Strawberry Madeleines

I can guide you through the preparation of delicious Strawberry Madeleines with an Italian twist. Madeleines are classic French little cakes but the addition of strawberries will give them a unique flavor and a summery scent!

Ingredients

• 130 g of all-purpose flour
• 120 g of sugar
• 100 g of butter (plus a bit more for greasing the mold)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/2 packet of baking powder
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (or the seeds of one vanilla bean)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 100 g of fresh strawberries (plus some more for garnish, if desired)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F) and grease the madeleine molds well. If you don’t have specific madeleine molds, you can use a mini muffin pan, keeping in mind that the classic madeleine shape will be different.
2. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
3. In the meantime, wash and cut the strawberries into small pieces.
4. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the sifted flour with the baking powder, salt, vanilla, and grated lemon zest. Gently mix to avoid deflating the batter.
6. Incorporate the melted and cooled butter, and then add the strawberry pieces.
7. Fill the molds about 3/4 full, as the batter will rise during baking.
8. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the madeleines are golden and puffed up.
9. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before removing them from the molds.

Tips: Serve the madeleines warm or at room temperature. For a more elegant presentation, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

Fun Fact

It is said that madeleines were named after a French cook, Madeleine Paulmier, who served them for the first time at the court of Lorraine in the 18th century. The shell shape has become distinctive and madeleines are often associated with literature thanks to the famous French writer Marcel Proust.

Enjoy your Strawberry Madeleines!