Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Indulge in the timeless elegance of classic Madeleines with our easy-to-follow recipe. These delicate, shell-shaped cakes offer a taste of French culinary tradition. Light, buttery, and subtly sweet, they are perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or special occasions. With a touch of history, essential tips, and room for creativity, you’ll master the art of baking Madeleines and elevate your dessert game. Experience the joy of homemade Madeleines and savor their irresistible charm.

The Classic Madeleine: A Delightful French Treat

When it comes to classic French pastries, Madeleine cakes hold a special place in the hearts of many. These shell-shaped, buttery little cakes are not only a delight to look at but are also a pleasure to eat. We’ll dive into the history of Madeleines, share an easy and basic recipe, discuss essential kitchen tools, offer tips for success, explore customization options, and highlight the dietary preferences and occasions that this recipe perfectly suits.

A Brief History of Madeleines

The history of Madeleines is steeped in tradition and legend. These petite, shell-shaped cakes are believed to have originated in the Lorraine region of France during the 18th century. The most famous Madeleine story is attributed to Marcel Proust, a French writer, who wrote about the evocative power of these cakes in his work “In Search of Lost Time.” Since then, Madeleines have gained worldwide popularity and remain a staple in French patisseries.

Recipe: Classic Madeleines

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

What do you grease the Madeleine molds with?

1. Melted Butter: Take a small amount of softened or melted butter and use a pastry brush or your fingers to evenly coat the Madeleine molds. This method imparts a delightful buttery flavor to the Madeleines.
2. Non-Stick Baking Spray: Alternatively, you can use a non-stick baking spray designed for baking. This spray contains a combination of oil and flour that helps prevent sticking without adding a noticeable flavor.

Both methods work well in preventing the Madeleines from sticking to the molds, so you can choose the one that suits your preference.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour your Madeleine molds generously.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and frothy.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the melted butter and lemon zest, if using.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared Madeleine molds, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the tops spring back when lightly touched.
8. Remove from the oven, let them cool for a minute in the molds, then transfer the Madeleines to a wire rack to cool completely.

Essential Kitchen Tools

To prepare the perfect Madeleine, you’ll need:

• Madeleine molds (for that iconic shape)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter
• Zester (optional)
• Cooling rack

Tips for Recipe Success

• Ensure your Madeleine molds are well-greased and floured to prevent sticking.
• Use room-temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter; it should be combined to maintain the light, airy texture.
• Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before adding it to the batter.
• Keep a close eye on them while baking, as Madeleines can quickly go from perfectly golden to overbaked.

Customization and Variations

• Add chocolate chips, lemon zest, or poppy seeds to the batter for different flavors.
• Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for extra sweetness.
• Dip the tips of the cooled Madeleines in melted chocolate for an elegant touch.

Dietary Preferences

Madeleines can be adapted to various dietary preferences, including:

• Vegetarian
• Kosher
• Nut-free (if made without nuts)
• Gluten-free (using a gluten-free flour blend)

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Occasions to Serve Madeleines

Madeleines are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on various occasions, such as:

• Afternoon tea
• Brunch
• Baby showers
• Bridal showers
• Dessert for a romantic dinner
• Holiday gatherings
• As a gift for friends and family

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Final Thoughts

Mastering the classic Madeleine is a delightful journey and introduction into French baking. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a twist, Madeleines are sure to bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. Bon appétit!

Thank you for reading and following along, let us know if you try making these in the comments below!

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Madeleine Recipe

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Indulge in the timeless elegance of classic Madeleines with our easy-to-follow recipe. These delicate, shell-shaped cakes offer a taste of French culinary tradition. Light, buttery, and subtly sweet, they are perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or special occasions. With a touch of history, essential tips, and room for creativity, you'll master the art of baking Madeleines and elevate your dessert game. Experience the joy of homemade Madeleines and savor their irresistible charm.

Print

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour your Madeleine molds generously.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and frothy.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the melted butter and lemon zest, if using.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared Madeleine molds, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the tops spring back when lightly touched.
8. Remove from the oven, let them cool for a minute in the molds, then transfer the Madeleines to a wire rack to cool completely.

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  Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set (3-Piece, Microwave and Oven Safe),Clear
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  Homestia Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set of 8 Pcs Baking Cooking Utensils with Measurement for Dry and Liquid Ingredients, Black
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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 213Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 84mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 3g

Please note that the Calculated Nutrition is an estimate at best. If you make this recipe and love it, remember to stop back and give it a 5-star rating – it helps others find the recipe!

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• First published: 9/27/2023

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Sara Maniez

Owner at Life's Little Sweets

Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.

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