← Back to all stops

French Madeleines — baked with Chef Axl★ BAKED & STAMPED ★FRANCEADMITTED · No.003
France · Western Europe

French Madeleines

Shell-shaped sponge cakes with a signature bump

🛂 Passport Stamp No.003 · Postmarked in France

👦 Baked by Axl
20m
Prep
12m
Bake
24 madeleines
Makes
Easy
Level
Jump to recipe
Postmark · France

🏛 A little history

Madeleines come from the Lorraine region of northeastern France, traditionally linked to the town of Commercy. Their distinctive scalloped shell shape comes from the mold they are baked in.

The little cakes became literary legend when Marcel Proust used one, dipped in tea, to open his novel 'In Search of Lost Time' — making the madeleine a lasting symbol of memory and nostalgia.

Chef Axl

Chef Axl baked this one himself! It earned a place in his passport — try it with your grown-up and you can earn the stamp too.

👩‍🍳 Let's bake!

  1. Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and thick, about 3 minutes.
  2. Fold in flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
  3. Fold in the melted butter until smooth.
  4. Cover and chill the batter at least 1 hour (this helps form the classic bump).
  5. Butter and flour the madeleine pan; fill each shell about three-quarters full.
  6. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 11–12 minutes until golden with a risen hump.
  7. Tap out immediately and cool on a rack. Best eaten the day they're made.

💡 Chef Axl's tips

  • The cold batter hitting a hot pan creates the trademark bump.
  • Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
🛒 Pack your kit

Shop this recipe

The tools & pantry staples we reach for.

All-Purpose Flour
Pantry

All-Purpose Flour

The everyday workhorse for cakes, cookies, and breads.

🧺 Pantry staple
Sugar
Pantry

Sugar

Sweetens and helps bakes turn golden and tender.

🧺 Pantry staple
Vanilla Extract
Pantry

Vanilla Extract

A splash of warm, sweet aroma in every batter.

🧺 Pantry staple
Baking Powder
Pantry

Baking Powder

The little lift that makes cakes and cookies rise.

🧺 Pantry staple
Parchment Paper
Tools

Parchment Paper

Non-stick lining so nothing sticks to the pan.

Find it in the Shop →
Round Cake Pan
Bakeware

Round Cake Pan

A sturdy round pan for perfectly even cake layers.

Find it in the Shop →
Offset Spatula
Tools

Offset Spatula

Angled blade for spreading frosting like a pro.

Find it in the Shop →

Visit the full Supply Depot

Keep travelling ✈

France flag
← Previous stop

French Croissants

Italy flag
Next stop →

Italian Focaccia