Classic French Madeleines are a sweet treat that really must be experienced. These petite cakes are ideal for brunch, as a snack, light dessert or even an afternoon tea. Don’t let them scare you off like they did for me. Up until a few weeks ago I had never made Madeleines, simply because they seemed too fancy a dessert for a simple baker like myself. One day I decided to simply get over it, and I finally worked up the courage to give the Madeleines a try. What a surprise!
Whoa… YUM and SO easy!
I could not believe how simple these Madeleines were to make. Like, if you can make cupcakes, you can make Madeleines. In fact, they are actually easier! A classic French madeleine is basically a mini butter cake, simple as that. They are moist, have an incredible buttery flavor and since they are mini… seconds and thirds can surely be had! 🙂
The cakes bake up in about ten minutes and the batter is made in ONE bowl using just an electric mixer, nothing fancy. You can eat them plain or sprinkle them with sugar or powdered sugar. I decided to add a little spring flavor to my madeleines, so I made a lavender honey to drizzle over them after baking.
The lavender honey is the perfect accompaniment to these light cakes. It adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance those buttery flavors. And the subtle hint of lavender is perfect for spring and summer!
Served with coffee or tea, you’ll impress not only your guests but yourself as well!
Lavender Honey Madeleines
Instructions
- For the Madeleines: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 12-hole madeleine tin with cooking spray or softened butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, eggs, butter, honey and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, with the whisk attachment, whisk until just combined and the batter is smooth.
- Spoon the batter among the prepared madeleine tins, filling them no more than 3/4 the way full.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden on top. Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. Gently remove the madeleines from the baking pan.
- Drizzle with lavender honey. Serve.
- For the Lavender Honey: Add the honey and lavender to a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer 1 minute.
- Remove from the heat and serve or let cool completely and store in a glass jar for up to 1 month.
