French Madeleine Recipe: A Delicate Delight for Tea Time
The French Madeleine is a delightful, light sponge cake with a gentle citrus aroma, delicately baked into its signature shell shape. This classic treat, traditionally made with eggs, butter, and a hint of lemon zest, is perfect for an afternoon snack or paired with a warm cup of tea. This recipe follows the traditional method, ensuring that each Madeleine comes out with a soft, airy texture and a light golden-brown finish. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply because you’re craving something sweet, these French Madeleines will never disappoint. Here’s how you can make them at home with just a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Eggs | 3 Whole Eggs |
| Sugar | 2/3 cup |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Zest | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salted Butter (Melted) | 6 tablespoons |
| Icing Sugar | For sprinkling |
| Chocolate Ganache (or Melted Chocolate) | 1/4 cup |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: Makes about 12 Madeleines
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Before you begin, make sure all your ingredients are measured out and ready to go. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Whisk the Eggs and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the whole eggs and sugar using a hand mixer. Continue whisking for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and glossy. This step is crucial to incorporate air into the eggs, ensuring that your Madeleines have a light, airy texture.
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Add the Flavors:
- Once the egg mixture is thickened, add the lemon zest and vanilla extract. Beat again to combine.
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Prepare the Butter:
- In a separate pan, melt the salted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
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Sift the Dry Ingredients:
- Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the egg mixture. Switch to a spatula and gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using the cut and fold method. Be sure not to overmix, as you want to preserve the air you’ve incorporated.
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Add the Butter:
- Gradually fold in the cooled melted butter into the batter, ensuring it’s well combined but without deflating the batter. This helps create the rich texture of the Madeleines.
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Chill the Batter:
- Cover the mixing bowl with cling film and refrigerate the batter for at least an hour. If you have the time, you can refrigerate it overnight. Chilling the batter allows the flavors to meld and helps the Madeleines achieve their signature lightness.
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Prepare the Madeleine Pan:
- Grease a Madeleine pan with butter or cooking spray. The Madeleine pan is essential for giving these cakes their characteristic shell shape.
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Scoop the Batter:
- Using a mini ice cream scoop or a spoon, carefully scoop the batter into the center of each Madeleine cavity. You don’t need to spread the batter all the way to the edges; it will naturally spread as it bakes.
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Bake the Madeleines:
- Place the Madeleine pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the Madeleines are lightly golden brown on the edges. You can check by gently pressing on one—if it springs back, it’s ready.
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Cool the Madeleines:
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the Madeleines to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Decorate (Optional):
- Once the Madeleines have cooled, lightly dust them with icing sugar. For an extra indulgent touch, you can dip them in melted chocolate or chocolate ganache and allow it to set.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Your French Madeleines are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at tea time, as a sweet snack, or simply as a treat to brighten your day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for Success:
- Gentle Folding: Be gentle when folding in the flour and butter to avoid deflating the batter. The goal is to keep as much air in the mixture as possible for light, fluffy Madeleines.
- Chilling the Batter: Don’t skip this step. Chilling the batter allows the Madeleines to hold their shape and achieve the perfect texture.
- Madeleine Pan: Using a Madeleine pan is key to achieving the iconic shell shape. If you don’t have one, you can substitute with any mini cake or muffin pan, but the traditional Madeleine look might be sacrificed.
These French Madeleines are the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy freshness, offering a soft, spongy bite with a delicate crumb. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with icing sugar, or dipped in chocolate, they are bound to impress. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring alone, these Madeleines will add a touch of French elegance to any occasion. Bon appétit!
