Easy recipe for plain, fluffy madeleines

Name: Easy recipe for plain, fluffy madeleines
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 6 eggs; 2 cups flour (240 grams); 1 cup sugar (200 grams); 2/3 cup butter (160 gr); 2 teaspoons baking powder (11 grams)

Snacks

Very Easy

1 h 45 m

1028 Kcal

Soft and slightly domed, madeleines are a treat at any time of day. These traditional French mini cakes, recognizable by their characteristic shell shape, are a real treat for the taste buds. This easy recipe is sure to take you back to childhood and is perfect for a coffee break or an afternoon snack for the kids. Here, we’re sharing a simple, plain version of these little treats :-) The secret to their soft texture? Resting the batter in the fridge and baking it carefully gives them their characteristic little hump. But don’t hesitate to mix things up by adding lemon zest or a chocolate shell! Other variations, such as orange blossom water or vanilla, will also enhance your homemade madeleines. We explain every step of the way to make this classic of French pastry, with photos to guide you. Now it’s your turn :-)

Ingredients

6 eggs
2 cups flour (240 grams)
1 cup sugar (200 grams)
2/3 cup butter (160 gr)
2 teaspoons baking powder (11 grams)

Estimated cost: 3.84€ (0.96€/serving)

Materials

A madeleine mould, preferably silicone

Preparation

Preparation30 min

Waiting time1 hour

Cook time15 min

Mix eggs and sugar. Add flour and baking powder. Mix well.
Melt butter. Add to previous mixture. Beat until creamy.
Pour into moulds.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Bake for 6 minutes at 430°F/220°C and then 6 minutes at 350°F/180°C.
And it's ready, enjoy!

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FAQ ❓

How do you get a hump on your madeleines?

The famous madeleine hump forms because of the temperature difference during baking. To get it:
- Let the batter rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or even overnight.
- Pour the chilled batter into lightly buttered molds.
- Bake in a very hot oven (430°F/220°C) for 5 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F/180°C to finish baking.
Tip: Fill the molds only 3/4 full to prevent the batter from overflowing.

How do you make madeleines rise well?

For light, well-risen madeleines, it’s essential to:
- Whisk the eggs and sugar well to incorporate air.
- Use baking powder or baking soda for optimal rise.
- Use the temperature difference between the cold batter and hot oven.
Tip: Add a touch of honey to the batter for an even softer texture.

How do you avoid ruining madeleines?

To make perfect madeleines, here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t overmix the batter, or it may become too dense.
- Butter and flour the mold well for easy removal.
- Allow the batter to rest: rested batter makes better madeleines.
Tip: Don’t open the oven door during baking, as this can interfere with the rise.

What gives madeleines their flavor?

The flavor of homemade madeleines comes from:
- Melted butter (preferably salted butter for more flavor).
- Vanilla, lemon zest, or orange zest for an aromatic touch.
- A touch of honey for sweetness and extra softness.
Tip: You can also add a little orange blossom water or rum to flavor the batter.

How do you store homemade madeleines?

To keep madeleines soft for longer:
- Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Add a sugar cube to the container to absorb moisture.
- Don’t store them in the refrigerator, as they may harden.
Tip: You can also freeze them and reheat them in the oven for a few seconds to restore their softness.

Can you make madeleines without baking powder?

Yes, but they won’t rise as much. You can replace the baking powder with baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice to help the batter rise.

Why are my madeleines hard?

If your madeleines are too dry, they may have been overbaked or not contain enough fat. Try reducing the baking time slightly and using plenty of melted butter.