Three Steps to Perfect Madeleines
We’re suckers for a top-notch Madeleine. The combination of buttery flavor, spongey texture and hint of orange blossom, vanilla bean or even pumpkin spice is a thing of culinary (and gourmandise) beauty! We’re advocates for enjoying a few straight off the cooling rack, but these seashell-shaped cakes are also the perfect addition to weekend brunch, an afternoon coffee or the sweet section any cheese board. Today we’re sharing three insider tips for making your own gorgeous ‘petit gateaux’ a success; give them a whirl using own favorite recipe or try one of our go-to recipes here and here,
Three Steps to Perfect Madeleines
Step One
Use your favorite recipe to prepare the Madeleine batter and, folding back the top of a gallon Ziploc or pastry bag, carefully spoon the batter into the bag. Press the batter down, mindful not to lose any through the tip of the pastry bag. If using a Ziploc, simply snip a small corner off the bag and you’re ready to pipe even lines into prepared Madeleine pans.
Step Two
Into twice-buttered Madeleine pans (pop the metal tins into the fridge between passes to allow for the second coat), pipe the prepared batter, only filling the molds slightly full. One generous piped line down the center of each mold is enough, and over filling at this stage will make muffin-top Madeleine instead of the sweet traditional shell shapes.
Step Three
Follow the rule of CHILL, CHILL, HEAT, HEAT:
Refrigerate the batter at least one hour before piping into prepared tins.
Pipe batter into buttered and floured pans, then chill another hour.
While the filled pans chill, preheat a baking stone or heavy-duty sheet pan in the oven.
Once ready to bake, place the Madeleine pan directly on the baking stone or sheet pan. Bake just until edges are golden brown. Let the cakes cool at least 10 minutes before tapping them out onto a baking rack to cool completely.
Et voila— bon appetit nos amis! Give these tips a try and tag us in your Madeleine posts! Do you have a favorite memory associated with these sweet little cakes? Share it with us in the comments!
