These citrusy orange madeleines offer a delightful twist on the classic French sponge cake. Infused with fresh orange zest and juice, each madeleine has a light and airy texture with a bright burst of citrus flavor. The combination of sugary sweetness and tangy orange makes these treats irresistibly refreshing.
Why You'll Love This: These madeleines are perfect for those who enjoy a subtle citrus flavor in their desserts. The recipe is straightforward, making it easy to whip up a batch of these elegant little cakes. Plus, their distinctive shell shape and light, spongy texture make them a joy both to make and to eat.
Perfect Occasion: Orange madeleines are ideal for serving at tea parties, as a sophisticated dessert at brunch, or as a delightful snack any time of day. They're particularly suitable for spring and summer gatherings but can certainly brighten up a winter day with their sunny flavor.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful finish, dust the madeleines with powdered sugar right before serving. To enhance their appearance and flavor, you can also dip half of each madeleine in melted dark chocolate and allow them to set before serving.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 120 grams of granulated sugar
- 120 grams of unsalted butter, melted
- Zest of one orange
- 5 tablespoons of orange juice
- 120 grams of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare for baking:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (374°F).
- Grease and flour your madeleine pan to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
- Mix the batter:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar and orange zest until light and fluffy.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing gently to combine.
- Stir in the orange juice and melted butter until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Chill the batter:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps to ensure the madeleines develop their characteristic hump when baked.
- Bake the madeleines:
- Spoon the chilled batter into the prepared madeleine mold, filling each one almost to the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool and serve:
- Remove the madeleines from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these delightful citrusy orange madeleines, a perfect treat that combines the elegance of French patisserie with the fresh zest of oranges!