Indulge in the classic charm of French Madeleines, small shell-shaped sponge cakes with a delicate crumb and a light, buttery flavor. These petite cakes are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, offering a delightful treat that's both elegant and delicious. With a hint of vanilla and optional lemon zest, these Madeleines are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You'll Love This: These Madeleines are wonderfully light and airy, with a perfect balance of sweetness and a subtle hint of vanilla. The browned butter adds a lovely depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of these delightful cakes. Their distinctive shell shape and golden brown exterior make them not only tasty but also visually appealing. Simple to prepare yet sophisticated in presentation, these Madeleines are a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for afternoon tea, elegant gatherings, or as a sophisticated snack, these Madeleines are versatile and perfect for any occasion. They also make a lovely gift when packaged in a pretty tin or box. Serve them at brunches, baby showers, or as a delightful addition to any dessert spread.
Decoration Tips: For a classic presentation, dust the Madeleines lightly with powdered sugar before serving. You can also dip one end in melted chocolate and sprinkle with finely chopped nuts or edible glitter for an extra touch of elegance. Adding a small drizzle of lemon glaze can enhance the flavor and provide a beautiful finish.
Ingredients:
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter (100g)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (100g)
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Butter: Melt the butter either in your microwave or in a small pot over medium heat. Browning the butter will add a lovely depth of flavor to the cakes but is optional. Once melted or browned, pour the butter into a bowl and allow it to cool.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder into a bowl, then whisk together and set aside.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, add the eggs and sugar. Beat on high until the mixture is light yellow and has a thick, silky texture, about 8-9 minutes. The batter is ready when the beater leaves trails. Mix in the vanilla extract toward the end.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. You can sift the flour mixture into the eggs while you fold to avoid lumps or over-mixing the delicate batter.
- Incorporate Butter: Drizzle the cooled butter into the batter and gently mix until just combined.
- Chill Batter and Prepare Tins: Cover and chill the batter for 1 hour. While the batter chills, butter and flour the madeleine tins and place them in the refrigerator to chill as well.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop one tablespoon of batter into each scallop-shaped well of the prepared madeleine tin. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Madeleines to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic touch.
Enjoy these Classic French Madeleines, a perfect blend of light, airy texture and rich, buttery flavor that makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion!