By Wendy Stoltz, Yuliia Stsepeleva / Last Modified On August 17, 2023

If you love delicate and airy desserts, this gluten-free madeleine recipe is perfect for you! These shell-shaped cakes have a soft buttery texture with a subtle hint of lemon flavor. Easy to make and customize, these French pastries are a perfect addition to any tea time or as a sweet treat for any occasion.

These gluten-free baking recipes provide tasty substitutes for traditional baked goods without compromising on flavor or texture. The gluten-free cinnamon sugar donuts and gluten-free churros are delicious options to satisfy a sweet tooth. In contrast, this collection of the best gluten-free recipes offers a range of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert ideas. Which one will you choose?

If you want to raise your baking game further, Udemy's course provides instructions on how to make delicious gluten-free artisan breads.

Gluten-Free Madeleine Recipe

What are madeleines? Madeleines are a type of French small sponge cake, typically in the shape of a shell. They are traditionally made with butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and baking powder and are flavored with lemon zest or other flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange blossom water. The batter is usually chilled before baking, and the resulting cake is soft and spongy with a crisp outer shell. Madeleines are often served with tea or coffee and are a popular French dessert.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a madeleine pan, fresh, warm madeleines are ready quickly, just in time for tea or coffee!

Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. To make the madeleines your own, you can add different flavors to the batter, such as vanilla or cinnamon. Additionally, you can dip them in melted chocolate, add sprinkles or top them with powdered sugar dusting for extra sweetness. These madeleines are perfect for a quick and easy dessert or snack and will impress your guests at any gathering.

Why You’re Going to Love This Gluten-Free Madeleine

Soft and tender texture - The recipe uses a combination of gluten-free plain flour and almond flour, resulting in a soft and tender texture that's reminiscent of the classic French madeleine.

Tasty impressive treat - Adding lemon zest and lemon extract provides a bright and refreshing citrus flavor that perfectly complements the cookie's sweetness.

Easy to make - The recipe is easy to follow, with simple instructions and ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores.

Elegant dessert - The madeleines can be served as a light and elegant dessert or as a delightful addition to an afternoon tea or coffee break.

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Madeleine

Melted butter - provides moisture and richness to the dough.

Eggs - provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together.

Brown sugar - adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.

Vanilla extract - adds a sweet, vanilla flavor to the dough.

Gluten-free plain flour - provides structure to the dough and helps it rise.

Almond flour - adds a nutty flavor and texture to the dough and also helps with the structure.

Baking powder - a leavening agent that helps the dough rise.

Lemon zest - adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dough.

Powdered sugar - is used for sprinkling over the cookies before serving.

Salt - enhances the flavor of the cookies.

Lemon extract - adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dough.

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Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Madeleine

Mixing bowl - A mixing bowl combines all of the dry and wet ingredients to create the batter for the madeleines.

Whisk or electric mixer - A whisk or electric mixer is necessary to mix the ingredients until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Madeleine mold - A madeleine mold is used to shape the batter into the classic madeleine shape and to ensure even baking.

Pastry bag (optional) - A pastry bag can pipe the batter into the madeleine mold, creating a more professional and uniform appearance.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Madeleine, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Gluten-Free Madeleine

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. In a deep bowl, mix all the dry ingredients, as well as the zest.
2. Next, add vanilla paste, lemon extract, melted butter, and two eggs.
3. Using a mixer, knead a thick homogeneous dough.
4. Transfer the dough to a baking dish. If you use a silicone Madeleine mold, you do not need to grease it with anything. If you use a metal Madeleine pan, you need to grease it with butter and sprinkle it with flour. For laying out the dough, it is convenient to use a pastry bag without a nozzle. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes.
5. Take out the finished cookies and let them cool. Sprinkle it with powdered sugar before serving. You can also dip it in melted chocolate and let it harden.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Madeleine

Measure flour correctly - Make sure to properly measure the flour and almond flour to ensure the right texture.

Use fresh lemon zest - This will provide the best flavor.

Chill the dough - Chill it for at least 30 minutes before baking to help the madeleines develop their signature hump.

Don't overfill the mold - Avoid overfilling the madeleine mold to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Grease the mold properly - If you use a silicone Madeleine mold, you do not need to grease it. If you use a metal Madeleine pan, you need to grease it with butter and sprinkle it with flour. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Store Gluten-Free Madeleine?

Store the madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Madeleine?

Yes, you can freeze the madeleines in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can You Make This Gluten-Free Madeleine Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free Madeleine?

Flour - You can substitute the almond flour with hazelnut flour or coconut flour for a different flavor profile.

Extract - You can replace the lemon extract with other extracts such as almond or orange extract.

When Do You Serve Gluten-Free Madeleines?

Madeleines can be served as a snack or a dessert. They are often enjoyed as a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, served with tea or coffee. They can also be served as a dessert, either on their own or accompanied by fresh fruit, whipped cream, or ice cream.

Madeleines are also a popular choice for brunches, baby showers, and other special occasions

Are Starbucks Madeleines Gluten-Free?

Starbucks madeleines are not gluten-free. They are made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. Therefore, if you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, you should avoid consuming madeleines from Starbucks.

Can Madeleines Be Gluten-Free?

Yes, it is possible to make gluten-free madeleines by using this recipe and making sure your ingredients used in this recipe are all gluten-free. 

Did you make this Gluten-Free Madeleine recipe? Please leave me a comment below, letting me know what you think.