Discover the art of making perfect Madeleines with this gourmet recipe that features a delicious chocolate hazelnut spread center. These delightful French sponge cakes are not only light and airy but also come with a surprise filling that enhances their flavor and makes them truly irresistible. Ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself, these Madeleines promise a luxurious experience with each bite.
Why You’ll Love This These stuffed Madeleines elevate the traditional French treat to new heights, combining the classic light, buttery texture with the rich, creamy delight of chocolate hazelnut spread. The process includes a few chef’s tricks to ensure your Madeleines have the perfect texture and a beautifully rounded ‘belly’, indicative of top-notch baking. They’re a perfect blend of elegance and decadence, making them a hit for any occasion.
Perfect Occasion These Madeleines are perfect for tea parties, coffee breaks, or as a refined dessert after a meal. They also make excellent gifts or sweet treats for festive occasions like Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day. Serve them at gatherings, and watch them disappear quickly!
Decoration Tips
- Dust with a little powdered sugar for a classic, chic look that enhances their visual appeal.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or a chocolate ganache for an extra layer of decadence.
- Pair each Madeleine with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a more indulgent dessert experience.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, separated
- 140g butter, room temperature, plus extra for greasing molds
- 140g granulated sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour, plus extra if needed
- 2 pinches of baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- Chocolate hazelnut spread
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Spoon dollops of chocolate hazelnut spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Form into small balls and refrigerate to firm up while you prepare the batter. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Using an electric mixer, beat the whites until stiff peaks form.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the flour, baking powder, egg yolks, and salt. Gently fold in the whipped egg whites. If the batter is too runny, add a little more flour to achieve the right consistency. Chill the batter and your steel mold in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Assemble the Madeleines: Grease the Madeleine molds. Pour a small amount of batter into each mold, add a chilled ball of chocolate spread, and cover with more batter. Be careful not to overfill as the Madeleines will puff up during baking.
- Bake: Bake for 10 minutes at 180°C, then reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden and puffed. If necessary, extend the baking time slightly to ensure they are fully set.
- Cooling: Allow the Madeleines to cool slightly in the pan before demolding them.
Enjoy! Serve these luxurious stuffed Madeleines warm or at room temperature to fully enjoy the contrast between the tender cake and the rich, gooey center. They’re sure to delight any palate with their sophisticated charm and irresistible flavor!
