Transport your taste buds to a French patisserie with our Lavender Honey Madeleines, a sophisticated treat that blends the delicate sweetness of honey with the floral elegance of lavender. At Delights Bakery, we’ve crafted these French cakes to elevate your baking recipes with a touch of refinement. Perfect for afternoon tea, bridal showers, or a quiet moment of indulgence, these floral desserts are as beautiful as they are delicious. Join us in baking these dainty cakes and discover the charm of elegant baking!

Why Lavender Honey Madeleines?

These madeleines are a standout dessert for any occasion:

• Floral Elegance: Lavender adds a subtle, aromatic note that feels luxurious.
• Delicate Texture: Light, buttery, and perfectly tender with a signature hump.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep for impressive results.
• Versatile: Ideal for tea parties, gifting, or personal treats.
• Customizable: Adapt with glazes or flavor variations.

A Personal Story

During a summer visit to Provence, our head baker at Delights Bakery was captivated by fields of lavender and local honey markets. Inspired, we created these madeleines to capture that memory—the scent of lavender in the air and the sweetness of honey on the tongue. These cakes have become a favorite at our bakery, delighting guests with their refined flavor.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Bake Time: 8-10 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 24 madeleines

Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried culinary lavender (food-grade)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
• Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting or glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk)

Instructions

1. Prepare Lavender: Grind dried lavender finely with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Mix with flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, honey, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add melted butter and lemon zest, mixing well.
3. Combine Ingredients: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Cover and chill batter for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a madeleine pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
5. Fill Pan: Spoon 1 tbsp batter into each madeleine mold, filling about 3/4 full.
6. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden and a slight hump forms. Cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
7. Finish: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.

Nutrition (per madeleine): ~90 calories, 1g protein, 10g carbs, 5g fat, 0g fiber, 6g sugar.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for 1 month.

Recipe Timeline

Make It Your Own

• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest instead of lemon for a different floral note.
• Glaze Option: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tsp lavender-infused milk for a glossy finish.
• Herbal Swap: Try rosemary instead of lavender for an earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for dietary needs.

Baking Tips

• Use Culinary Lavender: Ensure lavender is food-grade to avoid bitterness.
• Chill Batter: Chilling helps form the classic madeleine hump.
• Grease Well: Prevent sticking by generously buttering the pan.
• Don’t Overfill: Fill molds 3/4 to avoid overflow and ensure shape.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Overmixing: Mix gently to keep madeleines light and tender.
• Skipping Chill: Warm batter results in flat cakes.
• Too Much Lavender: Excess lavender can taste soapy; stick to 1 tsp.
• Overbaking: Bake just until edges are golden for a soft texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Afternoon Tea: Pair with Earl Grey or chamomile tea.
• Party Platter: Serve with berries and whipped cream for elegance.
• Gift Idea: Package in a decorative box for a chic gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Find Culinary Lavender?

Look for food-grade dried lavender at specialty food stores or online.

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for similar results.

Why Chill the Batter?

Chilling helps create the signature madeleine hump and improves texture.

How Do I Store Madeleines?

Keep in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for 1 month.

Final Thoughts

Our Lavender Honey Madeleines are a delicate, floral escape in every bite, perfect for adding sophistication to any occasion. At Delights Bakery, we love creating elegant baking recipes that inspire joy. Bake these French cakes, share your experience in the comments, and let us know how you served them—your story might spark our next recipe!