Madeleines
Madeleines are delicate French sponge cakes with a signature shell shape, featuring a light and buttery texture complemented by lemon zest. This recipe guides you in creating these elegant treats, perfect for tea time or dessert.
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
3 eggs1/3 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently fold in the 2 tablespoons of lemon zest into the egg mixture using a spatula. Make sure it's evenly distributed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
- Ensure the batter is evenly distributed for even baking.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Madeleines FAQ:
Bake the madeleines in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. They should be golden brown around the edges and spring back when lightly touched.
Madeleines are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when pressed gently. You can also check for a light golden color on top.
If you don't have a madeleine pan, you can use a mini muffin tin, but the texture and shape will differ. Adjust baking time accordingly, checking for doneness sooner.
Store leftover madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month.
If you don't have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour combined with a teaspoon of baking powder for every cup of flour used.
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.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 320kcal
Protein 7g
Carbohydrates 30g
Fiber 0.56g
Sugar 16g
Fat 20g
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