If you have a soft spot for light, buttery treats with a vibrant pop of citrus, you absolutely must try this Gluten-Free Lemon Madeleines Recipe. These delicate, shell-shaped cakes are wonderfully tender and moist, boasting a perfect balance between sweet and tangy thanks to fresh lemon zest. The best part? They come together using simple, staple ingredients that create a sophisticated dessert anyone can enjoy, especially those avoiding gluten. Whether it’s for an afternoon tea or a charming dessert, these madeleines will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and that classic golden hue. From the rich melted butter to the zesty lemon, every component shines through.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): For greasing the pans to ensure your madeleines release easily without sticking.
- 1 tbsp gluten-free plain/all-purpose flour: Used to dust the pans, adding a light coating that helps with easy removal.
- 90 g unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Provides richness and moistness, key to the tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Give structure and fluffiness to your batter for that signature rise.
- 115 g caster/superfine sugar: Dissolves quickly for a fine, sweet touch without graininess.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the bright lemon flavor.
- 115 g gluten-free plain/all-purpose flour: The essential base that keeps the recipe gluten-free yet light.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures your madeleines have a gentle lift and soft texture.
- 1/4 tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 tsp lemon zest (finely grated): The star of the show, infusing every bite with fresh citrus brightness.
- Pure icing/powdered sugar (optional): For dusting, adding a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Gluten-Free Lemon Madeleines Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
First things first, get your oven heated to 180 degrees Celsius (355 F). While it’s warming up, you want to prep your baking trays. This step is crucial — generously brush the madeleine moulds with that 1 tablespoon of melted butter you set aside. This will help the delicate cakes pop out flawlessly after baking.
Step 2: Dust with Flour
Once your pans are buttered, dust them lightly with gluten-free flour. Give each mould a little shake to remove any excess—this prevents the cakes from sticking and encourages a lovely, golden crust. Skipping this step can mean heartbreak at the unmoulding stage, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Mix Your Batter
Grab a food processor and add in all your ingredients—eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Blend everything until just combined, making sure to scrape the sides down halfway through. This technique locks in airy texture without overworking the batter. Remember, gentle mixing is the secret to tender madeleines.
Step 4: Fill the Moulds
Carefully spoon about 3 to 4 teaspoons of batter into each mould—filling them roughly halfway is perfect. Don’t fuss about spreading the mixture; it will naturally spread during baking, forming those charming humpbacks you expect from a madeleine.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your trays into the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for that golden color and a little puff in the middle, signaling readiness. The kitchen will start to smell like a bright lemon dream, and that’s your cue to get ready for a sweet reward.
Step 6: Cool and Remove
Let your baked madeleines cool in the mould for just a minute. Then set a clean tea towel on your counter, take hold of the tray, and give it a sharp tap on the surface. These little cakes should pop out easily—no sticking, no crumbling. If you want, lightly dust them with powdered sugar for a refined finish that’s both pretty and delicious.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Lemon Madeleines Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of pure icing sugar right before serving is classic and captivating. If you want to fancy things up, a little extra lemon zest or tiny edible flowers on top makes them look even more inviting and festive.
Side Dishes
These madeleines shine alongside a warm cup of tea, a frothy cappuccino, or even a glass of sparkling wine for a special occasion. Fresh berries and whipped cream also pair beautifully, turning a simple treat into an elegant dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the madeleines in a circle on a cake stand, perhaps with lemon slices tucked between them for contrast. For a party, line them up individually on pretty little plates or in paper cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go enjoyment. They make stunning homemade gifts too, just packaged with a ribbon and a note.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two days, retaining that delicate crumb and lemony freshness.
Freezing
To enjoy these anytime, freeze the madeleines on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They freeze well for up to a month, so you can pop them in the oven to bake fresh at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
When ready to eat, gently warm them in a low oven (around 150 C or 300 F) for 5 minutes to revive that just-baked softness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery and sad – trust the oven for best results.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can swap in standard all-purpose flour if you don’t need to keep the recipe gluten-free, but the beauty here is that this recipe is crafted to be just as delightful with gluten-free alternatives.
Do I have to use a food processor for mixing the batter?
While a food processor makes it faster and leaves the batter light and even, you can whisk everything together by hand, just be careful not to overmix to keep that tender texture intact.
Why is it important to use room temperature eggs?
Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily and help create a smooth batter, which means fluffier madeleines with a nice rise and texture.
Can I make these vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs and butter for structure and flavor, so making it vegan would require substitutions that might alter the classic texture, like using flax eggs and plant-based butter, but it’s worth experimenting if you’re adventurous!
What if I don’t have a madeleine pan?
The shell shape is iconic, but if you don’t have the pan, you could use mini muffin tins as a substitute. The texture and flavor will still impress, even if the shape is a little different.
Final Thoughts
Making these Gluten-Free Lemon Madeleines Recipe is like inviting a ray of sunshine into your kitchen. The combination of buttery softness with that zesty lemon kick makes them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these little cakes are sure to delight and impress. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and let these charming treats brighten your day.
Print
Gluten-Free Lemon Madeleines Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 madeleines
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten-Free Lemon Madeleines are delicate, buttery French sponge cakes infused with fresh lemon zest. Perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these bite-sized treats offer a delightful citrus aroma and sweet flavor, all made accessible with gluten-free ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Madeleine Trays Preparation
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted
- 1 tbsp gluten-free plain/all-purpose flour
For the Batter
- 90 g unsalted butter – melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs – at room temperature
- 115 g caster/superfine sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 115 g gluten-free plain/all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp lemon zest – finely grated
For Serving
- Pure icing/powdered sugar – for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature before placing the madeleines inside.
- Prepare Madeleine Trays: Use a pastry brush to generously coat the indentations of your madeleine trays with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Dust with Flour: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of gluten-free flour over the buttered trays, then shake off any excess flour, creating a light dusting to facilitate easier removal of the baked madeleines.
- Make the Batter: Place all batter ingredients—90 g melted and cooled butter, 2 eggs, 115 g sugar, vanilla extract, 115 g gluten-free flour, baking powder, sea salt, and lemon zest—into a food processor bowl. Blend until fully combined, scraping down the sides once for an even mixture.
- Fill Molds: Evenly divide the batter into the prepared madeleine molds, approximately 3-4 teaspoons per mold, filling them about halfway. Do not spread the batter as it will expand during baking.
- Bake: Bake the madeleines in the oven for 8-10 minutes until the tops turn a golden brown and the center has risen slightly, indicating they are fully cooked. Let them cool in the trays for one minute after baking.
- Remove and Serve: Place a clean tea towel on your countertop, then gently tap the edge of the madeleine tray on the bench to release the cakes. Serve warm, or transfer to a rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter for precise control over salt content and better flavor balance.
- Opt for gluten-free plain/all-purpose flour to ensure the recipe is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Baking powder should be gluten-free to maintain the dietary integrity of the recipe.
- Dusting the tray with flour after buttering helps the madeleines release easily after baking.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds an elegant finish and subtle sweetness.
