Enjoy the delicate and buttery goodness of Madeleines, a classic French treat that is sure to delight your taste buds. These elegant shell-shaped cakes have a soft and moist texture with a hint of citrusy orange zest. Perfect for tea time or as a sweet indulgence, Madeleines are a delightful addition to any occasion. This recipe will guide you through creating these delectable treats, allowing you to savor their delicate flavors and beautiful presentation. So, preheat your oven and get ready to bake a batch of Madeleines that will transport you to a cozy café in France.
INGREDIENTS:
- 175g/6oz butter, melted and cooled
- 100g/4oz plain flour
- 2 eggs
- 175g/6oz caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar, to dust
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. Lightly grease 12 holes in a Madeleine tin. Dust the tin with flour and shake off any excess.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the eggs and caster sugar.
- Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and beat the mixture with a whisk or electric beater until it becomes thick and pale yellow.
- Remove the bowl from the heat and continue to beat the mixture until it cools slightly and increases in volume.
- Sift the plain flour three times onto a sheet of baking parchment.
- Add the sifted flour, melted and cooled butter, and finely grated orange zest to the egg mixture.
- Fold in the ingredients quickly and lightly using a metal spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the mixture carefully into the prepared Madeleine tin, filling each hole.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the Madeleines turn lightly golden.
- Carefully remove the Madeleines from the tin and place them on a wire rack to cool.
- Dust the cooled Madeleines with icing sugar before serving. They are best enjoyed on the day of baking.
YIELD:
This recipe serves 6.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to ensure even baking.
- Lightly greasing the Madeleine tin and dusting it with flour prevents sticking.
- Beat the egg and sugar mixture until thick and pale yellow to incorporate air into the batter.
- Sift the flour multiple times to ensure a light texture.
- Fold the ingredients together gently and avoid overmixing.
- Dust the cooled Madeleines with icing sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
- Best enjoyed on the day of baking.
TIPS:
- Serve the Madeleines with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
- Experiment with different citrus zest, such as lemon or lime, for a variety of flavors.
- To enhance the presentation, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled Madeleines.
In conclusion, Madeleines are delicate and buttery treats with a hint of citrusy zest, perfect for indulging in a moment of pure bliss. These shell-shaped cakes, hailing from France, are elegant and delightful, making them a wonderful addition to any occasion or a cozy afternoon tea.
To prepare the Madeleines, start by preheating the oven and preparing the Madeleine tin. In a heatproof bowl, combine the eggs and caster sugar, then beat the mixture over simmering water until it becomes thick and pale yellow. Remove from the heat and continue beating until the volume increases.
Sift the plain flour multiple times and fold it into the egg mixture along with the melted and cooled butter and finely grated orange zest. Be careful to fold the ingredients together gently and avoid overmixing. Spoon the batter into the prepared Madeleine tin and bake until lightly golden.
Once baked, carefully remove the Madeleines from the tin and let them cool on a wire rack. Dust them with icing sugar for an elegant finishing touch. These delicate treats are best enjoyed on the day of baking.
Savor the light and buttery goodness of Madeleines, and pair them with your favorite hot beverage for a moment of pure pleasure. These delightful treats will transport you to a cozy café in France and leave you wanting more.
