Light, sweet, and delicately crumbly, these vegan financiers are a delightful twist on the classic French almond tea cake. Perfect with a cup of tea, these little cakes are easy to make and totally delicious!

If you’re a fan of almond-forward, buttery treats, you’ll love these financiers! They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, yet still rich and satisfying. Serve them plain or dress them up with fresh berries or slices of seasonal fruit.

What are financiers?

Financiers are small, almond-based tea cakes that originated in France. Traditionally made with butter, egg whites, almond flour, and sugar, they have a rich, nutty flavor and a light, moist texture with a slightly crisp exterior. They are often baked in small, rectangular molds, resembling gold bars—hence the name “financiers.”

In this vegan version, butter and eggs are replaced with neutral oil and applesauce, making them dairy-free and plant-based while still maintaining their delicate crumb and delicious almond flavor. These bite-sized treats are perfect for pairing with tea or coffee and can be enjoyed plain or topped with fresh fruit for an elegant touch!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make these vegan almond tea cakes:

Neutral oil (¼ cup / 60ml) – Canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil work best. Avoid coconut oil as it can solidify and create uneven moisture pockets.
Unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup / 60ml) – Acts as a binder and provides moisture, mimicking the role of eggs. No substitutions recommended.
Granulated sugar (½ cup / 100g) – Sweetens the financiers while helping to create a light texture.
Oat milk (6 tbsp / 90ml) – Any non-dairy milk works, but oat milk provides a neutral flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp / 5ml) – Enhances the almond flavor; you can also swap for almond extract for a stronger nutty taste.
Almond flour (1 cup + 2 tbsp / 108g) – The key ingredient that gives these cakes their signature nutty flavor and delicate texture.
Potato starch (2 tbsp / 17g) – Helps bind and lighten the crumb.
White rice flour (¼ cup / 36g) – NOT glutinous rice flour. Adds structure while keeping the cakes tender.
Salt (¼ tsp / 2g) – Enhances the overall flavor.
Baking powder (1 tsp / 4g) & Baking soda (½ tsp / 3g) – Provide lift and airiness.
Optional toppings: Fresh raspberries, blackberries, or slices of pear/plum for a decorative and fruity variation.

How to Make Vegan Financiers

Storage and Reheating

These financiers are best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re baked for the ideal texture and flavor. If plain, they can be stored at room temperature for up to one day, while those topped with fruit should be kept in the refrigerator. To restore their crispness, simply reheat them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-6 minutes. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to two weeks—just thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Tips & Variations

For the best results, use a neutral-flavored oil like canola, sunflower, or vegetable, but if you prefer a more pronounced taste, opt for olive oil paired with citrus zest instead of vanilla extract. Enhance the flavor by adding 2-3 teaspoons of lemon, orange, or lime zest for a refreshing twist, or swap vanilla extract for almond extract to deepen the nutty notes. For serving, dust the financiers with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or pair them with berry compote or dairy-free whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.

These financiers are the perfect little treat—elegant, easy, and utterly delicious! Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just love almond-based pastries, this recipe is a must-try.