Description
Classic French Madeleines are delicate, shell-shaped sponge cakes with a tender crumb, buttery flavor, and a light touch of lemon. Perfect for tea time or a sophisticated dessert, they combine elegance with simplicity.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, plus 2 tbsp (28 g) for greasing pan
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (115 g) sifted all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt butter and let cool slightly. Brush madeleine pan with some of the extra butter.
- Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and thick. Stir in lemon zest and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into egg mixture.
- Stir in cooled melted butter until smooth. Chill batter for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spoon batter into prepared madeleine molds, filling ¾ full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers puffed.
- Cool slightly in pan, then transfer to wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Chill batter to help achieve the classic hump.
- Swap lemon zest with orange zest for a warmer citrus flavor.
- Dip in chocolate or add a pinch of spice for variation.
- Store in airtight container for 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes to refresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 madeleine
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
