Fleur De Lis Black Sesame Madeleines are a sophisticated fusion of French tradition and modern flavor. These tender, shell-shaped sponge cakes are delicately infused with black sesame, offering a deep nutty complexity. Each madeleine is elegantly dipped in white and emerald green chocolate, then adorned with edible gold flakes—making them a stunning centerpiece for afternoon tea, luxurious gifting, or celebratory dessert tables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant appearance: The madeleine’s iconic shell shape becomes a canvas for artistic chocolate decoration.
- Rich sesame flavor: Black sesame adds a unique, roasted nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with sweet chocolate.
- Balanced texture: Crisp golden edges and a soft, sponge-like interior offer perfect bite consistency.
- Eye-catching colors: White and green chocolate coatings with gold flakes create a luxe presentation.
- Versatile occasion bake: Ideal for weddings, holidays, or high tea.
- Make-ahead friendly: Batter can be prepared in advance for convenience.
- No mixer required: Simple ingredients and minimal equipment.
- French inspiration with Asian flair: A creative spin on a beloved pâtisserie.
- Small-batch perfection: Makes just enough for intimate gatherings or elegant platters.
- Refined yet accessible: Great for both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Madeleines:
- unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- granulated sugar
- large eggs (room temperature)
- vanilla extract
- all-purpose flour
- black sesame powder (finely ground toasted seeds)
- baking powder
- salt
For the Coating:
- white chocolate, melted
- dark green candy melts or white chocolate tinted with matcha or food coloring
- edible gold leaf or gold flakes, for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy (approximately 3 minutes).
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, black sesame powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture.
- Add the cooled melted butter and fold until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Cover and chill the batter for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Bake the Madeleines:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease and lightly flour a madeleine pan.
- Spoon the batter into the molds, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden at the edges and springy in the center.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Decorate:
- Dip the ridged side of each cooled madeleine halfway into the melted white or green chocolate.
- Place them on parchment paper and garnish with gold flakes while the chocolate is still wet.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature or briefly chill to speed up the process.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 madeleines
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per madeleine
Variations
- Flavor swap: Use matcha or hojicha powder in place of black sesame for different tea-infused options.
- Lemon twist: Add lemon zest for a bright contrast to the nutty base.
- Chocolate core: Insert a drop of white or dark chocolate into the center of each mold before baking.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Simple glaze: Instead of chocolate, brush with a black sesame sugar glaze.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: If chocolate-coated, refrigerate to preserve decoration (best served at room temperature).
- Freezing: Freeze uncoated madeleines for up to 1 month. Thaw and decorate fresh.
- Reheating: Avoid reheating once coated. Plain madeleines can be lightly warmed in the oven for a fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
What is the texture of a madeleine supposed to be like?
Madeleines should have a tender crumb inside with slightly crisp, golden edges.
Why chill the batter before baking?
Chilling helps create the classic “hump” and results in better texture.
Can I use store-bought black sesame powder?
Yes, but ensure it’s finely ground and unsweetened for best results.
What type of chocolate works best for coating?
Use high-quality white chocolate or candy melts for smoother coverage and better set.
Can I make these without a madeleine pan?
You can use mini muffin pans, but you’ll lose the shell shape and texture.
How do I apply edible gold leaf?
Use tweezers or a damp brush and apply gently while chocolate is still tacky.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the batter overnight before baking.
What is the best way to color white chocolate?
Use oil-based food coloring or gel coloring designed for chocolate.
Are these best served warm or cooled?
Serve fully cooled to allow the chocolate to set and flavors to develop.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and bake in batches to maintain consistency.
Conclusion
Fleur De Lis Black Sesame Madeleines are an exquisite treat that blends refined French baking with the unique depth of black sesame. With their luxurious chocolate finish and striking gold accents, these madeleines are more than just cookies—they’re edible art. Ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to something exceptional, this recipe invites you to experience the elegance of pâtisserie in your own kitchen.
PrintFleur De Lis Black Sesame Madeleines
These exquisite madeleines are infused with the nutty richness of black sesame and dipped in silky white and emerald green chocolate, finished with delicate flecks of edible gold. With their elegant shell shape and tender sponge texture, they are the perfect fusion of French pâtisserie and modern artistry.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 madeleines 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp black sesame powder (finely ground toasted seeds)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
- 1/2 cup dark green candy melts or white chocolate tinted with matcha or food coloring
- Edible gold leaf or gold flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add vanilla and mix in.
- Sift together flour, black sesame powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture.
- Fold in melted butter until smooth and incorporated.
- Chill batter for at least 1 hour (or overnight) for best results.
- Bake the Madeleines: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a madeleine pan.
- Spoon batter into the molds, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers spring back when touched.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Decorate: Dip the ridged side of each madeleine halfway into melted white or green chocolate.
- Place on parchment and top with edible gold flakes before chocolate sets.
- Let chocolate harden at room temperature or chill briefly to set faster.
Notes
- Chilling the batter helps create the classic madeleine hump.
- Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the pan with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Customize the color of the chocolate coating to match different themes or occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 madeleine
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg