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Recipe
Authentic French Madeleines
Delicate French Tea Cakes: A Taste of Parisian Elegance
4.6 out of 5
Indulge in the delicate and buttery goodness of Authentic French Madeleines. These classic French tea cakes are a staple in French patisseries and are known for their distinctive shell-like shape. With a hint of lemon zest and a soft, spongy texture, these Madeleines are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Metadata
Preparation time
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time
Total time: 55 minutes (including chilling time)
Yields
12 Madeleines
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Kosher, Halal, Low Sodium
Allergens
Eggs, Dairy (butter)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Nut-free
Ingredients
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3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
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3 large eggs 3 large eggs
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3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
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1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
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Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
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Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
- Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugar: 12g)
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Salt: 0.1g
Preparation
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1.Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease the Madeleine pans with butter or cooking spray.
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2.In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy.
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3.In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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4.Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
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5.Add the melted butter and lemon zest to the batter, gently folding until fully incorporated.
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6.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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7.Spoon the chilled batter into the prepared Madeleine pans, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
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8.Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the Madeleines are golden brown and have a slight hump on the back.
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9.Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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10.Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Butter — Make sure the melted butter is cooled before adding it to the batter. This prevents the eggs from curdling.
- Lemon zest — Use a fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith. The zest adds a bright citrus flavor to the Madeleines.
Tips & Tricks
- To achieve a pronounced hump on the back of the Madeleines, refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- For a variation, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for a subtle vanilla flavor.
- Serve the Madeleines warm for the best taste and texture.
- Dust the Madeleines with powdered sugar just before serving to add an elegant touch.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Serving advice
Serve the Authentic French Madeleines as a delightful accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee. Arrange them on a beautiful platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate indulgence.
Presentation advice
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the Madeleines on a tiered cake stand or a decorative plate. Sprinkle some additional lemon zest or edible flowers on top for a pop of color. Serve them alongside a pot of freshly brewed tea or a steaming cup of coffee.
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