French Madeleine cakes are a classic sweet to accompany equally classic great works of literature.
By Sarah Kenney
It was the last Literature Club get-together this year for my daughter. What fun these teen girls have meeting together, discussing wonderful literature. They enjoy snacking on little cakes and cookies that play into the theme of the literature. Each month, one of the group hosts a literature club based on the classics. 
Jane Austin’s collection of wonderful masterpieces are popular choices for this group. You could pick up any one of these girls and transport them to that era and they would fit right in. I wanted to send my daughter with sweets that seemed fitting for something that might have been eaten during the time of Emma or Pride and Prejudice.
It was an easy decision. Hint…my daughter happens to be named Madeleine…hint, hint. What might be a classic cake or cookie? Les Madeleine cakes! These are so versatile and delicious for events like a Literature Club. They aren’t really cookies and they are too small to be considered cakes. The daintiness of the graceful shell pattern make them a quaint little party food.
The good thing about these delectable little cakes is that they are a snap to make. I have a non-stick Madeleine mold and these cakes cook nice and fluffy then slide easily out of the pan. My daughter just likes them plain but I have seen fruit dips that can be set in a bowl for dipping these cakes. I have also seen chocolate dipped Madeleines that add more richness making them more of a dessert than a snack. We decided to keep it simple and just sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
Since it was a Literature Club get-together, we thought packing these nicely in one of our “book boxes” would be a whimsical idea.
We lined the “book box” with a pretty napkin, arranged the Madeleine cakes snugly inside, and off she went to spend a wonderful evening with her girlfriends. Often, after discussing the literature they watch the movie version of the book. Beautiful scenes of dancing and parties are typically a part of any Jane Austen novel. How different society is today than when young Jane fretted over her future.
Les Madeleine cakes are such a classic sweet to accompany these great works of literature. They were discussing themes for next year and have chosen classic “fairy tale” novels and how they have changed in their modern interpretations. I just might have to read along the sidelines too… perhaps with a few Madeleines and a cup of tea to keep me company.
Les Madeleines…and all things classic
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 Madeleines 1x
Description
These classic French Madeleine cakes are light, fluffy, and perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee. Their delicate shell shape makes them an elegant treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a Madeleine mold with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, vanilla, and half of the milk until the mixture is thick and light yellow.
- Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the egg mixture, mixing continuously until smooth.
- Stir in the remaining milk and the melted butter, ensuring the batter is well combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared Madeleine molds, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when lightly touched.
- Remove from the oven and let the Madeleines cool in the mold for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can dip the Madeleines in chocolate. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve them plain or with a fruit dip for added variety. Using a non-stick Madeleine mold helps the cakes release easily.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Madeleine
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 40
same my butter exploded in the micro wave
My non stick pan is dark charcoal colored, almost black, and the cakes always burn on that side. I invested in an aluminum pan, but greasing and flouring results in a skin that sticks to the pan. Suggestions?
isnt the the floor too much for just 3 eggs. i was surfing & search some recipe for Madeleine. most of them were included 1 cup flour for 3 or 2 eggs.