Mary Berry’s Madeleines are delicate, shell-shaped sponge cakes with a light, buttery texture and a hint of lemon. Perfect for tea time or as an elegant dessert, these French-inspired treats are easy to make and a delight to serve.
What are Mary Berry Madeleines?
Mary Berry’s Madeleines are small, buttery sponge cakes traditionally baked in a shell-shaped mold. A subtle citrus flavor complements their light and airy texture, often enhanced with a dusting of icing sugar or a drizzle of glaze.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic elegance: Perfect for special occasions or casual tea time.
- Quick and easy: Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- Delicate and light: A treat that isn’t overly rich or heavy.
- Customizable flavors: Add zest, spices, or chocolate for variety.
- Visually appealing: The shell shape adds sophistication.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Madeleines
- Plain flour – 125g, for a soft and tender sponge.
- Butter – 125g, melted and cooled, adds richness.
- Caster sugar – 125g, sweetens the batter.
- Eggs – 2 large, at room temperature, for structure and lightness.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon, ensures a gentle rise.
- Lemon zest – Zest of 1 lemon, for subtle flavor.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, adds depth of flavor.
- Icing sugar – For dusting (optional).
Equipment Needed
- Madeleine pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Sieve
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Madeleines
Step 1: Prepare the Madeleine Pan
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or 375°F.
- Grease the madeleine pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together until pale and frothy. This should take about 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Sift the flour and baking powder into the mixture, then gently fold it in with a spatula.
- Add the melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, folding until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Rest the Batter
- Cover the bowl with cling film and let the batter rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps create the characteristic hump of a madeleine.
Step 4: Bake the Madeleines
- Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are puffed and springy to the touch.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove the madeleines from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Gently turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with icing sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Madeleines
- Hot tea or coffee: A classic pairing.
- Lemon glaze: Enhances the citrus flavor.
- Fresh berries: Adds a burst of freshness.
- Chocolate sauce: Drizzle for a decadent touch.
- Whipped cream: Light and airy accompaniment.
- Fruit compote: A tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Madeleines
- Chill the batter: Resting the batter helps achieve the iconic hump.
- Use quality butter: Adds depth of flavor to the sponge.
- Don’t overfill the molds: Leave room for the batter to expand.
- Work quickly: Fill and bake immediately after resting to maintain airiness.
- Experiment with flavors: Try orange zest, almond extract, or spices like cinnamon.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Madeleines
- Chocolate madeleines: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter.
- Almond madeleines: Replace a portion of the flour with ground almonds.
- Spiced madeleines: Mix in a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Vanilla-glazed madeleines: Coat with a simple vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
- Mini madeleines: Use a smaller pan for bite-sized treats.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Madeleines
- Airtight container: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for longer storage: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
- Freeze for future use: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Madeleines
- Oven method: Warm in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes.
- Microwave option: Heat for 10 seconds to refresh their softness.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Madeleines Healthier?
- Replace caster sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Use whole wheat flour or a flour blend for added fiber.
- Reduce the butter slightly and replace it with Greek yogurt.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
FAQs
Why do my madeleines not have a hump?
The hump forms when the batter is chilled before baking and the oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Resting the batter in the fridge helps create the temperature contrast needed for the hump to rise.
Can I make madeleines without a madeleine pan?
Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin as a substitute. While they won’t have the traditional shell shape, they will still taste delicious and have a similar texture.
How do I stop my madeleines from sticking to the pan?
Grease the madeleine pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, and dust it lightly with flour before pouring in the batter. This prevents sticking and helps release the madeleines easily.
Can I freeze madeleines?
Yes, madeleines freeze well. Wrap them individually in cling film and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Madeleines are a delightful treat that brings elegance to any occasion. With their light texture and delicate flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Try this recipe for a timeless dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Vanilla Custard
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- Mary Berry Pavlova Wreath
- Mary Berry Strawberry Pavlova
Mary Berry Madeleine
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Madeleines are small, buttery sponge cakes traditionally baked in a shell-shaped mold. A subtle citrus flavor complements their light and airy texture, often enhanced with a dusting of icing sugar or a drizzle of glaze.
Ingredients
- Plain flour – 125g, for a soft and tender sponge.
- Butter – 125g, melted and cooled, adds richness.
- Caster sugar – 125g, sweetens the batter.
- Eggs – 2 large, at room temperature, for structure and lightness.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon, ensures a gentle rise.
- Lemon zest – Zest of 1 lemon, for subtle flavor.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, adds depth of flavor.
- Icing sugar – For dusting (optional).
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Madeleine Pan
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or 375°F.
- Grease the madeleine pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together until pale and frothy. This should take about 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Sift the flour and baking powder into the mixture, then gently fold it in with a spatula.
- Add the melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, folding until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Rest the Batter
- Cover the bowl with cling film and let the batter rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps create the characteristic hump of a madeleine.
Step 4: Bake the Madeleines
- Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are puffed and springy to the touch.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove the madeleines from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Gently turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with icing sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.
