Sharon BrownWhen it comes to the delightful taste of Barefoot Contessa Madeleines, think about how you can elevate your experience. Picture yourself serving these elegant little cakes with an afternoon tea, or perhaps alongside a robust cup of coffee. To truly enjoy their buttery, subtle sweetness, consider pairing them with different flavors. Here are a few suggestions:
A refreshing lemon or orange-flavored tea complements the sweetness. It brightens the palate and balances the buttery richness of the madeleines.
A warm cup of melted chocolate for dipping can take these little cakes to another level. The combination of chocolate and butter creates a delightful contrast.
Serve with assorted berries. The tartness of raspberries or blueberries provides a fresh, vibrant counterpoint to the madeleines.
When I first encountered Barefoot Contessa Madeleines, I was swept away by their beauty and simplicity. These classic French treats, often associated with tea time and lazy afternoons, felt like an invitation to indulge. Just thinking about these delicate cakes brings the aroma of melted butter and sugar rushing back.
Easy to make yet impressive enough to serve to guests, they are a perfect dessert for any occasion. For those who might not be familiar, let’s dive deeper into what makes this recipe special.
What are Barefoot Contessa Madeleines?
Barefoot Contessa Madeleines are a tribute to classic French baking. These charming, shell-shaped cakes are light, buttery, and perfectly sweet. With their subtle notes of vanilla and, optionally, almond, they glide effortlessly into any dessert lineup.
The recipe, crafted by the beloved Ina Garten, known as the Barefoot Contessa, showcases the elegance of simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a treat that transports you to a quaint Parisian café.
Why Does This Recipe Work?
This recipe stands out for several key reasons:
- Simplicity of Ingredients: The ingredients are straightforward. With flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, there’s nothing extraneous.
- Texture Mastery: The combination of melted butter and cornstarch creates a tender crumb that simply melts in your mouth.
- Flavor Balance: The addition of vanilla and optional almond extract provides a lovely depth of flavor without overpowering the palate.
- Batch-Friendly: Madeleines are perfect for making in batches. They hold well and can be frozen, making them an ideal treat for any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
- ⅓ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons melted butter, for greasing pans, plus ¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped toasted almonds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
How To Make Barefoot Contessa Madeleines
Making Barefoot Contessa Madeleines is a rewarding process that’s surprisingly straightforward. Here’s how to do it, step by step:
Step 1: Prepping the Batter
First things first, you’ll need to prep your ingredients. Gather everything in one place, so you won’t be scrambling around the kitchen as things heat up. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your Madeleine pan with melted butter or cooking spray. Set aside—this step is crucial for a smooth release of the cakes later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This mixture will create the foundation of your madeleines, providing structure while keeping the texture light. Take a moment to appreciate the fluffy texture of your dry ingredients.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
In a separate bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture lightens in color and becomes slightly thick. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy consistency—aim for that dreamy texture! This helps incorporate air, which is key to the cakes’ lightness.
Step 4: Add the Flavor
Gently fold in the vanilla extract, and if you’re using it, the almond extract. This is your chance to show off your culinary flair. The aromas of the extracts mingling will surely beckon everyone to the kitchen.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, introduce the dry ingredients to your egg mixture. Use a rubber spatula to eagerly fold everything together. Avoid over-mixing; just incorporate until smooth.
Step 6: Melt the Butter
Melt your unsalted butter and let it cool a little. Gradually fold it into the batter. This step adds richness, ensuring your madeleines are moist.
Step 7: Fill the Pan
With all ingredients mixed, carefully spoon the batter into the prepared Madeleine pans. Fill each shell about ¾ full. Here’s where you can unleash your inner artist—make sure your batter is evenly distributed.
Step 8: Bake
Pop the pans in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the madeleines are golden brown and spring back when touched. The transformation happening in your oven will make your mouth water.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
After you’ve removed the madeleines from the oven, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust them with confectioners’ sugar for that extra touch of elegance.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips to ensure your madeleines turn out impeccably:
- Use room temperature eggs. They whip better and help the batter rise.
- Don’t skip resting the batter. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Experiment with flavors. Incorporate citrus zest or different extracts to personalize your madeleines.
- Bake until golden. Don’t rush this, or you risk the cakes being undercooked, which will ruin that perfect texture.
- Store them correctly. Madeleines are best fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
How Do You Store The Leftovers?
If you happen to have some madeleines left over (which is rare, but it happens), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to three days.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll hold their charm for a couple of months.
Sides That Complement Barefoot Contessa Madeleines
To round out your dessert experience, consider offering some sides:
- Lemon Curd: Bright, zesty, and sweet, lemon curd is the perfect dip for madeleines. It adds a tart and refreshing element.
- Berries: A medley of fresh berries can add a splash of color. Their vibrant taste is a delightful contrast to the soft cookie.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For those looking to indulge further, piping a dollop of cream cheese frosting atop each madeleine can take these treats from good to extraordinary.
What Alternatives Can You Use for Ingredients?
Sometimes, you don’t have every ingredient on hand. Here are some substitutions:
- All-purpose flour: For gluten-free madeleines, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. They should yield similar results.
- Butter: If you need a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil works well. Melt it and let it cool before folding it into the batter.
- Granulated sugar: You can use coconut sugar or even honey, but be sure to adjust the measurement and recipe slightly to account for the differences in moisture.
- Eggs: For a vegan version, replace each egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, and let it sit until it thickens.
Barefoot Contessa Madeleine Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 3 extra-large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons melted butter for greasing pans, plus ¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped toasted almonds optional, for a nutty flavor
- 1 teaspoon almond extract optional, to complement the coconut flavor
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- First things first, you’ll need to prep your ingredients. Gather everything in one place, so you won’t be scrambling around the kitchen as things heat up. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your Madeleine pan with melted butter or cooking spray. Set aside—this step is crucial for a smooth release of the cakes later.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This mixture will create the foundation of your madeleines, providing structure while keeping the texture light. Take a moment to appreciate the fluffy texture of your dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture lightens in color and becomes slightly thick. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy consistency—aim for that dreamy texture! This helps incorporate air, which is key to the cakes’ lightness.
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract, and if you’re using it, the almond extract. This is your chance to show off your culinary flair. The aromas of the extracts mingling will surely beckon everyone to the kitchen.
- Now, introduce the dry ingredients to your egg mixture. Use a rubber spatula to eagerly fold everything together. Avoid over-mixing; just incorporate until smooth.
- Melt your unsalted butter and let it cool a little. Gradually fold it into the batter. This step adds richness, ensuring your madeleines are moist.
- With all ingredients mixed, carefully spoon the batter into the prepared Madeleine pans. Fill each shell about ¾ full. Here’s where you can unleash your inner artist—make sure your batter is evenly distributed.
- Pop the pans in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the madeleines are golden brown and spring back when touched. The transformation happening in your oven will make your mouth water.
- After you’ve removed the madeleines from the oven, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust them with confectioners’ sugar for that extra touch of elegance.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs. They whip better and help the batter rise.
- Don’t skip resting the batter. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Experiment with flavors. Incorporate citrus zest or different extracts to personalize your madeleines.
- Bake until golden. Don’t rush this, or you risk the cakes being undercooked, which will ruin that perfect texture.
- Store them correctly. Madeleines are best fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Making Barefoot Contessa Madeleines is not just about following a recipe. It’s a delightful experience that combines simple ingredients to create a dish that feels indulgent and refined. These treats are versatile, accommodating various flavors and ingredients, making them perfect for any occasion.
Once you’ve mastered these little cakes, you’ll find them hard to resist. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the bliss of baking these French delicacies in your kitchen. Bon appétit!
