Desserts

Madeleines

Madeleines
These buttery, shell-shaped sponge cakes feature a delicate hint of lemon zest and honey, offering a tender crumb and crisp golden edges. Perfectly paired with afternoon tea or coffee, they are the quintessential French treat for any occasion.

Prep

20m

Cook

10m

Serves

12


Ingredients

Qty Ingredient
0.5 cup 115 g Unsalted Butter
2 pieces 2 pieces Large Eggs
0.5 cup 100 g Granulated Sugar
1 tbsp 15 ml Honey
1 tsp 2 g Lemon Zest
1 tsp 5 ml Vanilla Extract
1 cup 125 g All-purpose Flour
0.5 tsp 2 g Baking Powder
1 pinch 1 g Salt

How to Make Madeleines

1

Step 1. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until golden brown and smelling nutty, then set aside to cool to room temperature.

2

Step 2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and honey together for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and leaves a trail when the whisk is lifted.

3

Step 3. Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl to remove any lumps.

4

Step 4. Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a silicone spatula, using a light hand to avoid deflating the air bubbles.

5

Step 5. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract, then slowly pour the cooled melted butter down the side of the bowl, folding it in until just incorporated.

6

Step 6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight; this temperature shock is what creates the iconic hump.

7

Step 7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously brush a madeleine pan with melted butter and dust with flour, tapping out any excess.

8

Step 8. Spoon or pipe about one generous tablespoon of the chilled batter into the center of each shell mold; do not spread the batter out to the edges.

9

Step 9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers have risen into a tall hump and spring back when touched.

10

Step 10. Immediately turn the madeleines out of the pan onto a wire rack to cool; they are best served warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Chef's Tips

  • ·

    Chilling the batter is non-negotiable if you want the classic 'bosselé' or hump on the back of the madeleine.

  • ·

    Browning the butter (beurre noisette) adds a rich, nutty depth of flavor that separates good madeleines from great ones.

  • ·

    Do not over-grease the pan with liquid oil; use softened butter and a light dusting of flour for the best release and texture.

  • ·

    Use a metal madeleine pan rather than silicone for better heat conduction and crispier edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn't my madeleines get a hump?
The hump is caused by a temperature shock between the cold batter and the hot oven. Ensure your batter is chilled for at least 2 hours and your oven is fully preheated.
Can I make the batter in advance?
Yes, you can keep the batter in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. In fact, many pastry chefs prefer the flavor after a longer rest.
How do I store baked madeleines?
Madeleines are best eaten within an hour of baking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but they will lose their crisp edges.
Can I freeze madeleines?
Yes, you can freeze baked madeleines for up to a month. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore their texture.

Video Tutorials

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