Pretty Little English Madeleine Cakes (Low-Carb, Gluten-Free)

Pretty Little English Madeleine Cakes
Pretty Little English Madeleine Cakes

Craving a sweet treat without the carbs? These Pretty Little English Madeleine Cakes are the perfect solution! 🧁💖 Soft, delicate, and light, they’re a dream come true for anyone following a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle. With the gentle fragrance of vanilla and almond, these madeleines melt in your mouth—perfect for tea time, dessert, or even a sneaky midday snack.

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Overview of Recipe Content

These madeleine cakes are everything we adore about French pastries—with a clever twist. We’re swapping out refined sugar and flour for wholesome, low-carb ingredients, without sacrificing flavor or that signature shell-like shape.

Why You’ll Love Them:

  • Keto and gluten-free friendly.
  • Quick and easy to whip up.
  • Light, buttery texture with a heavenly aroma.
  • Perfect for brunch, high tea, or guilt-free indulgence.

Flavor Profile:

Soft, airy, and subtly sweet with hints of vanilla and almond. The edges are just the slightest bit crisp—like they kissed a warm pan—and the insides stay tender.

Seasonal and Health Highlights:

These beauties are naturally gluten-free and made with low-glycemic sweeteners, perfect for springtime tea parties or cozy winter baking.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond flour 🥜
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour 🥥
  • 1/4 cup erythritol (or your favorite low-carb sweetener) 🍬
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs 🥚
  • 1/4 cup melted butter 🧈
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional but highly recommended!) 🌰

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Madeleine pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack

Substitutions & Additions:

  • No almond extract? Double up the vanilla or try a splash of lemon zest.
  • Dairy-free? Use melted coconut oil or plant-based butter.
  • Want a chocolate version? Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder and a handful of sugar-free mini chips.

How to Make Pretty Little English Madeleine Cakes

Let’s make magic! 🌟

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your madeleine pan generously—those signature ridges deserve the royal treatment.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Blend wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then whisk in melted butter, vanilla, and almond extract.
  4. Combine: Gently stir the wet mixture into the dry until you get a smooth batter. It’ll be a bit thicker than traditional cake batter, and that’s perfect.
  5. Spoon into pan: Scoop about a tablespoon into each madeleine mold. Don’t overfill—these little ones rise like champs.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely on a rack before serving—or sneak one warm. I won’t tell. 😉

What to Serve with Pretty Little English Madeleine Cakes

These dainty cakes pair beautifully with:

  • A pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea ☕
  • A dollop of unsweetened whipped cream
  • Fresh berries for color and tartness
  • Light vanilla glaze or dusting of powdered erythritol

You can even use them to garnish a scoop of Protein Cookie Dough or tuck beside a serving of Low-Carb Strawberry Shortcake for dessert boards!

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Room temp eggs = better texture.
  • Melt the butter but let it cool a bit before adding it to the eggs.
  • Don’t overmix—gentle folds keep them light.
  • Chill the batter for 10 minutes before spooning into molds for a fluffier rise.

Storage Instructions

These keep wonderfully!

  • Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Fridge: Stays fresh for 5–6 days (just warm slightly before serving).
  • Freeze: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp or microwave 10 seconds.

General Information

Madeleines originated in France but are loved all over the world. This low-carb version brings that classic shell-shaped beauty to keto and gluten-free kitchens—without compromising taste or tradition. Whether you’re sharing at brunch or keeping a secret stash in your cookie jar (ahem, like me), these are a keeper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use just almond flour?
Yes! Replace the coconut flour with 1/4 cup more almond flour, but they may be a little denser.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based butter or coconut oil.

Do I need a madeleine pan?
It’s best for that iconic shape, but a mini muffin tin works in a pinch.

Can I use monk fruit instead of erythritol?
Yes, in the same amount. Just adjust to taste.

How do I keep them moist?
Don’t overbake and store in a sealed container.

Conclusion

These Pretty Little English Madeleine Cakes are your new go-to for elegant, low-carb indulgence. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing your brunch crowd, they bring comfort, beauty, and flavor in one fluffy bite.

Love almond flour desserts? Try my other faves:

Thank you for baking with me! 💗

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information

NutrientAmount (per cake)
Calories110
Fat9g
Saturated Fat3g
Carbs3g (Net)
Fiber1g
Protein3g
Sugar0g
Sodium70mg
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Pretty Little English Madeleine Cakes (Low-Carb, Gluten-Free)


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cakes 1x

Description

These soft, buttery English madeleine cakes are made low-carb and gluten-free with almond flour, coconut flour, and natural sweetener. Perfect for tea time or a light dessert, they offer all the flavor and charm of traditional madeleines with none of the guilt.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup almond flour

1/4 cup coconut flour

1/4 cup erythritol or preferred low-carb sweetener

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1/4 cup melted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease madeleine pan well.

2. Whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, then add melted butter, vanilla, and almond extract.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.

5. Spoon 1 tbsp batter into each madeleine mold, smoothing tops lightly.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden on the edges and toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool on wire rack before serving.

Notes

For a citrusy twist, add 1 tsp lemon zest.

Chill the batter for 10 minutes for extra fluff.

Freeze extras in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cake
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 0
  • Sodium: 70
  • Fat: 9
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 3
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 3
  • Cholesterol: 45
Product Image

26-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set

A versatile set of mixing bowls with airtight lids and non-slip bottoms. Includes 3 grater attachments for added convenience in the kitchen!

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I’m Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!. Let’s be friends!