Description
This Marvelous Madeleines Recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic French butter cake known for its soft, shell-shaped texture and a delicate lemon zest flavor. Perfectly crisp on the edges and tender inside, these madeleines are ideal for afternoon tea or a light dessert. The recipe involves making a smooth batter, chilling to develop the signature hump, and baking to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Madeleine Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (or orange zest, optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- â…› teaspoon salt
For Serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on high speed for 4–5 minutes until the mixture turns thick, pale, and ribbons form when the beaters are lifted.
- Add Flavorings: Beat in the vanilla extract and lemon zest, if using, to infuse the batter with a fresh citrus aroma.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Fold Dry Ingredients into Egg Mixture: Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg batter in two additions carefully to avoid deflating the air incorporated during beating, which is essential for the light texture.
- Add Melted Butter: Fold in the melted butter until just combined, maintaining the batter’s airy consistency.
- Chill the Batter: Cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour or up to overnight; this step is critical to help create the signature hump on the madeleines during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a madeleine pan well with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Fill Madeleine Molds: Spoon or pipe about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mold, gently dropping it in the center without spreading to maintain shape.
- Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers have puffed up, indicating readiness.
- Cool and Serve: Let the madeleines cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Madeleines are best enjoyed the day they’re baked, to ensure maximum freshness and texture.
- For an extra indulgence, try dipping cooled madeleines in melted chocolate.
