There’s a certain kind of magic in baking Lemon Poppy Seed Madeleines. These golden, buttery cakes with a bright lemon zest and a delicate crunch from poppy seeds are everything summer desserts should be—light, flavorful, and impossible to eat just one. Whether you’re new to madeleines or a seasoned baker, this recipe for Lemon Poppy Seed Madeleines will become a favorite.
I was first inspired to create this version of Lemon Poppy Seed Madeleines after trying a slice of lemon poppy seed cake at a sunny weekend market. The fresh flavor stayed with me, and I knew it had to be recreated in a bite-sized form. With a few simple tweaks, these classic French treats transformed into citrusy perfection.
🌞 Why You’ll Adore These Lemon Poppy Seed Madeleines
- Each bite of these Lemon Poppy Seed Madeleines bursts with natural citrus flavor.
- Poppy seeds add texture that elevates the traditional madeleine into something unique.
- They’re ideal for summer brunches, afternoon tea, or gifting.
- The batter comes together quickly—no fancy techniques needed.
Looking for more citrus inspiration? Don’t miss our Lemon Layer Cake or Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Madeleines:
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, slightly cooled)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
⏰ Timing Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Pan
Brush a Madeleine pan with melted butter and dust with flour. Chill the pan in the fridge to help the cakes keep their shape.
2. Whip the Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and pale—about 5 minutes. This creates the airy texture we want.
3. Add Flavor
Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour and baking powder. Add the poppy seeds and fold gently until just combined.
5. Add Melted Butter
Drizzle in the butter slowly while folding gently. The batter will become smooth and silky.
6. Chill the Batter
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step helps the Madeleines rise beautifully.
7. Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the batter into the molds, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and springy.
8. Cool and Glaze
Let them cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice into a glaze and drizzle over the cooled cakes.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Madeleines
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Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant flavor.
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Don’t skip the chilling step—it gives the Madeleines their signature hump.
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Make them ahead: Freeze unglazed Madeleines for up to a month.
Craving more soft, flavorful cakes? Try our Classic Vanilla Cake or Moist Chocolate Cake.
🍽️ How to Serve
Serve these Madeleines with:
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Iced tea or herbal lemonade
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A dollop of lemon curd
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Fresh berries and cream
For a themed dessert table, pair them with Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes or Raspberry Cheesecake Bars.
🧊 Storage Tips
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
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Refrigerate if glazed, and let them come to room temp before serving.
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Freeze without glaze in a single layer, then store in a zip-top bag.
🔁 Variations to Try
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Lavender Madeleines: Swap poppy seeds for culinary lavender.
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Orange Glaze: Replace lemon juice with orange for a warmer citrus note.
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Almond Twist: Add a touch of almond extract to the batter.
For more creative twists, don’t miss our Blueberry Banana Nut Bread or Cheesy Sausage Biscuits for a savory switch-up.
🗣️ Let’s Chat!
Have you baked these Lemon Poppy Seed Madeleines? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on Instagram with #SofyaRecipes. We love seeing your kitchen creations!