet but not overly rich.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Elegant Tea Treat: Serve financiers on a tiered tray alongside tea or coffee for a classy afternoon break.

Dessert Plate: Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy plated dessert.

Brunch Addition: Add to your brunch spread with pastries, fresh fruit, and yogurt parfaits.

Gift Idea: Wrap cooled financiers in parchment or place in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Variations and Flavor Twists

• Berry Financiers: Substitute roasted plums with raspberries, cherries, or blackberries.
• Citrus Touch: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright twist.
• Chocolate Almond Financiers: Fold in mini chocolate chips or drizzle with dark chocolate after baking.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Tips for Perfect Financiers

• Don’t Skip Browning the Butter: This step adds a deep, nutty flavor that defines classic financiers.
• Use Ripe Fruit: Slightly soft plums roast beautifully and add natural sweetness.
• Rest the Batter: For a richer texture, let the batter rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
• Watch the Oven: Financiers bake quickly — golden edges mean they’re ready!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Roasted Plum and Almond Financiers bring together the elegance of French pastry with the warmth of homemade baking. They’re buttery, nutty, and perfectly balanced by the juicy sweetness of roasted fruit.

Whether served at brunch, gifted to friends, or enjoyed with your afternoon coffee, these little cakes are sure to impress.

Simple, sophisticated, and bursting with flavor — these financiers are proof that sometimes, the smallest desserts make the biggest impact.With their nutty base and caramelized plum topping, they’re a French-inspired treat you’ll want to bake again and again.