Matcha Financiers: Elegant French Cakes with Green Tea
This matcha financier recipe transforms a French patisserie classic into a delightful Japanese-inspired creation. These soft, tender little cakes bring together the buttery richness of traditional financiers and the distinctive depth of matcha green tea.
Matcha powder lends a gently bitter, herbaceous note to every bite, creating a subtle and refined tasting experience. With their deep green colour and melt-in-the-mouth texture, these matcha financiers are a modern and utterly delicious twist on a beloved French classic.
Ingredients (makes 12 financiers)
- 145 g icing sugar
- 53 g raw almond flour (or hazelnut flour)
- 50 g plain flour (T45 or all-purpose)
- 2 teaspoons premium matcha (choose a naturally coloured, high-quality matcha)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 g fine salt
- 80 g unsalted butter
- 20 g acacia honey
- 150 g egg whites (about 4 to 5 eggs)
Step-by-step method
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 170°C (340°F). Time to get started.
- Whip the egg whites: Beat the egg whites to stiff peaks, then refrigerate. This step is key to giving your financiers their light, airy texture.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the flour, icing sugar, baking powder, almond flour and matcha. Sift the matcha carefully to avoid any lumps.
- Bring it together: Gradually fold the egg whites (at room temperature) into the dry mixture. Work gently to preserve as much air as possible.
- Brown butter: Heat the butter and honey to 50°C until they turn a warm, golden colour. Fold into the batter, then leave to rest in the fridge overnight. Patience pays off here.
- Bake: Butter and flour your financier moulds. Fill them three-quarters full and bake at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the financiers inside for a further 5 minutes in the residual heat.
- Enjoy: Leave to cool, unmould gently, and savour your matcha financiers.
A few tips for guaranteed success
The matcha you choose makes all the difference here. Avoid artificially coloured powders, which are widespread on the market. A genuine Japanese matcha costs a little more, but its authentic flavour and natural colour will completely transform your cakes.
To spot a good matcha, trust your eyes: the colour should be an intense jade green, never harsh or fluorescent. The aroma should be fresh and herbaceous, without excessive bitterness. A small tin will easily last you several batches.
Overnight resting is not optional. This step allows the flavours to develop and meld, and gives the financiers their characteristic texture. If you're short on time, allow at least 4 hours in the refrigerator.
What to serve alongside
These matcha financiers pair beautifully with a Japanese green tea, naturally. A delicate Sencha or an elegant Gyokuro will create a wonderful harmony. For coffee lovers, a light arabica works well without overpowering the matcha's subtle notes.
On the sweeter side, fresh raspberries add a welcome brightness, while a few white chocolate shavings bring a more indulgent touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream will turn your financiers into a truly refined dessert.
For an elegant finish, dust lightly with matcha powder just before serving. The visual effect is striking and deepens the intensity of every bite.
Variations worth trying
Swap almond flour for hazelnut flour for a richer, nuttier flavour that pairs divinely with matcha. This version is reminiscent of traditional Japanese confections.
For an even more indulgent take, fold a handful of white chocolate chips into the batter. The contrast between matcha's bitterness and the sweetness of the chocolate is absolutely delicious.
The adventurous may want to add yuzu zest (or lime zest as an alternative) for a citrus note that brings everything alive. A pinch of ground ginger adds an interesting warmth and spice.
For a lighter version, replace part of the butter with melted coconut oil. The flavour stays true while the texture becomes slightly less dense.
Frequently asked questions about matcha financiers
Not really, no. Matcha is shade-grown green tea ground using an ancient stone-milling technique. Its ultra-fine texture and unique umami flavour simply cannot be replicated with ground everyday green tea. Even an entry-level matcha will give far better results.
Bitterness usually comes from a lower-quality matcha or too generous a measure. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste. You can also increase the honey slightly to balance things out. A good matcha should never be unpleasantly bitter.
Matcha financiers keep well for 3 to 4 days in an airtight tin at room temperature. Avoid the fridge, which tends to firm up the texture. A few seconds in the microwave will restore their softness before serving.
Absolutely. The batter freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge the night before, bring it back to room temperature, then bake as usual. A great way to always have something impressive on hand for guests.
A few possible reasons: egg whites not beaten firmly enough, overmixing that deflates the foam, or an oven that isn't hot enough. Check that your baking powder is still fresh. The technique of turning off the oven at the end of baking also helps achieve a good rise.
Explore our range of organic green teas: Japanese Sencha, Gyokuro, Matcha, Bancha, Chinese Gunpowder, Long Jing and flavoured blends (jasmine, mint, fruit). Certified organic, delivered across France.
