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Fluffy madeleine sponge base

Featured in Sweet bites of pure joy.

This fluffy madeleine-inspired sponge is a staple for pastry lovers, especially for layered desserts. The airy texture comes from whipped eggs combined with melted butter, flour, and baking powder. Using techniques borrowed from traditional madeleines, you’ll get a light yet sturdy base to hold creams or mousses. Flavor it with lemon or vanilla to fit your dessert ideas. Whether in a pan or a cake ring, this adaptable base is easy to customize and work with.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:24:09 GMT
Madeleine sponge base | Light and versatile pastry foundation Pin it
Madeleine sponge base | Light and versatile pastry foundation | Tasteofsavor.com

This delicate sponge recipe creates the perfect base for any layered dessert. While light and airy, it maintains enough structure to support multiple layers of mousse or cream. In our pastry kitchen, this has become the foundation for our most elegant desserts.

Recently while making a vanilla-berry entremet, I was reminded why this remains my go-to base - it gently absorbs flavors while keeping its essential structure intact.

Essential Ingredients

  • Eggs: Room temperature (20-22°C) for optimal volume
  • All-Purpose Flour: Sifted to prevent lumps, moderate protein content for ideal texture
  • Butter: Quality unsalted butter, melted but not exceeding 45°C
  • Sugar: Fine granulated for smooth incorporation
  • Baking Powder: Fresh for proper rise

Method

1. Initial Setup (5-7 minutes)
Bring ingredients to room temperature. Gently melt butter using 20-second microwave intervals or a water bath until just warm. Sift flour and baking powder together.
2. Egg Mixture (5-6 minutes)
Combine eggs and sugar in mixer bowl. Begin at medium speed for 1 minute, gradually increasing. Mix until tripled in volume and ribbon stage achieved.
3. Dry Ingredient Addition (2-3 minutes)
Gradually sift in flour mixture while mixing continues. Maintain steady, careful incorporation to prevent lumps and deflation.
4. Final Steps and Baking (15-17 minutes)
Stream in melted butter and chosen flavorings. Spread quickly and evenly. Bake at 200°C until golden but not dark.

An old pastry wisdom states that properly whipped eggs are the foundation of perfect sponge texture.

biscuit madeleine pour entremet Pin it
biscuit madeleine pour entremet | Tasteofsavor.com

Using Your Sponge

This versatile base excels in fruit-based desserts, absorbing flavored syrups while maintaining structural integrity.

Final Thought: This classic sponge base provides the perfect foundation for creative pastry work. Its balanced texture and versatility make it an essential recipe in any serious baker's collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should the melted butter be cooled first?
Letting the butter cool stops it from deflating the whipped eggs, which helps keep the sponge light.
→ Is it okay to freeze this sponge?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the sponge tightly in cling film, and store it in the freezer for up to a month.
→ How can I adjust the recipe quantities for different sizes?
For a 22cm cake ring, reduce all ingredients by 40%. Scale the recipe up or down for other sizes as needed.
→ Why is sifting the flour and baking powder necessary?
It keeps lumps out and ensures the mixture blends smoothly, giving the finished sponge a consistent texture.
→ How can I tell if the sponge is done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and the sponge should spring back when gently pressed.

Madeleine sponge base

A soft, airy madeleine sponge base made for intricate cakes or layered desserts. A professional approach to elevate your baking.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 1 Servings (One 20x30cm sheet)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the base sponge

01 110g of eggs (about 2 eggs)
02 100g of melted butter
03 2g of baking powder
04 100g of sugar
05 100g of all-purpose flour (Type T55)
06 A pinch of salt

→ Optional flavors

07 1 whole vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
08 Zest of a lemon, finely grated

Instructions

Step 01

Let the ingredients reach room temperature. Melt the butter ahead of time, letting it cool completely. Set your oven to 200°C and use a convection setting for even baking.

Step 02

Sift the flour along with the baking powder to remove clumps and mix them evenly.

Step 03

Using a mixer on medium speed, whip the eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until slightly thickened. Gradually add the sifted flour and baking powder while mixing, then gently fold in the cooled melted butter and your chosen flavoring.

Step 04

Spread the batter evenly onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, aiming for 5-8mm thickness. Bake for 12-17 minutes until the top has a nice golden shade.

Notes

  1. To make a 22cm round cake, shrink the ingredient amounts by multiplying everything by 0.6
  2. Always let the melted butter cool fully before using it in the batter

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a handheld electric whisk
  • Flexible spatula (also called a maryse)
  • Wide spatula
  • Non-stick baking paper or silicone baking mat

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs
  • Dairy products
  • Gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 265
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~