Vegan Madeleine Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Fluffy Treats

If you’ve ever savored the delicate, buttery charm of a madeleine, you’ll be delighted to know that you can enjoy this classic French treat in a completely vegan version! Traditional madeleines are known for their tender crumb and signature shell-like shape, often made with eggs and butter.

But fear not—this vegan madeleine recipe swaps out animal products without sacrificing any of that iconic texture or flavor. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply curious about plant-based baking, these light and fluffy cakes offer a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and subtle sweetness, making them an ideal companion to your afternoon tea or coffee.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of creating these charming vegan madeleines from scratch, including tips to get the perfect rise and golden edges. Plus, I’ll share some delightful variations to customize your batch and recommendations for serving.

Ready to impress your friends with a French-inspired vegan treat? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan madeleine recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves French pastries but wants to avoid eggs and dairy. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Light and fluffy texture: Thanks to aquafaba, a natural egg white substitute, these madeleines rise beautifully and have that classic airy crumb.
• Simple ingredients: You won’t need any specialty vegan baking products—just pantry staples like flour, sugar, plant-based milk, and a few key flavorings.
• Quick and easy: The batter comes together in minutes, and baking time is short, making it perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
• Customizable flavors: Add lemon zest, vanilla, or even cocoa powder to tailor these treats to your taste.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy afternoon at home or a fancy brunch, these madeleines fit right in.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as vegetable or melted coconut oil)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for bright flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Equipment

• Madeleine pan (typically shell-shaped, 12-cavity)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve (for flour and baking powder)
• Zester or grater (if using lemon zest)
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients and oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your madeleine pan with oil or vegan butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Whip the aquafaba: In a clean bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the aquafaba until it forms soft peaks, about 3-5 minutes. This mimics the fluffy texture of whipped egg whites.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. Mix wet ingredients: In a third bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and well combined.
5. Incorporate dry into wet: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be gentle to avoid deflating the batter.
6. Fold in aquafaba: Carefully fold the whipped aquafaba into the batter. This step is crucial for a light texture. Mix just until no white streaks remain.
7. Fill the madeleine pan: Spoon the batter into each cavity, filling about 3/4 full. Avoid overfilling as the batter will expand.
8. Bake until golden: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the madeleines are puffed and golden brown around the edges.
9. Cool and release: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 2 minutes. Carefully tap the pan or use a knife to loosen each madeleine, then transfer to a cooling rack.
10. Optional dusting: Once cool, dust with powdered sugar for a classic finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, make sure your aquafaba is whipped until soft peaks form—it’s the secret to that classic madeleine fluff!”

• Flavor swaps: Try adding 1 teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist. Alternatively, fold in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for chocolate madeleines.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be mindful of texture differences.
• Oil alternatives: Melted coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor, while avocado oil keeps it neutral.
• Storage: Store madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Serving warm: These madeleines are divine slightly warm. Pop them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan madeleines are incredibly versatile and complement many occasions beautifully. Here are some serving ideas:

• Enjoy with a hot cup of green tea or your favorite coffee for a comforting afternoon break.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit and a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a light dessert.
• Pair with vegan jams or citrus curds for added zing.
• Include them on a brunch spread with other delights like vegan scones or muffins.

For more delicious vegan baked goods, be sure to check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves. If you love creamy sauces, try the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to elevate your meals.

Conclusion

This vegan madeleine recipe shows that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create light, flavorful, and elegant treats. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of aquafaba, you can bake these charming little cakes that rival the traditional French original.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just exploring plant-based desserts, these madeleines are a delightful addition to your repertoire. Their tender crumb and subtle citrus notes make them perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a personal indulgence.

Don’t forget to experiment with flavors and serve them alongside your favorite beverages or spreads. Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of these vegan French classics!

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