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Madeleines

Light, buttery French sponge cakes baked in a scallop shell mold with a delicate lemon and vanilla flavor. Crisp on the outside, tender within - best enjoyed warm.

32 minMediumServes 6210 cal/serving

FrenchDessertOvenVegetarianNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-Free

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp lemon zest, finely grated
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 10 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk 3 room temperature large eggs, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest together until pale and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Fold in gently until just combined.

  3. 3

    Fold in 10 tbsp melted and cooled unsalted butter until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.

  4. 4

    Cover the batter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight). This rest is essential for the signature hump.

  5. 5

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter and flour a madeleine pan generously.

  6. 6

    Fill each mold about three-quarters full with batter.

  7. 7

    Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and the center hump has risen and springs back when touched.

  8. 8

    Immediately turn out onto a wire rack. Dust with 2 tbsp powdered sugar while still warm. Serve right away.

Questions

Can I make Madeleines dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 10 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Madeleines gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Madeleines keep?

Store it airtight: two to three days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated. It freezes for up to two months; thaw at room temperature.

Can I halve or double Madeleines?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, split it across two pans and rotate them halfway; one crowded pan bakes unevenly.

Serve it with

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