Description
These classic Lemon Poppy Seed Madeleines are delicate French butter cakes with a bright lemon flavor and a delightful crunch from poppy seeds. Perfectly baked to golden brown with a soft, buttery crumb, they are finished with a tangy lemon glaze that adds a sweet and citrusy touch. Ideal for teatime or a light dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Madeleines
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 7 tbsp castor sugar
- Lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 13 tbsp cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
Glaze
- 7 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
- 3–4 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, castor sugar, and lemon zest for 3-4 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is light.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift the cake flour and baking powder into the egg mixture. Add the poppy seeds and whisk until well combined.
- Incorporate butter: Pour in the melted unsalted butter and whisk until fully incorporated into the batter.
- Chill the batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a madeleine pan with butter and if it’s not non-stick, dust the wells lightly with flour.
- Ready the batter: Remove the batter from the fridge and gently mix it with a spatula to loosen and eliminate any air bubbles.
- Fill the molds: Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe into the mold wells, filling each 80-90% full. Alternatively, spoon the batter carefully into each mold.
- Bake the madeleines: Place the pan in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes until the madeleines have risen and turned golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the madeleines from the pan immediately to prevent sogginess, and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, sift the confectioners’ sugar and add lemon juice. Mix until a thick white paste forms; adjust thickness by adding more lemon juice or sugar as needed.
- Glaze the madeleines: Using a brush, apply the lemon glaze to the shell side of each madeleine. Place them with the shell side up to allow the glaze to set.
Notes
- Chilling the batter is crucial for the signature hump on madeleines.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use a small spoon to fill the madeleine molds carefully.
- For a stronger lemon taste, increase the lemon zest or add a little lemon extract.
- Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Lemon Madeleines, Poppy Seed Cakes, French Dessert, Tea Cakes, Lemon Glaze, French Baking
