Madeleine: A Delightful French Classic
Madeleines are small, delicious, shell-shaped sponge cakes that are a perfect treat for any occasion. With their delicate texture and hint of citrus, these French treats are simple to make and irresistibly good. This recipe, which yields about 24 madeleines, is a great way to bring a touch of French elegance to your baking. Whether served with tea or enjoyed on their own, these madeleines are sure to win the hearts of all who taste them.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Baking powder | 8g |
| All-purpose flour (00 flour) | 175g |
| Eggs | 175g |
| Butter | 175g |
| Acacia honey | 10g |
| Sugar | 150g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Orange zest | 1 orange |
| Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~2g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Fiber | ~0.5g |
| Sugars | ~15g |
| Sodium | ~50mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the butter: Begin by melting the butter. You can either do this using a double boiler or in the microwave. Once melted, let it cool to room temperature.
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Sift the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder together. This will help ensure your madeleines are light and fluffy.
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Add citrus zest: Wash the orange and lemon thoroughly, preferably using non-treated fruit. Grate the zest from both the orange and lemon, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith. Add both zests to the flour mixture.
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Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and honey until well combined and slightly frothy.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the egg mixture into the sifted flour mixture. Gently fold everything together using a whisk or spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the air in the batter for a light texture.
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Incorporate the butter: Gradually add the cooled melted butter into the batter. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
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Prepare the madeleine pan: Grease your madeleine pan generously with butter. The classic madeleine pan features shell-shaped molds, so be sure to coat each mold well to prevent sticking.
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Fill the molds: Spoon just a small amount of batter into each mold. Be careful not to overfill, as the madeleines will rise significantly during baking.
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Bake the madeleines: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for a static oven or 180°C (355°F) for a fan-assisted oven. Place the madeleine pan in the oven and bake for about 13 minutes, or 10 minutes if using a fan-assisted oven. The madeleines are done when they are golden brown and have developed their characteristic hump.
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Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the madeleines from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, gently remove them from the pan and place them on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely, or serve them while still warm for the best experience.
These madeleines, with their subtle sweetness and citrusy aroma, make a perfect pairing with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy these light and fluffy delights as a special treat for your family and friends.
Tips for Perfect Madeleines:
- Do not overmix: Overworking the batter can lead to dense madeleines. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the batter: For an extra light texture, allow the batter to rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Madeleines are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Whether you’re serving them for afternoon tea, as a dessert for a dinner party, or just enjoying them as a snack, these madeleines will surely become a beloved recipe in your collection.
