French Madeleine Recipe: A Delightful French Tea Cake
Madeleines are small, shell-shaped sponge cakes that are light, airy, and absolutely delicious. They have a delicate crumb with a slightly crispy edge, making them a perfect treat for tea time or a light snack. The classic French Madeleine recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients, creating a buttery, citrus-flavored bite that melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this French Madeleine recipe will impress with its delicious flavors and irresistible texture. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions and explore how to make these beautiful little treats!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Eggs | 3 |
| Sugar | 2/3 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Zest | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter (melted) | 6 tablespoons |
| Icing Sugar | To sprinkle |
| Chocolate Ganache or Melted Chocolate | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~170 |
| Protein | ~2g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sugar | ~13g |
Instructions
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 8
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by getting all your ingredients ready. This will make the process smoother and faster.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the eggs and sugar together. Beat until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and glossy. This should take about 5 minutes. The batter should double in size, so it’s important to beat it well to create the desired fluffy texture.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Once the egg mixture is ready, add the lemon zest and vanilla extract. Continue beating until they are well incorporated into the batter.
Step 4: Melt the Butter
In a small pan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter has melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the egg mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the flour into the batter using the cut and fold technique. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to retain the air bubbles you just whipped into the eggs.
Step 6: Add the Butter
Once the flour is fully incorporated, add the cooled melted butter to the batter. Again, fold it gently until fully mixed in without deflating the air too much.
Step 7: Refrigerate the Batter
Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate the batter for at least an hour. This step is important as it helps the batter firm up, resulting in better texture. You can even make the batter the night before and refrigerate it overnight.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
While the batter is chilling, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your Madeleine pan with a little butter to ensure the cakes come out easily after baking.
Step 9: Scoop the Batter
Once the batter is chilled, use a mini ice cream scoop or spoon to fill each Madeleine mold with batter. Be sure to scoop just enough to fill the center of each cavity. The batter will spread naturally as it bakes, so don’t worry about spreading it yourself.
Step 10: Bake the Madeleines
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the Madeleines are golden brown around the edges. The tops should spring back when gently pressed. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Step 11: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, remove the Madeleines from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once they have cooled, sprinkle them lightly with icing sugar for a simple finishing touch. If you want to add an extra indulgent twist, dip the tips of the Madeleines into melted chocolate or chocolate ganache. Let the chocolate set before serving.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your French Madeleines with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat. These soft, buttery cakes will melt in your mouth with every bite. If you’re not enjoying them right away, store the Madeleines in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Madeleines
- Chill the batter: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It ensures the Madeleines bake perfectly, with their signature hump in the middle.
- Use a proper Madeleine pan: The classic shell shape is key to these treats. Make sure you have a well-greased Madeleine pan for easy release.
- Be gentle: While mixing the batter, be gentle to preserve the air that gives these cakes their light texture.
- Experiment with flavors: You can add different zest (such as orange) or replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique twist.
Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines: For a decadent version, dip the cooled Madeleines in melted dark chocolate or white chocolate and let them set before serving.
- Fruit Infusions: You can add finely chopped fruit, like berries or a hint of orange zest, to the batter for a fruity variation.
French Madeleines are a delightful and sophisticated treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a tea party or as a sweet snack, these light and buttery cakes will always impress. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a little piece of French pastry magic!
