Exploring Madeleines: A Brief Biography + 10 Recipes

Linda explores food facts, folklore, and fabulous recipes, one ingredient at a time.

What Is a Madeleine?

A madeleine (MADD-uh-linn) is a small French sponge cake the size of a cookie; it has a distinctive shell shape and is baked in a mold. That sounds pretty ordinary, but the biography of this little morsel is anything but ordinary.

Which Story Do You Believe?

To say that the madeleine is legendary is an understatement, for sure. There are many stories of how this little cake was invented. Which one is your favorite?

• Jean Avice was a pastry chef for Prince Talleyrand. (Yes, he has a place in the encyclopedia, so he was kind of a big deal). Avice was considered the master of choux pastry (the stuff of which cream puffs and chocolate eclairs are made). It is said that he baked the little cakes in aspic molds. (But this story gives no explanation of how or why they were named madeleines).
• King Louis XV paid a visit to Stanislaus I, the Duke of Lorraine. Madeleine Paulmier, a cook for the duke, offered a tray of delicate small cakes to the King. He adored them, shared them with his wife, Marie, and she in turn introduced them to France. (How did she obtain the recipe? Did she hire Madame Paulmier, kidnap her, raid the pantry? We will never know).
• Long ago (in the 18th century), an unnamed bakery paid a “very large sum of money” for a recipe. The recipe was for delicate little cakes that the unnamed bakery sold in oval boxes as a souvenir of the area. (OK, but we still don’t have an explanation for the name).
• Then there’s this one that has a bit more believability (at least it proffers an explanation for the name of the cake). In the French town of Commercy, there was a convent dedicated to St. Mary Magdelene. During the French Revolution, all convents and monasteries were abolished. The nuns in residence sold their recipe to the highest bidder. I'm guessing that the highest bidder was the "unnamed bakery" above.

Despite all of this, the madeleine did not gain any real recognition until Marcel Proust wrote of them:

"Many years had elapsed during which nothing of Combray, save what was comprised in the theatre and the drama of my going to bed there, had any existence for me, when one day in winter, as I came home, my mother, seeing that I was cold, offered me some tea, a thing I did not ordinarily take. I declined at first, and then, for no particular reason, changed my mind."

— Marcel Proust

With these words, Proust began In Search of Lost Time, a narrative of his memories. His aunt’s house in Combray, had been a childhood place of comfort and refuge. And then, he offers this:

"She sent out for one of those short, plump little cakes called 'petites madeleines,' which look as though they had been moulded in the fluted scallop of a pilgrim's shell. And soon, mechanically, weary after a dull day with the prospect of a depressing morrow, I raised to my lips a spoonful of the tea in which I had soaked a morsel of the cake."

— Marcel Proust

Proust goes on to describe how the taste and aroma of those madeleines unleashed a flood of childhood memories and transported him back to a happier time that he thought had been “permanently dead.” Philosophers state that throughout life we will encounter memories of long ago with just a musical notation, a photograph, an aroma, or a taste on the tongue. This is a "madeleine moment."

1. Perfect Madeleines: Recipe + How to Make Them

2. Chocolate Madeleines

These chocolate madeleines are part brownie, part traditional madeleine. They're a not-too-sweet, rich, dark treat that grownups and kids will like; wonderful as is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

If you're feeling especially festive or indulgent, dip them in chocolate (white would make a stunning contrast) and sprinkle with your favorite chopped nut. Pistachios, perhaps?

3. Blueberry Madeleines

As I write this, my blueberry bushes are just now starting to come into season. There are a few dusty blueberries to be had this very moment, but I'd guess that about 90 percent are still green. We just need another week or so of warm sunny weather and then there will be an explosion of blueberries. The slender limbs will bow under the weight of those juicy blue orbs (many the size of a garbanzo bean, or even larger).

There will be blueberry pies (of course), crumbles, jam, and even barbecue sauce. But I'll save a few for these sweet blueberry madeleines.

This recipe uses fresh berries, simply pushing a fresh berry or two into the batter just before it goes in the oven. If you don't have blueberries, other bits of fresh fruit would work too. Here are a few suggestions—raspberries, blackberries, strawberry pieces. In a pinch, a few chocolate chips would work for me too!

4. Lavender French Madeleines

Bring on springtime with these floral scented and flavored lavender French madeleines. Yes, lavender is edible—it's one of the ingredients that gives herbes de Provence their unusual taste. The author of this recipe makes a simple glaze with water and confectioners sugar. I would suggest using fresh lemon juice.

5. Lime and Coconut Madeleines

There are certain flavor combinations that seem to be a "match made in Heaven"— chocolate and peanut butter, caramel and flaked sea salt, lemon and blueberry, and of course lime and coconut.

These lime and coconut madeleines are a taste of the tropics, and perfect for a summertime tea or brunch.

6. Pumpkin Madeleines

The comforting flavors of fall shine in these pumpkin madeleines. They're moist and tender and sweetened with an irresistible maple glaze.

7. Cappuccino Madeleines

Dorie Greenspan is a five-time James Beard award–winning cookbook author. She was recently inducted into the Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America. A columnist for the New York Times Magazine, Dorie was recently awarded an Order of Agricultural Merit from the French government for her outstanding writing on the foods of that country.

Of course, she would bake perfect madeleines, cappuccino-flavored madeleines.

Bacon, Cheddar, and Jalapeño Madeleines

Are you ready for a savory treat? Really, madeleines don't always need to be a sweet treat. These bacon, cheddar, and jalapeño madeleines are a great go-along with an adult beverage, as an accompaniment to a bowl of chili, or as a side with a salad.

