About the Recipe
Delicate and Flavorful: These madeleines combine the light, nutty taste of almond with the sweet-tart flavor of apricot for a delightful balance in every bite.
Perfect for Elegant Occasions: With their shell-like shape and subtle flavors, these almond apricot madeleines make an elegant addition to tea parties, brunches, or special occasions.
Light and Airy Texture: The madeleines are soft and sponge-like with a slight crisp on the edges, creating an irresistibly light texture that’s perfect with coffee or tea.
Quick and Easy to Make: Madeleines may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and a madeleine pan for that classic shape.
Naturally Gluten-Free Option: With almond flour as a base, these madeleines can easily be made gluten-free, adding a nutty richness that enhances the apricot flavor.
Customizable Fruit and Nut Pairing: Try swapping apricots for other fruits like cherries or raspberries, or add a sprinkle of slivered almonds on top for added texture.
What You'll Love
Ingredients
For the Almond Madeleines:
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (25g) almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For the White Chocolate Apricot Coating:
1 cup (170g) white chocolate, finely chopped
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/4 cup (60ml) apricot jam or 1/4 cup (35g) fresh apricots, finely chopped
Preparation
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:
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.
Adding Apricot:
Stir in the apricot jam or finely chopped fresh apricots until well combined.
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).
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.
How do I get the classic “hump” on my madeleines? Chilling the batter before baking helps achieve the signature “hump” shape, giving your madeleines a light, airy texture.
Can I use dried apricots instead of fresh? Yes, finely chop dried apricots and soak them in warm water for a few minutes to soften. They’ll add a concentrated apricot flavor to the madeleines.
How should I store almond apricot madeleines? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat gently to refresh their texture.
Can I make these madeleines gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the almond flour is finely ground for a smooth texture.
What’s the best way to add almond flavor? Almond extract adds a lovely depth to the madeleines, enhancing the natural flavor of the almond flour. Just a small amount goes a long way.