If you’ve ever been tempted to try making madeleines, Mary Berry’s recipe is the perfect place to start!
With her easy-to-follow instructions, you can create those delicate, buttery treats that have the perfect balance of lightness and flavor. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe takes the guesswork out of making madeleines, giving you soft, pillowy results every time. Plus, there’s something extra special about baking a recipe from the queen of British baking herself – it’s bound to make your kitchen feel a little more magical!
To make Mary Berry’s famous madeleines, the ingredients are simple but crucial for achieving the delicate texture and classic flavor that define these French treats. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
This collection of ingredients may seem basic, but the careful balance of flavors and textures is what elevates the madeleines to perfection.
To make Mary Berry’s madeleines, there are a few pieces of equipment you’ll need to ensure everything comes together just right:
Having all these tools ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable, ensuring perfect madeleines each time.
Making Mary Berry’s madeleines is a surprisingly easy process with an elegant result. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these delightful treats:
Mary Berry’s madeleines are the epitome of French baking simplicity and elegance. With just a handful of ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can create these delightful treats that are tender, buttery, and wonderfully aromatic.
Whether you’re serving them at a tea party, enjoying them as a snack with coffee, or simply indulging in a homemade dessert, madeleines are guaranteed to impress. The careful folding of ingredients and the light, airy texture are what set these little cakes apart, making them a perfect addition to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delightful experience of baking (and eating) Mary Berry’s perfect madeleines!.
Mary Berry’s Madeleines are a beloved classic, offering a light, airy texture and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. While her original recipe is undeniably delicious, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Here are a few easy variations to give your Madeleines a unique twist.
1. Lemon and Poppy Seed Madeleines:
For a zesty update, consider adding the bright, refreshing flavor of lemon. Simply incorporate the zest of one lemon into the batter, and add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to infuse the Madeleines with a pleasant crunch and citrusy aroma. The combination of tart lemon and the slight nuttiness of poppy seeds will elevate the flavor profile, making them perfect for a spring or summer treat.
2. Chocolate Dipped Madeleines:
Chocolate lovers will adore this variation. After baking, dip the fluted edges of the Madeleines into melted dark or milk chocolate.
For an extra touch, you can drizzle some white chocolate over the top, creating a delicious contrast between the richness of the dark chocolate and the creaminess of the white chocolate. Once set, the chocolate coating hardens into a glossy, irresistible shell that complements the soft, buttery interior.
3. Raspberry and Almond Madeleines:
Combine the nutty, fragrant flavor of almonds with the tart sweetness of raspberries for a delightful flavor pairing. Simply fold in a tablespoon of finely ground almonds into the batter and gently swirl in a few mashed raspberries before baking.
The raspberry juice infuses the Madeleines with subtle fruity notes, while the almond flavor adds depth. This variation creates a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
4. Vanilla and Hazelnut Madeleines:
If you love the warm, comforting flavors of vanilla and hazelnuts, this variation is for you. Add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the batter to amplify the rich, sweet notes.
Then, fold in finely chopped hazelnuts to give the Madeleines a delightful crunch. The result is a deliciously nutty Madeleine with a fragrant, creamy interior that will remind you of a cozy afternoon snack.
5. Matcha Green Tea Madeleines:
For a more exotic, slightly earthy twist, matcha green tea powder is an excellent addition. Whisk 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into the flour before mixing it into the batter.
This gives the Madeleines a beautiful green hue and an intriguing, mildly bitter flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the buttery cake. It’s perfect for a sophisticated and health-conscious treat.
6. Coffee and Walnut Madeleines:
Pair the deep, rich flavor of coffee with the crunch of walnuts in this variation. Dissolve a teaspoon of instant coffee in a tablespoon of hot water and fold it into the batter.
Add a handful of finely chopped walnuts to create a delightful texture contrast. The slight bitterness of the coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the Madeleine, while the walnuts provide a satisfying bite.
While Madeleines are undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh from the oven, there’s no harm in having a few leftovers to savor later. To maintain their flavor and texture, it’s important to store them properly.
1. Cooling Properly:
Before storing any leftovers, allow your Madeleines to cool completely on a wire rack. If you store them while they’re still warm, condensation will form inside the container, leading to sogginess. The cooling process also helps preserve the delicate texture of the Madeleines.
2. Storage Containers:
The key to keeping Madeleines fresh is using the right storage container. An airtight container is a must.
Choose one that isn’t too large; if the container is too spacious, the Madeleines will be exposed to more air, which can dry them out. A smaller container will keep them tightly packed, preventing any exposure to excess air.
3. Wrapping for Extra Freshness:
For extra protection, you can wrap individual Madeleines in plastic wrap or wax paper before placing them in the airtight container. This will help lock in moisture and prevent them from losing their softness.
