Lemon Madeleine

This refined dessert unites delicate French baking with Japanese-inspired flavors in a harmonious and elegant presentation. Featuring a fluffy lemon madeleine served warm, paired with creamy matcha ice cream, tart lemon curd, light and airy white chocolate Aero, and crunchy roasted walnuts, this dish delivers complexity, balance, and a luxurious finish to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert offers a delightful contrast of temperatures, textures, and flavors—from the warm citrusy sponge to the cold, earthy matcha ice cream, complemented by zesty lemon curd and sweet, crunchy accents. It’s a beautiful showcase of precision, creativity, and culinary craftsmanship. Perfect for special occasions or fine dining at home, each component is thoughtfully crafted for an indulgent yet balanced treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lemon Madeleine:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

For the Matcha Ice Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon matcha powder
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Curd:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the White Chocolate Aero:

• 100g white chocolate
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

For the Roasted Walnuts:

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions

For the Lemon Madeleine:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a madeleine pan by greasing and lightly flouring it.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar, lemon zest, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg, melted butter, and lemon juice.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 8–10 minutes until puffed and golden.
6. Allow to cool slightly before removing.

For the Matcha Ice Cream:

1. Warm the cream and milk in a saucepan (do not boil).
2. Whisk sugar, egg yolks, and matcha powder in a bowl until smooth.
3. Slowly whisk the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture.
4. Return to the saucepan and stir over low heat until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
5. Stir in vanilla, cool, and churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions.

For the Lemon Curd:

1. In a saucepan, combine eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thick (about 10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth. Cool completely.

For the White Chocolate Aero:

1. Melt white chocolate gently in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
2. Stir in baking soda and mix until light and airy.
3. Cool slightly and spread thinly on parchment. Allow to set and break into pieces.

For the Roasted Walnuts:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss walnuts with sugar and bake for 10 minutes, stirring halfway. Let cool.

Assembly

1. Place a warm lemon madeleine on each serving plate.
2. Add a scoop of matcha ice cream next to the madeleine.
3. Drizzle the plate with lemon curd.
4. Garnish with white chocolate aero shards and roasted walnuts.
5. Optionally, add a mint sprig or edible flowers for a refined finish.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the interplay of warm, cold, soft, crisp, sweet, and tart.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400 kcal per serving

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Omit walnuts or use toasted coconut flakes for crunch.
• Dark Chocolate Aero: Use dark chocolate for a richer contrast to the lemon and matcha.
• Berry Addition: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries as an extra garnish.
• Citrus Swap: Substitute yuzu or lime in the curd for a different citrus profile.
• Basil Oil Drizzle: Add a drop of herb oil on the plate for a modern flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Madeleines: Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1 day. Warm slightly before serving.
• Ice Cream: Store in the freezer for up to 1 week.
• Lemon Curd: Keep in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
• Walnuts: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
• White Chocolate Aero: Keep in a cool, dry place and serve at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Yes, but homemade lemon curd adds a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

What is matcha and where can I buy it?

Matcha is powdered green tea, available in most grocery stores or online. Use culinary-grade for desserts.

Can I make the components ahead of time?

Yes. The ice cream, curd, and walnuts can be made a day in advance. Madeleines are best baked fresh.

Do I need a madeleine pan?

For the traditional shell shape, yes. If unavailable, use a mini muffin tin as a substitute.

How do I know when the madeleines are done?

They should be golden at the edges and spring back when lightly touched.

Is baking soda safe in the Aero chocolate?

Yes, in small amounts it creates airiness. Ensure it’s fully incorporated and the chocolate is not overheated.

Can I use other nuts?

Pecans or almonds also work well for this recipe.

How do I prevent my curd from curdling?

Use low heat and stir constantly. Strain if needed for a silky texture.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

No, but it can be adapted using gluten-free flour for the madeleines.

What’s a good wine or drink pairing?

A light dessert wine, jasmine tea, or sparkling water with lemon pairs well.

Conclusion

Lemon Madeleine with Matcha Ice Cream, Lemon Curd, White Chocolate Aero, and Roasted Walnuts is a beautifully crafted dessert that marries elegance with comfort. Every component contributes to a refined balance of textures and flavors—from tart lemon and creamy green tea to the crunch of nuts and airy chocolate. It’s a stunning finale to any meal that celebrates both creativity and classic technique.

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