Classic Madeleines: The Perfect Recipe for Beginner Home Bakers
Easy Homemade Madeleines: Ideal for a Delightful Dessert!
Madeleines, the charming French dessert with their signature shell shape! If you’ve had a madeleine pan but hesitated to bake due to ingredients, worry no more. This recipe ensures anyone can create cafe-quality madeleines at home. Enjoy a special dessert moment with the subtle lemon scent and rich butter flavor that fills your mouth.
Basic Ingredients- 160g cake flour
- 100g unsalted butter
- 80g granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 fresh lemon (for juice and zest)
Optional Flavor Boost- 5 drops vanilla extract
- 5 drops vanilla extract
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, preheat your oven to 170℃ (340℉). Preheating for about 13 minutes will help the madeleines bake evenly.
Step 2
Melt the unsalted butter using a microwave. Be careful not to overheat it; check every 10 seconds as it melts quickly. Around 10 seconds should be sufficient. Overheating can make it tough. (Adjust time based on your microwave’s power.)
Step 3
Cut the fresh lemon in half and squeeze out the juice. While traditional recipes include lemon zest for extra aroma, using just the juice is also fine if needed. If using zest, wash the lemon thoroughly and finely grate only the yellow part, avoiding the white pith.
Step 4
In a bowl, crack the room-temperature eggs and add the sugar. Whisk vigorously with a hand whisk or electric mixer until the eggs are lightly foamy and the sugar has dissolved. Using a whisk is much easier and more effective than mixing by hand.
Step 5
Sift the baking powder and cake flour over the egg mixture. Sifting the dry ingredients prevents lumps and results in a smoother batter, which is a crucial step for home baking.
Step 6
Using a silicone spatula, gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg batter. Mix just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can develop gluten, making the madeleines tough, so be gentle.
Step 7
Once the dry ingredients are just incorporated, add the melted butter and gently mix until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 8
Stir in the prepared lemon juice. The refreshing scent of lemon will subtly infuse the batter, enhancing the madeleines’ flavor.
Step 9
If you have vanilla extract, add about 5 drops. Vanilla’s sweet aroma deepens the flavor profile of the madeleines, but they will still be delicious without it. It’s an optional ingredient.
Step 10
Grease your madeleine molds thoroughly or line them with parchment paper. Then, pour the batter into the molds. The amount of batter depends on the mold size. For larger molds, fill about 80% full, as they will puff up. If using smaller molds like mine, don’t overfill, as they might overflow. Adjust the batter quantity considering the mold size and how much the madeleines will rise, aiming for a slightly domed top for a beautiful shape.
Step 11
Place the filled molds into the preheated 170℃ (340℉) oven and bake for approximately 17-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them and adjust baking time as needed, checking for a golden brown color. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through if necessary for even baking.
Step 12
Remove the baked madeleines from the oven, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly, and then arrange them on a pretty plate. Enjoy your fragrant and moist homemade madeleines! They are especially delightful with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
