Financier (pastry)

A financier, sometimes called a friand, is a type of pastry that originated in France but has become most popular in Australia and New Zealand. The financier is a light tea cake, similar to sponge cake, and usually contains almond flour, crushed or ground almonds, or almond flavoring. The basis of the cake itself is beurre noisette (brown butter), egg whites, powdered sugar and flour (although some gluten free recipes exist). Financiers are often baked in shaped molds. The name "financier" is said to derive from the traditional rectangular mold, which resembles a bar of gold. Another theory says that the cake became popular in the financial district of Paris surrounding La Bourse du Commerce (the former name of the Paris stock exchange).

Financiers are often served topped with whipped cream, berries, or other fruit, and served accompanied by ice cream or other frozen confections. Financier pans are traditionally rectangular.

Friands served in Australia and New Zealand are baked in small oval shapes and typically have additional flavorings such as coconut, chocolate, fruit, and nuts.

Financiers are somewhat similar to madeleines.