If you’ve ever wanted to experience a delightful twist on a classic French treat, this Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe will absolutely charm your taste buds. These little shell-shaped cakes are light, fluffy, and beautifully fragrant, with the tropical aroma of pandan leaf blending seamlessly with creamy coconut. Each bite is like a mini vacation, boasting a perfect balance of subtle sweetness, moist texture, and an exotic flair that invites you to savor every crumb. Whether it’s teatime or a special occasion, these madeleines bring a burst of sunshine and warmth that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully combined ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the tender crumb, infusing that signature pandan flavor, or adding coconut’s rich creaminess and a subtle crunch.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled for moisture and a rich, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping the madeleines rise slightly.
- Eggs: Provide structure and that lovely lightness in texture.
- Pandan extract: The star ingredient, infusing a unique, sweet herbal aroma.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, gives the madeleines their shape and body.
- Baking powder: A gentle leavening agent to keep the madeleines soft and airy.
- Shredded coconut: Adds delightful texture and coconut flavor within each bite.
- Coconut milk: Deepens the coconut essence and moistens the batter.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Perfect for a light dusting that adds a touch of elegance.
How to Make Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing your madeleine pan. This step might seem small, but it’s essential to ensure your madeleines have that perfect golden crust and release easily from the molds without sticking.
Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. This process is key to incorporating air, which helps make your madeleines beautifully light and fluffy.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the pandan extract, coconut milk, and the melted butter to the egg and sugar mixture. Stir gently until everything is smoothly combined, letting the buttery richness and fragrant pandan dance together in your batter.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps avoid lumps and ensures even distribution, which is important for a uniform texture in your madeleines.
Step 5: Fold Dry into Wet
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or you’ll risk toughening the batter. Then, gently fold in the shredded coconut to infuse subtle bursts of chewy coconut throughout each cake.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into each madeleine mold, filling them about three-quarters full to give room for those signature shell-like bumps to form. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the centers spring back lightly when touched. This signals they are perfectly baked and ready to delight.
Step 7: Cool and Dust
Allow the madeleines to cool in the pan for a few minutes for easier removal, then transfer them to a wire rack. If you love a little extra sweetness and a pretty presentation, dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.
How to Serve Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but imagine adding a few toasted coconut flakes on top to amplify the tropical vibe. Fresh edible flowers or a thin drizzle of coconut glaze also beautifully complement the flavors and add a lovely touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Pandan Coconut Madeleines pair wonderfully with a cup of strong black tea or a fragrant jasmine green tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a small bowl of coconut cream or even a passion fruit curd to cut through the sweetness with a citrusy punch.
Creative Ways to Present
These madeleines are perfect for assembling into charming dessert platters or gift boxes. You can also thread a few onto decorative skewers with fresh fruit pieces or mini marshmallows for a whimsical snack that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 2 days, retaining much of their softness and unique pandan coconut charm.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the madeleines in a sealed container or freezer bag. They freeze well and can be kept for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature—still delightful and flavorful.
Reheating
Warm your madeleines gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes to revive their soft, fragrant beauty. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry them out and dull the pandan aroma.
FAQs
Can I use pandan leaf instead of pandan extract?
Yes, you can use fresh pandan leaves by blending them with some water and straining the juice. However, pandan extract offers a more concentrated flavor and is much easier to incorporate evenly into your batter.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to choose a blend that includes a binder like xanthan gum for the best outcome.
How do I toast shredded coconut for a stronger flavor?
Simply spread the shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet and toast it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Let it cool before folding into the batter.
Why do madeleines have a distinctive hump?
The classic “hump” is a signature feature formed by the temperature contrast when baking. Preheating the oven well and using a hot baking surface encourages this rise, making madeleines visually unique and delightfully textured.
Can I use other types of milk instead of coconut milk?
While coconut milk is integral to the flavor of this Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe, you can use regular milk or almond milk in a pinch, though the signature coconut taste will be milder.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly enchanting about the Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone who loves exploring new flavors with timeless treats. Its perfect balance of lightness, fragrance, and that little burst of tropical goodness invites you to bake, share, and create joyful moments. Trust me, once you make them, these madeleines will become one of your treasured go-to recipes. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
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Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 madeleines
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Southeast Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fragrant Pandan Coconut Madeleines, a fusion dessert combining the delicate texture of classic French madeleines with the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. Infused with pandan extract and coconut milk, and dotted with shredded coconut, these bite-sized treats are perfect for teatime or a light dessert, delivering a subtle sweetness and tropical aroma.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pandan extract
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
Dry Ingredients
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a madeleine pan using butter or nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes pale in color and slightly thickened, which helps incorporate air for a light texture.
- Add Flavor and Liquids: Stir in pandan extract, coconut milk, and melted butter into the egg mixture until well combined, infusing the batter with tropical flavors and richness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and to prevent lumps.
- Fold Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the batter. Then gently fold in the shredded coconut to evenly distribute texture and flavor.
- Fill Madeleine Molds: Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine molds, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers spring back when lightly touched, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the madeleines cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness and decoration.
Notes
- For enhanced coconut flavor, lightly toast the shredded coconut before folding it into the batter.
- Store the madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- These madeleines are best enjoyed the same day they are made to savor their maximum softness and fragrant aroma.
