Madlene with walnuts and sour cherries
Recipe for Walnut and Sour Cherry Madeleines
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 madeleines
Madeleines, those small cakes with a distinctive shape, have a fascinating history, often associated with moments of indulgence and pleasant memories. These treats are perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee, making them ideal snacks for the afternoon or festive desserts. Today, I will present a recipe for walnut and sour cherry madeleines, which adds a touch of freshness and an unmistakable flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 250 g butter (82% fat)
- 250 ml milk
- 400 g flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 400 g sour cherries in syrup (removing the pits is optional but recommended)
- 150 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of baking soda (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one orange
Step by Step
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. It is important that the butter and milk are brought to room temperature to facilitate mixing.
2. Boiling the milk: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. When it starts to boil, add the butter cut into cubes and stir until completely melted. At this point, also add the cocoa powder, mixing well to avoid lumps. Once the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth, let it cool slightly.
3. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the 4 eggs with a pinch of salt and the sugar (both regular and vanilla sugar) using a mixer. Beat on high speed until the mixture becomes frothy and almost white. This step is essential to ensure a light and fluffy texture for the madeleines.
4. Incorporating the ingredients: Add the warm mixture of milk, butter, and cocoa (it should be warm, not hot) to the egg mixture and gently mix. Add the orange zest for extra flavor. Then, sifting through a sieve, gradually add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until the ingredients are combined. The batter should be thicker than pancake batter.
5. Resting the batter: Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes. This time allows the baking soda and baking powder to activate, resulting in fluffy and airy madeleines.
6. Filling the molds: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare the madeleine molds, greased with a little butter or lined with parchment paper. Using a teaspoon, fill each mold with batter, leaving a little space for the madeleines to rise. Place a sour cherry on top of each madeleine.
7. Baking: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the madeleines cool in the mold for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can dust them with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Practical Tips
- Types of nuts: If you want to try a different variation, you can replace the ground walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts. Each variation will add a unique flavor to your madeleines.
- Fresh cherries: Instead of sour cherries in syrup, you can use fresh cherries, but make sure to remove the pits and sprinkle them with a little sugar to sweeten.
- Ingredient substitutions: If you're looking to reduce calories, you can use low-fat butter or a mix of yogurt and butter. You can also reduce the amount of sugar, depending on personal preferences.
- Storing madeleines: These cakes keep well in an airtight container for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
Delicious Combinations
These walnut and sour cherry madeleines pair perfectly with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a strong espresso coffee. You can also serve the madeleines with vanilla ice cream, which will add a contrast of temperatures and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with various berries or pieces of peaches and apricots.
- What if the batter is too thick? If the batter seems too dense, you can add a tablespoon of cold milk to thin it out a bit.
- How can I make the madeleines more flavorful? Besides the orange zest, you can add almond or rum essence for a richer taste.
These walnut and sour cherry madeleines are not only delicious but also a true treat for the soul. With each bite, you will feel how the flavors intertwine in perfect harmony, bringing you joy and fulfillment. I encourage you to try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!
Ingredients: 4 eggs 250 g butter (82%) 250 ml milk 400 g flour 2 tablespoons cocoa 100 g ground walnuts 400 g sour cherries from jam 150 g sugar 2 packets vanilla sugar 1 packet baking powder a pinch of baking soda a pinch of salt grated orange zest
