These easy-to-make hazelnut financiers have crunchy edges and a nutty, tender crumb. Topped with maple-infused roasted figs, they're just irresistible!
For the maple-roasted figs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Quarter the figs and spread over the parchment paper. Drizzle with maple syrup, then brush it all over the figs. Roast the figs for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’ve softened and dried up some. Let cool while you prepare the financier batter.
For the financiers: Lower the heat to 350°F (175°C). Line the cups of two 12-cup muffin pans with parchment paper cups and set aside. (Lining the muffin pans with parchment paper cups will make it super easy to unmold the financiers. I do not recommend using regular paper cups because financiers might stick to them.) If you have only one muffin pan, you can bake the financiers in two batches.
To brown the butter: Heat the butter in a small stainless steel pot over medium heat until completely melted and simmering. Keep on cooking over medium-low heat, swirling the pot from time to time. If the butter bubbles up preventing you from watching closely over the color changing (that’s the water evaporating), lift the pot off the heat for a few seconds until the bubbles recede, then put back on the heat.The butter is ready when the milk solids at the bottom of the pot turn a light brown color and the concoction gives off a delicious nutty aroma. When it does, remove the butter from the heat, pour in a small bowl, and let cool completely. Watch my short video to see how easy it is to make brown butter.
Put the ground hazelnuts into a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, sugars, and baking powder, and whisk together. Add the egg whites and whisk until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is thick and somewhat sticky. Whisk in the brown butter. At this point, the dough can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When ready to bake the financiers, drop about 2 tbsp (30 ml) of financier batter in each prepared muffin cup. Top each financier with a piece of maple-roasted fig and some additional crushed toasted hazelnuts, if desired. Bake for about 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the financiers are golden brown on the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
STORAGE: Maple-Roasted Fig and Hazelnut Financiers are at their very best when freshly baked, but you can also refrigerate them in an open container for up to 3 days.Figs have a high humidity content, so if you store these financiers in an airtight container, they will become soggy in a snap. Refrigerating the financiers in an open container maintains their texture. Bring back to room temperature before serving.
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