Imagine a delicate French pastry that combines the rich nuttiness of hazelnuts, the sweet complexity of maple syrup, and the luscious texture of dried figs—all in one bite-sized treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These Maple Fig Hazelnut Financiers are not just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that bridges rustic elegance with gourmet sophistication, promising to elevate your baking skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 12 financiers
Ingredients
- 1 cup hazelnut flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 egg whites
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 12-cavity financier or mini muffin pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Brown the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl the pan continuously until the butter turns a golden amber color and develops a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the hazelnut flour, all-purpose flour, and powdered sugar to remove any lumps and create a smooth, even mixture.
- In a separate clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites until they form soft, glossy peaks. Be careful not to overbeat.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the dry ingredients, adding the maple syrup and cooled brown butter. Mix carefully to maintain the airiness of the egg whites.
- Chop the dried figs into small, uniform pieces. Fold most of the chopped figs into the batter, reserving some for topping.
- Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the reserved fig pieces on top of each financier.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the financiers are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Drizzle with additional maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- Brown Butter Technique: Take your time when browning butter—the nutty aroma is crucial to the financiers' flavor. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Egg White Whipping: Use room temperature egg whites and ensure your bowl is completely clean and dry for the best volume and texture.
- Gentle Folding: When incorporating egg whites, use a light, folding motion to maintain the airiness of the batter. Overmixing can deflate the delicate structure.
- Pan Preparation: Thoroughly grease your financier or mini muffin pan to ensure easy release and perfect shapes.
- Fig Distribution: Chop figs uniformly and distribute them evenly throughout the batter and on top for consistent flavor and visual appeal.
- Cooling is Key: Allow financiers to cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breaking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
