Inspired by Paris Sweets, these Honey Mango Madeleines are simply delicious and perfect for an afternoon tea or just a snack! Isn't it time you started baking delicious treats like these cookies?
Honey Mango Madeleines – Guest Post
These are the little French tea cakes with a lovely fluted bottom that Marcel Proust made famous in his Remembrance of Things Past. I have always appreciated their delicate beauty but truth be told, I was never lucky enough to taste one that knocked my socks off. Well, until recently.
Equipped with brand new madeleine pans and a promising recipe, I made Pierre Herme’s chocolate madeleines. The batter couldn’t have been easier to prepare and it turned into such beautiful little tea cakes full of rich chocolate flavor. The only (very minor) drawback was the recommended overnight rest of the batter in the fridge before baking.
This, I learned, is what helps to create the madeleine’s characteristic bump and what do you know, it really does work!
With my maiden madeleine voyage under my belt, I embarked on a second journey—this time leaning towards the more traditional. Classic madeleines are usually flavored with vanilla and/or lemon but Earl Grey Madeleines, infused with the fragrant black tea, are also quite popular.
However, I couldn’t help changing things up just a bit. I am a huge tea lover so I couldn’t resist infusing my second batch of madeleines with one of my favorite teas. Instead of Earl Grey, I used my Mango-infused black tea. I thought it would impart a sunnier, more spring-like quality to the little sponge cakes.
I borrowed Dorie Greenspan’s Earl Grey Madeleine recipe from Paris Sweets and though this version recommended only a 3-hour rest of the batter before baking, I waited overnight hoping to repeat my success with the chocolate version.
The results? The mango tea is more of an essence rather than a dominant flavor in these madeleines but that is also true of the Early Grey variety. Instead, these little cakes are kissed with subtle honey sweetness, prompting me to rename them so as not to relegate the honey to secondary position when they contribute so much to the finished product.
Proust described dunking his madeleine in his cup of tea and these are certainly great with the latter but there is absolutely no need—they are spongy and moist on their own. I think you will like them just as much as I do. In fact, this second attempt has sealed my love of madeleines; I can hardly wait to make the next batch. Hmm, maybe savory madeleines are in store for me…
If you’ve tried this Madelines Recipe or any other recipe on askchefdennis.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram @chefdenniseats and @chefdennistravels, Twitter and Facebook.
You might also like my Meyer Lemon Ricotta Cookies.
Mary Ellen @ Pâte à Chew says
Lovely post, Dennis and Jean. The mango flavoring is genuis, I bet these taste fantastic!
Laurie {Simply Scratch} says
Oh how I would love a plateful of these cookies! Great guest post!
Gina says
I’m gonna have to go dust off my madeleine pan and try these lovelies. Great choice in guests Chef, Jean is as sweet in person as she is talented. Hope all is well with you!
-Gina-
Magic of Spice says
Hi Jean and Dennis…fantastic guest post! And these madeleines are just a delight!
torviewtoronto and createwithmom says
madeleines looks wonderful
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
Hi Chef Dennis! So happy that you feature Jean here. She’s my favorite blogger and it’s always exciting to see her post. Jean, you prepared a wonderful guest post. Like everyone else, I’m so convinced that I need the pan. I love your madeleines!
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Aw, Nami, you’re so sweet, thank you so much! Yes, you should definitely pick up a madeleine pan–they’re so easy to make. 🙂
Liren says
I love this refreshing twist on a classic madeleine! And I do remember that Foodbuzz festival – I was feeling disappointed when I learned that you, Chef Dennis, were sitting nearby and I completely missed the opportunity to meet you! Hoping that is fixed sometime soon.
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
These cookies are just lovely! I really like the honey and mango!
Jen L | Tartine and Apron Strings says
what a unique take on the classic madeleines! jean, i wish i was your neighbour, so i can taste one of these cakes (or is it a cookie?)
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Thanks, Jen. And in exchange, I’d get to enjoy all the beautiful dishes you create. 🙂
I thought they were cookies at first too, but it seems that officially, madeleines are tea cakes. 🙂
Roxana GreenGirl { A little bit of everything} says
I have bought a while back a madeleines pan but have never used it. I was planning on making your chocolate ones. Now I’m having a dilemma, which ones to try first. These tropical like madeleines or chocolate. Hmmm.
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Roxana, you can’t go wrong with either one so I would just let your cravings dictate which ones you make. I’ve gotten lucky finding both recipes. 🙂
Suzi says
Another lovely guest post Dennis. Jean it is nice to meet you and your madeleines look scrumptious I would love to dip them in a cup of tea. The mango flavor really sounds cool, a favorite Hope both of you have a wonderful relaxing weekend..
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Thanks, Suzi. I’m glad you like the madeleines. I hope you’re having a great weekend, too. 🙂
RavieNomNoms says
I am sorry to hear that things are a little crazier for you right now Chef! I am sure that it will be such a load off when the summer comes and you can have more time to yourself 🙂
Jean, these madeleines look amazing! I have never attempted to make them, but I so want to because they just look so pretty! 🙂
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Thanks and I encourage you to try them. They’re SO easy! 🙂
Anna says
These madeleines look fabulous! The flavors described by Jean make me crave them so of course they are on my to-bake list now 🙂
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
Definitely need to get a Madeleine pan! These are delicious! Wonderful choice for a guest post, Jean is amazing!
Betty Ann @Mango_Queen says
Did someone say “MANGOES” ???? Well, I’m in ! This is such a delicious treat. And you both know very well that I love “Mangoes” so much, I’d put it in anything ! QUESTION : Can I use MANGO PUREE from fresh mangoes instead of the mango-flavored tea? Just thought it might be a good alternative. I’ve used fresh mango puree in Mango-flavored shortbread, so these Madeleines might work, too. But thanks for the inspiration and the Mango-love! Great guest post, Jean ! I love the new look of your blog & stories of your SA travels. And good choice for a guest, Chef Dennis! Happy weekend to 2 of my favorite foodie friends!
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Betty Ann, I think mango puree would be so good here–brilliant idea! If you do try it, I’d love to see. 🙂
anna says
i have not yet made my peace with madeleines. i always expect a cookie when i eat them, and am confused to find a cake. but these honey mango versions look so mouthwatering…i may just have to give them another try! gorgeous pictures!
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Hi, Anna. Thanks so much! I know what you mean about the cake-cookie deal with madeleines but I have to say that I’ve gotten lucky with the two recipes I’ve tried and now I’m hooked! 🙂
Lisa (AuthenticSuburbanGourmet) says
Jean – what a lovely post and quite an honor to be on “guest post Friday”. I am sure that Chef Dennis is QUITE proud of the job you did. These madelines look and sound amazing – a must make! Georgous photos!!!
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Thanks, Lisa! I’m taking pictures in my temporary “studio” (aka spare room!). Had fun being a guest at Chef Dennis’s blog. 🙂
fatpiginthemarket says
Kissed with subtle honey sweetness…you got me! I like the mango addition.
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Why, thank you! 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Honey Mango Madeleines sound scrumptious; what a great idea to infuse the cakes with such lovely flavors, Jean!
Dennis, I’m new to your blog but happy to discover it via this post and I look forward to reading more.
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Thanks, Laura! I can’t wait to try out other flavor combinations now. 🙂
Cassie says
These Madeleines are awesome, I definitely need a pan. Lovely post!
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Thanks, Cassie! 🙂