If you have a soft spot for delicate, buttery treats with a tropical twist, you are going to adore this Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe. These petite cakes are bursting with the fragrant aroma of pandan and the rich, nutty flavor of coconut, creating a perfect harmony that transports you straight to a sunny Southeast Asian paradise. Baked to golden perfection, each madeleine offers a delightful crisp edge with a moist, tender center—ideal for elevating your teatime or impressing guests with something both elegant and vibrantly unique. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as they are essential, these ingredients come together to create a spectacular balance of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role, from the richness of the butter and eggs to the fragrant kick of pandan and the subtle creaminess of coconut milk and shredded coconut.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, it brings a luscious richness and tender crumb to the madeleines.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden crust.
- Eggs: Provide structure and contribute to the light, airy texture.
- Pandan extract: Infuses the cakes with a unique, aromatic flavor that is the heart of the recipe.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter and gives the madeleines their shape.
- Baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise for that classic madeleine puff.
- Shredded coconut: Adds texture and deepens the tropical notes.
- Coconut milk: Lends moisture and enriches the coconut flavor.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a delicate finish and touch of sweetness once baked.
How to Make Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your madeleine pan with butter or a nonstick spray to ensure your delicate cakes release easily once baked. This small step is key for perfect shaping and crisp edges.
Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. This aerates the batter, helping your madeleines achieve their signature light and tender texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add the pandan extract, coconut milk, and melted butter to your egg mixture. Stir gently until everything is fully combined. These wet ingredients bring moisture and those vibrant flavors that make this dessert truly special.
Step 4: Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to avoid deflating the batter, stirring just until combined for a tender crumb.
Step 5: Add Shredded Coconut
Carefully fold in the shredded coconut, which adds delightful bursts of texture and boosts the coconut flavor with every bite. For an even nuttier note, lightly toast the coconut before adding it to the batter.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into each madeleine mold, filling them about three-quarters full to allow for gentle rising. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the centers spring back when lightly pressed. This ensures a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.
Step 7: Cool and Dust
After baking, let your madeleines cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If desired, finish them off with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful, sweet touch.
How to Serve Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the fragrances, consider a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut or a few fresh pandan leaves for a charming presentation. A light drizzle of coconut cream can also add an indulgent finish that pairs perfectly with the flavors.
Side Dishes
These madeleines shine alongside a cup of fragrant jasmine tea or a delicate green tea, which cut through the sweetness with their soothing, slightly earthy notes. They also make a delightful companion to tropical fruit salads, enhancing the overall exotically fresh experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these lovely green-hued treats on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant high-tea vibe, or stack them on a rustic wooden platter sprinkled with edible flowers for a tropical garden party theme. They also look stunning nestled beside mini jars of homemade coconut jam or pandan butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness—they stay fresh and wonderful for up to two days. Although they taste best the day they are baked, properly stored madeleines are still a treat the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the madeleines in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. This way, they freeze individually without sticking, and last for up to one month.
Reheating
To enjoy the vibrant texture and flavor again, gently reheat frozen or stored madeleines in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the edges tough and chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
What is pandan extract, and where can I find it?
Pandan extract is a fragrant green flavoring made from pandan leaves, popular in Southeast Asian cooking. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or online. It gives the madeleines their unique aroma and vibrant color.
Can I substitute coconut milk with regular milk?
While regular milk can work, using coconut milk truly enhances the tropical flavor and moistness of the madeleines. For the best authentic taste, stick with coconut milk.
How critical is the madeleine pan for this recipe?
The madeleine pan is essential for achieving the characteristic shell shape and texture. While you could bake the batter in muffin tins, you won’t get the signature ridged look or the delicate crisp edges.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs or other egg replacers, use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of butter, and ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
Is it better to toast the shredded coconut before adding it?
Toasting the shredded coconut enhances its nutty flavor and adds a lovely crunch to the madeleines. While optional, it’s highly recommended if you want to intensify the coconut experience.
Final Thoughts
This Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe is a delightful discovery for anyone craving something both familiar and wonderfully exotic. With simple ingredients transforming into irresistible little cakes infused with fragrant pandan and creamy coconut, you’ll find yourself coming back for more. It’s a perfect recipe to impress friends, brighten your day, and celebrate the joy of baking with a uniquely tropical twist. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Pandan Coconut Madeleines Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 madeleines
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, Southeast Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pandan Coconut Madeleines are delicate, soft, and fragrantly infused with pandan and coconut flavors. These petite shell-shaped French cakes get a tropical twist with shredded coconut and creamy coconut milk, making them a perfect fusion dessert that blends Southeast Asian influences with classic French baking traditions.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pandan extract
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
Dry Ingredients
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a madeleine pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened, which helps create a light texture.
- Add Flavorings and Butter: Stir in the pandan extract, coconut milk, and the melted, cooled butter until fully combined, introducing rich coconut and pandan aromas into the batter.
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Fold Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined to avoid overmixing, then gently fold in the shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
- Fill Molds and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine molds, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool and Finish: Let the madeleines cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired to add a subtle sweetness and elegant finish.
Notes
- For a more pronounced coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut lightly before folding it into the batter.
- Store madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- They are best enjoyed the day they are made to savor their maximum softness and fragrance.