4. Room Temperature vs. Freezing:
Madeleines are best stored at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
To freeze, place the Madeleines in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, you can defrost them at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven to restore some of their original texture.
5. Avoid Refrigeration:
Refrigerating Madeleines is not recommended, as the cold air can dry them out and cause them to lose their tender crumb. Room temperature or freezing are far better methods to preserve their quality.
Madeleines have a subtle sweetness and delicate texture that makes them a versatile pairing partner for a wide array of beverages and accompaniments. Here are some delightful ideas for what to serve with them:
1. Tea:
Madeleines and tea are a classic combination. The lightness of the Madeleines complements the delicate flavor of teas like Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or Chamomile.
The slight bitterness of black tea contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the Madeleines, while herbal teas offer a refreshing balance. If you prefer something a bit more indulgent, try pairing them with a rich, milky cup of chai.
2. Coffee:
Madeleines are equally well suited for a coffee break. The rich, roasted flavor of coffee, whether it’s espresso, cappuccino, or a simple brewed cup, complements the buttery Madeleines. The slightly bitter coffee balances the sweet, soft texture of the Madeleines, making it an ideal pairing for those who love a cozy, satisfying snack.
3. Fruit and Jam:
For a slightly more indulgent twist, serve your Madeleines with fresh fruit, such as berries, citrus segments, or figs. The sweetness and tartness of the fruit provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Madeleines.
You can also pair them with a dollop of jam-raspberry or apricot jams are especially lovely. The fruity sweetness enhances the flavor of the Madeleines, creating a balanced and flavorful bite.
4. Whipped Cream or Crème Fraîche:
For an extra indulgence, serve Madeleines with a side of lightly sweetened whipped cream or tangy crème fraîche. The airy creaminess complements the tender, buttery texture of the Madeleines, making each bite feel luxurious. A dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cream can add a touch of elegance.
5. Ice Cream or Sorbet:
Madeleines can also be a delightful accompaniment to a scoop of ice cream or sorbet. Vanilla, lemon, or hazelnut ice cream would pair wonderfully with a classic Madeleine, while fruity sorbets, like raspberry or mango, provide a refreshing contrast. The cool, creamy texture of ice cream provides a nice contrast to the warm, buttery Madeleines.
Mary Berry’s Madeleines are a timeless treat that can be effortlessly adapted to suit a variety of tastes. From the original buttery recipe to creative variations like lemon and poppy seed or chocolate-dipped Madeleines, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this classic French pastry.
Whether you’re savoring them with a hot cup of tea, pairing them with whipped cream or fruit, or storing leftovers for later enjoyment, the possibilities are endless. Just remember to store your Madeleines properly to preserve their freshness and enjoy them at their best. Whether fresh out of the oven or enjoyed the next day, these delicious little cakes are sure to remain a favorite for any occasion.
Mary Berry’s madeleine recipe typically calls for butter, sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. The combination of these ingredients creates the perfect balance for a light, buttery, and slightly citrus-flavored madeleine.
While self-raising flour is recommended for Mary Berry’s madeleines as it provides the necessary lift, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour. However, you’ll need to add baking powder to the mix to help the madeleines rise.
Yes, chilling the batter is an important step in Mary Berry’s madeleine recipe. It helps the batter firm up, which leads to a better rise and texture when baking. It’s recommended to chill the batter for at least 30 minutes before spooning it into the madeleine molds.
Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s madeleines ahead of time. Once they are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage, and you can refresh them by gently warming them in the oven.
To prevent the madeleines from sticking, you should grease and flour the madeleine pans before adding the batter. Alternatively, you can use a non-stick spray or butter the pans and dust them with flour to ensure the madeleines come out easily after baking.
Yes, you can substitute lemon zest with other flavors such as orange zest or vanilla extract. This allows you to customize the flavor of your madeleines to suit your preferences, while still achieving a delicious, delicate result.
Mary Berry’s madeleines typically bake for about 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as they should turn golden brown around the edges and spring back when gently pressed.
The signature ‘bump’ on top of madeleines is achieved by allowing the batter to rest in the fridge before baking and by using a hot oven. If the bump is not forming, you may need to adjust your oven temperature or ensure your batter is cold enough before baking.
Yes, you can use a silicone madeleine pan for Mary Berry’s recipe. Silicone pans tend to be non-stick, making it easier to remove the madeleines once baked. However, you might need to slightly adjust the baking time or temperature, as silicone pans often bake a little more slowly.
Mary Berry’s madeleines are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a side of fresh berries, or a cup of tea or coffee. For an extra treat, try dipping them in melted chocolate or lemon glaze.