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
Scale
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.
