Description
These easy and authentic French Madeleines are light, fluffy, and delicately flavored shell-shaped cakes that are perfect for tea time or dessert. With a touch of lemon zest or orange blossom water, they feel elegant yet are surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar (100 g)
- 1 tbsp mild honey (acacia or clover)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (150 g)
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (125 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tsp orange blossom water or zest of one lemon
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and honey until pale and frothy.
- Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the orange blossom water or lemon zest and mix.
- Slowly stir in the melted butter until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- Preheat oven to 430°F (220°C). Butter and flour a madeleine pan.
- Fill each mold about 3/4 full with the chilled batter.
- Bake at 430°F for 4 minutes, then reduce temperature to 355°F (180°C) and bake another 6–8 minutes until golden and domed.
- Let cool slightly before unmolding. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the batter is essential to achieve the signature hump.
- Lemon zest, vanilla, or a splash of rum can be used instead of orange blossom water.
- Fill molds only 3/4 full to allow for doming.
- Freeze extras and reheat briefly for a fresh-baked texture.
- Use a well-buttered and floured pan to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 madeleine
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
