Lemon and polenta drizzle cake

Name: Lemon and polenta drizzle cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 54 min
Ingredients: 150 g (1 stick) butter, melted; 125 g (1 cup) plain or all-purpose flour, (plus extra for dusting); 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 50 g (⅓ cup) polenta/cornmeal; a pinch of salt; 2 eggs (beaten); 125 g (⅔ cup) caster/superfine sugar; zest of ½ lemon and juice of 2; 3 tbsp granulated white sugar

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I have always been fascinated by the shape of these little treats called madeleine. I always also loved the name and when I’ve found this recipe in the last baking book that I’ve bought, I obviously needed to try it.

An interesting thing in these little lemon cakes is the addition of polenta, which gives such a lovely texture.

You can try them with the lemon sugar glaze, but also without it are absolutely delicious and you can even go for a fragrant twist by adding some fresh rosemary.

Lemon and polenta drizzle cake

Little lemony treats with a lovely texture perfect for any time of the day.

Check out this recipe

My madeleine pan has the holes not so profound and my first try was not really perfect as I’ve filled the holes with too much batter and everything came out. I cannot call it a failed experiment because we have devoured them regardless but is better to put just the enough quantity of batter inside each hole so that you can have the cute shape of the madeleines.

My not so perfect first try. I needed to cut out the little madeleine as they were all hugging each other.

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Now let’s start baking.

Ingredients for 12 pieces (or more based on your madeleine pan)

150 g (1 stick) butter, melted
125 g (1 cup) plain or all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
50 g (⅓ cup) polenta/cornmeal
a pinch of salt
2 eggs, beaten
125 g (⅔ cup) caster/superfine sugar
zest of ½ lemon and juice of 2
3 tablespoons granulated white sugar

Step-by-step Directions:

Brush melted butter on the inside of a madeleine pan moulds so that they are thoroughly and well greased. Dust the pan with a little flour and tip out any excess. Chill in the fridge.

Sift the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add the polenta and salt, mix together and set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk the beaten eggs with the caster/superfine sugar for about 5 minutes until the mixture has thickened and doubled in volume, this you can do it in a stand mixer or using a handheld electric whisk. Add the lemon zest and one quarter of the juice to the mixture.

Using a large spoon, fold carefully the sifted dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Pour the melted butter around the edge of the mixture and fold in.

Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 190º C (375ºF).

Divide the batter between the holes in the chilled pan and bake on the middle shelf of the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes until well risen and golden.

Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 1 few minutes, then carefully turn out onto a wire rack suspended over a baking sheet or piece of baking parchment.

Add the granulated white sugar to the remaining lemon juice and mix to combine, but do not allow the sugar to dissolve. Spoon the lemony sugar mix slowly over the top of the warm madeleines, the baking sheet or parchment will catch any drips.

Or instead of the lemony sugar mix, I have also tried to drizzle a little bit of Cointreau on top of the warm madeleine and I loved the additional kick.

Leave until completely cold before serving.

Madeleines are best eaten on the day they are made.

Recipe inspiration from “Afternoon tea at home” by Will Torrent.