If you’re on the hunt for a treat that brings an irresistible tropical twist to a classic French delight, this Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe is your new best friend. These delicate, shell-shaped cakes boast a velvety texture combined with the fragrant aroma of pandan and the subtle crunch of shredded coconut, delivering a bite that’s as pleasing to the nose as it is to the palate. With an enchanting blend of flavors and just the right hint of sweetness, these madeleines offer a delightful fusion of French baking tradition and Southeast Asian flair that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful synergy of its ingredients. Each element plays a key role, from the fragrant pandan extract infusing vibrant notes, to the butter contributing tender richness, and the shredded coconut offering texture and tropical flavor.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Melted and cooled for a smooth, buttery base that keeps the madeleines tender.
- Large eggs (2): Beaten with sugar to create a light and airy batter, providing structure and lift.
- Granulated sugar (â…“ cup): Adds the just-right sweetness to balance the pandan and coconut.
- Pandan extract (1 tablespoon): The star ingredient, lending an unmistakable fragrant, grassy aroma and lovely green hue.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): The foundation of the cake, giving the madeleines their characteristic crumb.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut (¼ cup): Sprinkles in delightful chewiness and tropical flavor.
- Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): Ensures a gentle rise and light crumb texture.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a dusting that adds a pretty finishing touch and a little extra sweetness.
How to Make Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
Start by whisking your eggs and granulated sugar together in a mixing bowl until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes. This creates a fluffy texture, essential for those perfectly airy madeleines.
Step 2: Add the Pandan Extract
Next, stir in the pandan extract gently. This will fill your kitchen with that sweet, grassy aroma that’s such a delight and will infuse the madeleines with their signature flavor and color.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures the coconut is evenly distributed and helps the baking powder activate properly when folded into the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Fold Dry Ingredients Into Wet Mixture
Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the egg and pandan mixture just until combined—be gentle to maintain that lovely fluffiness. Over-mixing could make the batter dense, which we definitely want to avoid.
Step 5: Add Melted Butter
Finally, fold in the cooled melted butter slowly until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. The butter adds richness while keeping the texture light and tender.
Step 6: Chill the Batter
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least one hour. This chilling step helps the flavors meld and also firms up the batter, which is key for shaping those traditional madeleine shells.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your madeleine pan. Spoon about a tablespoon of batter into each mold, filling them around three-quarters full. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for golden edges and centers that spring back when gently pressed. This signals your madeleines are perfectly baked.
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Allow the madeleines to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to add an elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
How to Serve Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe
Garnishes
These madeleines shine on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely snowy contrast and a hint more sweetness. For an extra special touch, sprinkle toasted shredded coconut on top or serve with a small dollop of whipped cream lightly flavored with pandan or coconut milk.
Side Dishes
Pair your pandan coconut madeleines with a cup of fragrant green tea or a light jasmine tea to complement their delicate floral notes. Fresh tropical fruits like mango or pineapple also make a vibrant, refreshing side that enhances the tropical flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these treats on a banana leaf-lined platter for an authentic touch, or stack them alongside small bowls of coconut custard or pandan-flavored dipping sauces to turn snack time into a festive experience. For a tea party, arrange them with pastel-colored macarons and lilac sprigs to match the madeleines’ delicate elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them fresh by storing the madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within two days to maintain their tender texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the madeleines in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they keep well for up to one month without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or leftover madeleines, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to freshen them up without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.
FAQs
What is pandan extract and where can I find it?
Pandan extract is a fragrant essence made from the leaves of the pandan plant, commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking for its unique sweet and grassy aroma. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or online. Make sure to buy pure pandan extract for the best flavor.
Can I substitute the shredded coconut in this recipe?
Yes, you can use desiccated coconut or even coconut flakes, but shredded coconut gives the best texture with little chewy bites. If you want a stronger coconut flavor, consider adding coconut flour in place of a bit of the all-purpose flour.
Is it necessary to chill the batter?
Chilling the batter isn’t mandatory but is highly recommended. It helps the batter firm up, which leads to better-shaped madeleines with that signature hump and a fine, tender crumb.
Can I make these madeleines dairy-free?
You can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Keep in mind this may slightly change the texture but will still yield delicious results with a coconutty flair.
How long do pandans flavored baked goods typically stay fresh?
Because pandan is a natural flavoring, baked goods like these madeleines are best enjoyed fresh within a couple of days. Beyond that, the moisture and aroma may start to fade, though refrigeration or freezing can help extend their life.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe a whirl, whether you’re looking for a charming snack for afternoon tea or a unique dessert to impress your guests. The enchanting flavors and tender crumb make these madeleines a true celebration of French baking with a tropical twist. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite baked treasures to share and savor.
Print
Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 madeleines
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fragrant Pandan Coconut Madeleines, a perfect fusion of French pastry technique with vibrant Asian flavors. Light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, these bite-sized treats combine the unique aroma of pandan with the tropical texture of shredded coconut, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pandan extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
Optional
- powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Whisk eggs and sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together vigorously until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step creates airiness crucial for the madeleine texture.
- Add pandan extract: Stir in the pandan extract to infuse the batter with its distinct fragrance and flavor, blending it evenly throughout.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, baking powder, and salt, ensuring even distribution of the leavening and coconut texture.
- Fold dry into wet: Gently fold the dry mixture into the egg and pandan blend until just combined to avoid deflating the batter and maintain its lightness.
- Incorporate melted butter: Add the cooled melted butter and fold it smoothly into the batter, ensuring it is fully integrated without overmixing.
- Chill the batter: Cover the batter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; this resting period helps develop flavor and improves the characteristic shape of the madeleines while baking.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a madeleine pan to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Spoon batter into molds: Fill each madeleine mold about three-quarters full with approximately one tablespoon of batter, allowing space for rising.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers spring back when lightly touched, indicating doneness.
- Cool and serve: Let the madeleines cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For a more intense coconut flavor, substitute one tablespoon of the flour with coconut flour or add a small amount of coconut extract alongside pandan extract.
- These madeleines are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
