28 May 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
3 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 cup self-raising flour
1/3 cup butter
Madeleines are delightful, small French sponge cakes with a distinctive shell-like shape. They make for a perfect tea-time treat or a delightful dessert. This simple yet elegant recipe will guide you through the process of creating these delicate, buttery cakes with hints of lemon zest.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Before starting, make sure all your ingredients are measured accurately.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a madeleine pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray and dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
2. Whisk Eggs and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 3 eggs and add the 1/3 cup granulated sugar.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together on high speed until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and frothy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate Lemon Zest:
- Gently fold in the 2 tablespoons of lemon zest into the egg mixture using a spatula. Make sure it's evenly distributed.
4. Add Flour:
- Sift the 1/2 cup self-raising flour over the egg mixture to avoid lumps.
- Carefully fold the flour into the mixture until just combined. Be gentle to maintain the light and airy structure of the batter.
5. Mix in Melted Butter:
- Gradually pour the melted and cooled 1/3 cup butter down the side of the bowl, folding it into the batter until fully incorporated. The batter should be smooth and glossy.
6. Fill the Madeleine Pan:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
- Ensure the batter is evenly distributed for even baking.
7. Bake:
- Place the madeleine pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when lightly touched.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the madeleines to cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- Gently release the madeleines from the mold and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy them warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips:
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before you start to achieve better volume when beating.
- Be gentle when folding the flour mixture into the egg batter to maintain the light and airy texture.
- Chill the batter for at least an hour before baking to help achieve the classic 'hump' on the madeleines.
- Grease and flour the madeleine molds thoroughly to prevent sticking and to help form the crisp edges.
- Do not overfill the molds; fill them about three-quarters full to prevent overflow and maintain the correct shape.
By following these steps and mindful tips, you'll be able to bake perfect madeleines that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Enjoy these delicate, buttery cakes with a cup of tea or coffee, and share them with friends and family as a charming homemade treat.