Madeleines are charming little French sponge cakes that capture the essence of elegance and comfort in every bite. With their signature shell shape, they are a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee. These classic madeleines feature a light, airy crumb and a rich buttery flavor, enhanced by the warmth of browned butter, fragrant vanilla, and fresh lemon zest. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, these soft and fluffy madeleines are sure to impress your guests and make any occasion special.
Why You’ll Love This Madeleines
There are countless reasons to adore these delectable treats. Firstly, madeleines are incredibly versatile; they can be flavored with chocolate or lemon to suit your taste. Secondly, they are easy to make, making them great for both novice and experienced bakers looking for an easy madeleine recipe. Additionally, their unique shape makes them visually appealing, and they are perfect when served as tea cakes. Furthermore, they are a fantastic way to impress your friends and family during gatherings, and you can easily customize them to create your own best madeleine recipes. Lastly, you will love how they can elevate your afternoon tea experience.
Ingredients for Madeleines
Gather these items:
- 10 tablespoons (140g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (155g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar, optional
How to Make Madeleines Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then lower the heat and cook until browned solids form, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick, pale, and ribbon-like.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the dry ingredients in three additions.
- Step 5: Fold in the cooled browned butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
- Step 6: Cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 4 hours.
- Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a madeleine pan thoroughly.
- Step 8: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mold.
- Step 9: Bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
- Step 10: Cool briefly, transfer to a rack, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Madeleines
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a better rise.
- Let the batter chill in the fridge to achieve that signature shell shape.
- Don’t skip browning the butter; it adds a nutty depth to the flavor.
- Use fresh lemon zest for a bright and fragrant touch.
- Experiment with flavors such as almond or lavender for unique variations.
Best Ways to Serve Madeleines
Serve your madeleines with a cup of tea for a classic afternoon treat. They pair beautifully with chamomile or Earl Grey tea, enhancing the experience of this delicate dessert. For a twist, try serving chocolate madeleines alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert plate. You can also use madeleines with tea pairing as a charming addition to your next gathering.
How to Store and Reheat Madeleines
For best results, store your madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their softness. This is a great way to enjoy homemade madeleines anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions About Madeleines
What’s the secret to perfect Madeleines?
The secret to perfect madeleines lies in the chilling of the batter. This allows the cakes to rise properly and achieve their characteristic shell shape. Additionally, browning the butter adds a rich flavor that elevates the overall taste.
Can I make Madeleines ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter for madeleines ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes them an ideal treat to bake fresh just before serving!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Madeleines?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your ingredients are fresh and accurately measured. Make sure to chill the batter adequately and avoid overbaking, as this will lead to dry madeleines. Keep an eye on them in the oven; they should be lightly golden and puffed.
Variations of Madeleines You Can Try
There are many delightful variations of madeleines to explore. For example, you can create chocolate madeleines by adding cocoa powder to the batter. Alternatively, try lemon madeleines for a zesty twist, or even gluten-free madeleines using almond flour. Each variation offers a unique taste experience while maintaining the classic charm of these small cakes.
Classic Madeleines: 12 Perfect Shell-Shaped Cakes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 madeleines 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic French madeleines with a light, airy crumb and rich buttery flavor, enhanced by browned butter, vanilla, and fresh lemon zest for an elegant yet comforting tea cake.
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons (140g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (155g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar, optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then lower the heat and cook until browned solids form, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick, pale, and ribbon-like.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients in three additions.
- Fold in the cooled browned butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
- Cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 4 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a madeleine pan thoroughly.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mold.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
- Cool briefly, transfer to a rack, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 madeleine
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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