Vegan Madeleines

Aren't these cakes adorable? (Honestly, my piping skills aren't that good). Even if you haven't passed Piping 101, you can still make these vegan madeleines because what counts is how they taste. Pure vanilla enhances their sweetness, and lemon zest brings a bright pop of flavor.

10. Gluten-Free Lemon Madeleines

Gluten-free all-purpose flour makes these little cakes safe for those who cannot tolerate gluten, but that adjustment doesn't affect the texture. These gluten-free lemon madeleines are tender, with a buttery crumb and moist interior.

Sources

• Campus Press Yale
• What's Cooking America

© 2021 Linda Lum

Comments

Linda Lum (author) from Washington State, USA on August 05, 2021:

Denise, they ARE a tad bit of work, but some of us consider this "playtime." Personally, I'd set aside a rainy day for doing these, with my able sous chef at my side.

Denise McGill from Fresno CA on August 05, 2021:

How interesting. I don't believe I have ever tasted these. They sound like a lot of trouble for a little cake with tea. I'm so happy you included the vegan version. I don't have the Madeleine pans and I'd have to get them or it just wouldn't be the same. I was looking at buying some tart pans as well. Stocking the kitchen... fun.

Blessings,

Denise

Linda Lum (author) from Washington State, USA on August 05, 2021:

Manatita, my world traveler, I knew that if anyone had enjoyed one of these it would be you. Whenever possible I try to find a vegan alternative, especially for our dear Denise (Paintdrips).

manatita44 from london on August 05, 2021:

So that's what they are, Mrs L.

I really didn't know the goodies until I saw the picture. I've had a few with coffee and cream. Probably not the French or macchiato style, or was it capuccino? The vegan alternative looks interesting!

Linda Lum (author) from Washington State, USA on August 03, 2021:

John, you FOUND me! How great is that? Thanks for stopping by. I do hope you find a way to put madeleines in your future. They are worth the effort.

John Hansen from Gondwana Land on August 02, 2021:

Linda, this is the first time I have seen or heard of madeleines. I have now, and they look and sound great. Very versatile also. I loved reading the alternate possible histories..and would probably go with the second one. Thanks for sharing.

Linda Lum (author) from Washington State, USA on August 02, 2021:

Thanks Flourish. I'm not sure about that harvest, at least this week. I'm up to my ears in wedding prep (this next Sunday my younger daughter is getting married.) I'm making their cake!

Linda Lum (author) from Washington State, USA on August 02, 2021:

Rosina, how wonderful that you have a Madeleine baker at your disposal.

Linda Lum (author) from Washington State, USA on August 02, 2021:

Mix B, in reverse order. Yes, last week I wrote about figs (Exploring Figs).

To purists part of what makes a Madeleine a true Madeleine is the signature she'll shape.

I'm not that way. I'd say if you want to use a different shape mold, go for it. I can't advise on baking time, but I'm pretty sure you have the skill to pull it off.

FlourishAnyway from USA on August 02, 2021:

These are adorable and sound so good. I simply love how that vegan one is decorated. I froze blueberries a week or two ago and if it weren’t for vacation I’d have blueberry pie by now. I’ve had an amazing blueberry coffee cake already. That’s always the favorite. Good luck with your blueberry bounty.

Rosina S Khan on August 02, 2021:

This is a wonderful article about Madeleines- their history and the different recipes. My mother is an expert at making madeleines. I will ask her to make chocolate ones, which are my favorite from this article. Thanks for sharing, Linda.

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on August 02, 2021:

Linda, I'd heard of them, but I never knew what Madeleines are. Apparently they are not an Ozark thing because none of us ate them growing up. They look so good, and the video makes them look so easy to make. I think I could take any of these recipes and convert it to gluten free, now that I've found a really good GF flour. I really want to try the bacon, jalapeno and cheddar one as a breakfast treat. I have a silly question though. I wonder if I could butter and flour up a cornbread stick pan for the bacon recipe, or does it have to be the special Madeleine pan to make them good? I have two or three cast iron pans, a couple of "cornbread stick" pans and one with little triangles that I use for individual gluten-free cakes. I believe I told you once that gluten free cakes don't always get done in a regular cake pan.

Sorry, I couldn't find you last week. Were you here?

Linda Lum (author) from Washington State, USA on August 02, 2021:

Shauna, I agree with you about Dorie's madeleines. If prepared perfectly, you don't need to adorn these with drizzles and glazes; sometimes less is more.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on August 02, 2021:

It's been forever and a year ago since I've had a Madelaine. All of these versions look yummy. Dorie Greenspan's cappuccino Madelaines are picture perfect!

Linda Lum (author) from Washington State, USA on August 02, 2021:

Good morning Pamela. I knew in my heart that I'd be hearing from you. The weather is cool this morning, but we're in for another hot spell according to the weather reports. There will be blueberries EVERYWHERE!

Thanks for your kind words.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on August 02, 2021:

I never heard this name before, but they look delicious. I know I would love them. I like sponge cake, and I would like to try the chocolate and blueberry Madeleines first. This is another good 'Carb Diva' article, Linda.

All your plans for your blueberries sound wonderful as well. Blueberry pie sounds especially good. I hope the weather cooperates and they get ripe soon. I know you will enjoy them!

Linda Lum (author) from Washington State, USA on August 02, 2021:

Bill, I had a madeleine pan, but years ago in the midst of a move, it was lost and I've never purchased a replacement.

Thanks for being my sweet friend. And, this August will be amazing! Happy things are happening in the Carb Diva house.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on August 02, 2021:

I've seen them, but never knew what they were. I like sponge cake, so why not, right? I would eat these. You bet I would. Especially if you made them.

Thanks for making me just a little bit smarter, my friend. Stay cool, and happy August!