Are you craving a taste of delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cakes? Look no further! Today, we're baking up a batch of classic Madeleines, inspired by the queen of baking herself, Mary Berry. These charming little shell-shaped cakes are perfect for afternoon tea, a special occasion, or simply a delightful treat to brighten your day. This recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or healthy meals. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 175g/6oz unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 175g/6oz caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 175g/6oz self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6). Ensure your Madeleine tins are well-greased – this step is crucial for easy release. You can grease them with butter or use a non-stick baking spray.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and caster sugar until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. A little bit of air is good here – don’t overmix!
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the self-raising flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until just combined – avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough Madeleines.
- Chill the Batter: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential for achieving that signature Madeleines hump!
- Bake the Madeleines: Fill each well of the prepared Madeleine tin about two-thirds full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the Madeleines are golden brown and spring back when gently touched.
- Cool and Enjoy: Carefully remove the Madeleines from the tin and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with icing sugar, if desired, and savor these delightful little cakes!
Tips for Perfect Madeleines:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough Madeleines. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the batter: Chilling the batter is crucial for achieving the characteristic hump. The cold batter helps create a firmer structure, allowing the Madeleines to rise properly during baking.
- Use good quality butter: The butter contributes significantly to the flavor and texture of the Madeleines.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in dry Madeleines. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
Variations:
- Lemon Madeleines: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a zesty twist.
- Chocolate Madeleines: Fold in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Orange Madeleines: Use orange zest instead of lemon zest for a vibrant citrus flavor.
Nutritional Information (per Madeleine – approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
- Fat: Approximately 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-18g
- Protein: Approximately 2-3g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe offers delicious and easy recipes for healthy meals. Enjoy your homemade baking!