Almond Apricot Madeleines

What Are Madeleines?

Madeleines are delicate, shell-shaped sponge cakes that originated in the Lorraine region of France. These petite treats are renowned for their light, airy texture and a signature hump that forms during baking. Often served with tea or coffee, madeleines are a classic in French patisserie and have found a beloved place in kitchens worldwide.

Preparing the Almond Madeleines:

• Prep Work:

  • Grease a madeleine pan with butter and dust with flour. Tap out the excess flour.

• Dry Ingredients:

  • In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

• Wet Ingredients:

  • In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on high speed until thick, pale, and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

  • Gently fold in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest (if using).

• Combine:

  • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.

  • Fold in the melted butter until fully incorporated.

• Chill the Batter:

  • Cover the batter with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the batter to prevent a skin from forming.

  • Refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.

• Baking:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • Spoon the chilled batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.

  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the madeleines are golden brown around the edges and spring back when lightly touched.

  • Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the White Chocolate Apricot Coating:

1. Melting Chocolate:

   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped white chocolate and coconut oil.

   • Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.

2. Adding Apricot:

   • Stir in the apricot jam or finely chopped fresh apricots until well combined.

3. Coating the Madeleines:

   • Once the madeleines are completely cooled, dip one side of each madeleine into the white chocolate apricot mixture.

   • Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

   • TIP: for a perfect finish, take your madeleine mould and spread a thin layer of the chocolate on the bottom of the pan. Place a cooled madeleine cake ontop (being sure to line up the pattern. Place in the fridge until the chocolate coating has hardened. For easy removal, simply dip the bottom of the baking tray in hot water for 5 seconds. This will melt the chocolate just enough to help you slip the coated madeleines out (I like to use a rubber spatula to help me here).

4. Setting:

   • Allow the coating to set completely at room temperature or refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.

Serving:

• Serve the almond madeleines with white chocolate apricot coating with a cup of tea or coffee.

  
  

Tips for Success

• Chilling the Batter: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the batter helps develop the hump that is characteristic of madeleines.

• Temperature: Start with a hot oven to encourage the madeleines to rise quickly, creating that classic hump.

• Butter the Pan Well: Properly preparing the pan ensures that your madeleines will pop out easily without breaking.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Dipped: Dip the cooled madeleines in melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist.

• Almond Madeleines: Substitute a portion of the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.

• Orange Blossom: Replace the lemon zest with orange blossom water for a floral aroma.

Pairing Suggestions

Madeleines pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Enjoy them with a cup of hot tea, espresso, or even a glass of sparkling wine. Their light texture and subtle sweetness make them a versatile treat for any time of day.

Why Madeleines Are Perfect for Gifting

These elegant, dainty cakes make a beautiful gift for any occasion. Pack them in a pretty tin or wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Their long shelf life also means they can be enjoyed over several days, making them a perfect treat for loved ones far and near.