Strawberry Madeleines

I can guide you through the preparation of delicious Strawberry Madeleines with an Italian touch. Madeleines are classic French little cakes but with the addition of strawberries they will have a unique flavor and a summery aroma!

Ingredients

• 130 g of 00 flour
• 120 g of sugar
• 100 g of butter (plus a little for greasing the mold)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/2 sachet of baking powder
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (or the seeds of a vanilla bean)
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 100 g of fresh strawberries (plus some for decoration, if desired)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and generously grease the madeleine molds. 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. Meanwhile, wash and cut the strawberries into small pieces.
4. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you obtain a light and frothy mixture.
5. Add the sifted flour with the baking powder, salt, vanilla, and grated lemon zest. Mix gently so as not to deflate the batter.
6. Incorporate the melted and slightly 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.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before removing them from the molds.

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

Trivia

It is said that madeleines were named after a French cook, Madeleine Paulmier, who first served them 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!