French madeleines are the epitome of classic desserts, combining a light, buttery texture with a hint of sweetness. These classic shell-shaped cakes are perfect for pairing with tea or coffee.
Fraîche Bookie Club
Hey Bookie Club! Start your ovens….Did someone say cookies?!
This isn’t a regular book club, you know! Every month to celebrate finishing another new read, I whip up a cookie recipe to match the theme of the book. This months’ book was The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl and these delicate madeleines will transport you straight to the charming streets of Paris.
There is no better way to read about the cafés, bistros, and vibrant markets of Paris than nibbling on a madeleine dipped in your afternoon tea or coffee. It’s the perfect way to bring the spirit of the novel to life! So without further ado, it’s time for French Madeleines.
What are French Madeleines?
Unlike your typical cake or cookie, madeleines are a hybrid of both. They are light, like a sponge cake, and are baked in adorable shell-shaped molds, giving them a crisp, golden exterior, a soft interior and traditionally flavoured with vanilla or lemon zest. It’s really as classic as it gets.
How to Make Madeleines
You will need to get your hands on a madeleine pan! It is kind of essential. Scratch that; completely essential. As for making the madeleines themselves, it is also surprisingly easy I promise. It’s one of those recipes where when you make it, you kind of sit back in surprise at how simple it really was.
- Prep: Gather ingredients and grease the madeleine pan.
- Mix Dry: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Whip: Beat eggs and sugar until foamy.
- Combine: Fold dry ingredients into egg mixture, then add melted butter.
- Fill Molds: Spoon batter into molds, filling 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake until golden and springy.
Voilà!
French Madeleines
French Madeleines
French madeleines are the epitome of classic desserts, combining a light, buttery texture with a hint of sweetness. These classic shell-shaped cakes are perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. Get ready to impress yourself and guests with these irresistible French treats!
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Icing sugar
Instructions
-
Grease two Madeleine pans and preheat the oven to 375 F.
-
In a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, mix the eggs, sugar and vanilla together until light and foamy.
-
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add it to the egg mixture and beat until smooth. Pour in the melted butter while mixing and mix until smooth. Add the zest and juice and mix until combined.
-
Spoon the batter into the Madeleine pans to the 2/3 mark or pipe using a piping bag. Bake for around 10 minutes until golden brown and transfer to a cooling rack. Dust with icing sugar and enjoy.
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