Small shell-shaped cakes suit the softer side of Audrey’s sophisticated image: a little butter, lemon, and an afternoon cup of tea. Her family cookbook includes madeleines among its recipes, and they are perfect for an afternoon when the world seems to have all the time in it. The violin tucked into the photograph quietly recalls the romantic atmosphere of Love in the Afternoon.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 62 minutes (including 30 minutes chilling)
• Servings: 18 cakes
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Cost: Economical
• Region/Ethnic Origin: French

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for pan
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for serving

Instructions

1. Beat eggs and sugar until pale, thick, and ribbon-like, about 4 minutes. Mix in lemon zest and vanilla.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Fold gently into egg mixture.
3. Fold in melted, cooled butter. Cover and chill batter for 30 minutes.
4. Heat oven to 375°F. Butter an 18-cavity madeleine pan and fill each cavity about three-quarters full.
5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until golden at the edges and springy in the center. Unmold and dust lightly with powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly warm with tea or coffee. Madeleines are at their best on the day they are baked.

Explore the complete Audrey Hepburn recipe collection.