Perfect Lemon Madeleines: A Beginner-Friendly Recipe

Hi and welcome to my kitchen! This easy Madeleine recipe comes requested by a few readers, and as a recipe developer who is dedicated to creating easy and delicious recipes, I’m excited to share a Madeleine recipe that is approachable for all skill levels. This foolproof lemon madeleine recipe is straightforward and involves minimal steps, so even beginners can master this recipe. These delightful French cakes, with their signature shell shape and delicate crumb, are perfect for any occasion. Now, let’s get into these easy lemon madeleines and bring a touch of Parisian patisserie to your home!

Table of Contents

• Ingredients for Lemon Madeleines
• How to make Lemon Madeleines
• Tips for making the perfect Lemon Madeleines
• Variations and Serving Suggestions
• Storage and Freezing
• Why This Recipe Works
• Other Lemon Baking Recipes You’ll Love
• Connect with Me

Ingredients for Lemon Madeleines

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup melted butter (cooled to room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

How to make Lemon Madeleines

Step 1: Prep the Lemon Sugar: Combine the lemon zest and sugar in a mixing bowl. Press the zest into the sugar to release the fragrant oils.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture thickens slightly. This egg mixture forms the base of our batter.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Overmixing can make the madeleines tough.

Step 4: Add the Butter: Fold in the melted butter until the batter is smooth. The batter should be glossy and well combined.

Step 5: Chill the Batter: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for developing the classic madeleine hump.

Step 6: Prepare the Madeleine Pan: Brush your madeleine pan with melted butter to ensure easy release.

Step 7: Fill and Bake: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mold, filling them about halfway. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve: Allow the madeleines to cool slightly before popping them out of the molds. They should slide out easily. Dust with powdered sugar and additional lemon zest if desired

Tips for making the perfect Lemon Madeleines

• Use a Madeleines Pan: For authentic results, a madeleine pan is essential. It gives the cakes their distinctive shell shape and ensures even baking.
• Butter Temperature: Make sure your melted butter is at room temperature before adding it to the batter. This helps in achieving a smooth and consistent mixture.
• Chilling the Batter: Don’t skip the chilling step. It’s key to getting that perfect hump on your madeleines.
• Even Distribution: For a professional look, you can use a piping bag to distribute the batter evenly into the molds.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Meyer Lemon Madeleines: For a sweeter, more floral flavor, substitute regular lemon zest and juice with Meyer lemon.
• Lemon Glaze: Enhance your madeleines with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Serving Ideas: These cakes are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a delightful gift when packaged in a pretty box.

Storage and Freezing

• Storage: Store your lemon madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze madeleines in a zip lock bag for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

As an experienced recipe developer, I’ve tested countless variations to bring you this perfect lemon madeleine recipe. My approach ensures a delicate balance of flavors and textures, making it foolproof for beginners and delightful for seasoned bakers. The key to success lies in the details: the temperature of the ingredients, the resting time of the batter, and the proper use of the madeleine pan.

I hope this guide helps you create beautiful and delicious lemon madeleines that impress your family and friends. Happy baking!

Other Lemon Baking Recipes You’ll Love

• Easiest Lemon Zucchini Cake With Sweet Lemon Glaze
• Lilac Lemon and Honey Cake
• Simple Lemon and Olive Oil Cake
• Greek Yogurt and Lemon Waffles
• Lemon Blueberry and Mint Loaf