Description
French madeleines showcase delicate shell-shaped pastries from Normandy, France. Buttery, lemony sponge cakes with distinctive golden edges promise a sublime sweet experience you’ll savor with afternoon tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup (120g) cake flour
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Dry Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and meticulously coat each cavity of the madeleine mold with a light butter layer to prevent sticking.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring a smooth and lump-free dry mixture.
- Using an electric mixer, whip eggs and egg yolk until they become light and aerated, approximately 5 minutes. Gradually incorporate sugar, vanilla extract, and citrus zest, continuing to beat until the mixture transforms into a thick, ribbon-like consistency.
- Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the egg blend, using delicate sweeping motions to maintain the mixture’s airiness. Carefully integrate the melted butter, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
- Delicately spoon the batter into each madeleine mold, filling them about three-quarters full. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating the pan midway to ensure even golden coloration.
- Remove from the oven and allow madeleines to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring their signature shell-like shape remains intact.
Notes
- Ensure madeleine molds are properly greased to prevent sticking and achieve that signature shell-like shape with crisp edges.
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume and smoother batter, which helps create those classic light and airy textures.
- Chill the batter for 30 minutes before baking to help develop deeper flavors and create more pronounced humps on the madeleines.
- Experiment with flavor variations by adding lemon zest, lavender, or replacing vanilla with almond extract for unique twists on the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg