Matcha Financier Recipe

The financier is a classic French pastry: small rectangular almond-flavoured tea cakes similar to madeleines, renowned for their rich but light texture, nutty aroma and golden brown colour. While not well known in the United States, financiers have been beloved in Japan for decades. In fact, they have become one of the most popular baked desserts of French origin in Japan, where they have evolved through the addition of Japanese flavors and interesting ingredients.

The fascinating history of the pastry shop dates back to the late 19th century in Paris, particularly around the French Stock Exchange. A local bakery created these treats with a distinctive rectangular shape inspired by gold bars or bars, a clever reference to the financial district’s clientele. What makes financiers particularly special is the use of brown butter (beurre noisette), where the butter is cooked until the milk solids turn brown and caramelized, imparting a distinctive nutty flavor.

A particularly delicious variant is the matcha financier, which combines the rich traditional base with a refreshing green tea powder. While creating backers requires careful measurements and specific steps, the process isn’t overly complex and the results are truly divine – it’s worth trying at home.

Matcha financiers make wonderful treats for everyday coffee, but can also serve as elegant desserts for special occasions. They can be topped with a dusting of icing sugar or additional matcha powder and served with vanilla ice cream and berries for an elevated presentation. We hope you will try making these delicious pastries soon!