Madeleines are something that have been in my mind for a long time. These elegant looking mini cakes are so buttery and tasty. They are not difficult to make, you just need a little patience as both the batter and the molds have to be chilled before baking. And yes, you do have to buy the Madeleine pan to get that shell-liked shape, but for about $20-$30, it’s worth it. Well, I guess that’s from a baker’s point of view ! My kids often tell me I spend too much on my baking stuff, but hey, these are my toys, plus I don’t buy expensive clothes, handbags or jewellery like other people do ! Most importantly, I am doing something that makes me happy ! And when mom is happy, everyone’s happy ! 

Makes about 22-24 

• 120 g unsalted butter + 30 g for greasing tray, melted 
• 90 g all-purpose flour 
• 90 g cake and pastry flour 
• 3 g baking powder 
• Pinch of salt
• 150 g vanilla sugar or granulated sugar 
• 2 large eggs 
• Zest of one lemon 
• 15 mL lemon juice 
• 5 mL pure vanilla extract 
• Icing sugar for dusting 

1. Melt butter in a sauce pan or microwave, cool slightly 
2. Brush madeleine moulds with about 30 g of melted butter, coat with flour, tapping off excess
3. Place coated pan in freezer for at least one hour 
4. Sift together flours, baking powder and salt, mix in sugar, set aside 
5. Using an electric mixer, beat together eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla until frothy, about 5 minutes 
6. Fold flour mixture into egg mixture 
7. Gently mix in 120 g of melted (and cooled) butter, 2-3 tablespoons at a time until just blended 
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight 
9. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375°F
10. Drop about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mould without spreading it out
11. Place madeleine pan on another large baking tray and bake for about 12 minutes until edges are golden 
12. Cool in moulds for a few minutes then completely on rack 
13. Dust with icing sugar, best to eat within 2 days 
    

    
    

Recipe adapted from Mark Bittman, “How to Bake Everything” 

Tools and Books 

  
Chicago Metallic 26631 12-Cup Nonstick Madeleine Pan

How to Bake Everything: Simple Recipes for the Best Baking

You can get the Madeleine pan and the cookbook through the Amazon website by clicking the above link. I will receive a small compensation if you purchase the item.