Greasing A Madeleine Pan: A Quick Guide

Greasing a madeleine pan is an important step in the baking process. While non-stick pans are available, it is still recommended to grease the pan to ensure the madeleines do not stick. There are several methods to grease a madeleine pan, including using butter or shortening with flour, butter with sugar, non-stick cooking spray, or foil/parchment paper.

One traditional method is to use butter or shortening with flour. This involves using a paper towel to wipe the butter or shortening around the pan, adding flour, and then rotating and tapping the pan to ensure all greased surfaces are covered. Another method is to use butter with sugar, which can add a nice crunch to the outside of the madeleine. Non-stick cooking spray is an easy and effective option, and foil or parchment paper can also be used to line the pan before spraying with non-stick cooking spray.

It is also important to note that even if using a non-stick pan, it is recommended to grease the pan to ensure the madeleines release easily.

Using butter or shortening

If you're using a silicone pan, you should still grease and dust as recommended for regular pans. If you have a mini muffin pan, you should grease and dust the wells with either flour or cocoa, even if the pan is non-stick. This will ensure the madeleines release easily after baking.

If you're using a mini tart pan, you can grease the pans, dust them with flour or cocoa if desired, then place the empty tart pans on a baking sheet and chill for at least 10 minutes in the freezer.

If you're using freestanding cupcake papers, you can grease the papers lightly with non-stick spray after opening the pleats of the papers at opposite sides, turning them into a diamond shape. Place the opened papers on a baking sheet and grease lightly with non-stick spray.

Using butter and sugar

Greasing a pan with butter and sugar is a traditional method that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a foolproof method that ensures your baked goods don't stick to the pan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grease a madeleine pan with butter and sugar:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

You will need butter, sugar, and a madeleine pan. The amount of butter and sugar will depend on the size of your pan and your personal preference. You will also need a paper towel or a pastry brush for spreading the butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter

Cut the butter into small pieces or melt it until it is soft enough to spread easily. If you are using a stick of butter, you can simply run it around the pan, bottom, and sides.

Step 3: Apply Butter to the Pan

Use a paper towel or a pastry brush to spread the butter evenly across the entire surface of the madeleine pan, making sure to cover all the grooves and ridges. Be generous with the butter to ensure that your madeleines don't stick.

Step 4: Add Sugar to the Pan

Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the buttered surface of the pan. You can use granulated sugar or confectioner's sugar, depending on your preference. Rotate and tap the pan to ensure that the sugar covers all the greased areas.

Step 5: Remove Excess Sugar

Once the pan is coated with sugar, turn it upside down over the sink or a trash can and gently tap it to remove any excess sugar. You don't want a thick layer of sugar, just enough to create a non-stick surface.

Step 6: Optional - Chill the Pan

At this point, you can place the prepared pan in the refrigerator to chill for a few minutes. This step is optional but can help the butter and sugar set and create an even more effective non-stick coating.

Step 7: Bake Your Madeleines

Your madeleine pan is now ready to be used! Simply fill the moulds with your batter and bake according to your recipe instructions. The butter and sugar coating will help create a crispy, golden crust on your madeleines and ensure that they release easily from the pan.

Remember to allow your madeleines to cool slightly before removing them from the pan, and enjoy your freshly baked treats!

Using non-stick cooking spray

If you do choose to use a non-stick cooking spray, be sure to select one that does not contain lecithin or other chemical propellants. Additionally, always spray the food with the cooking spray before placing it in the pan, rather than spraying the pan directly. This will help to avoid any potential damage to the non-stick coating.

When using a non-stick cooking spray, follow these steps:

• Ensure your Madeleine pan is made of non-stick material.
• Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
• Hold the cooking spray can about 6 to 8 inches away from the pan and spray evenly across the surface.
• Use a paper towel or pastry brush to spread the spray evenly and ensure full coverage.
• Allow the spray to dry for a few minutes before adding your batter.

It is worth noting that some bakers prefer other methods of greasing their Madeleine pans, such as brushing melted butter or a mixture of melted butter and flour. These alternatives may enhance the flavour of the Madeleines, but non-stick cooking spray offers a convenient and mess-free option.

Using foil or parchment

Step 1: Choose Your Lining Material

You can use either foil or parchment paper for this task. Foil is great if you want something that hugs the pan and is easy to shape. Parchment paper, on the other hand, is non-stick and doesn't require greasing, making it a convenient option. Choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Step 2: Prepare the Foil or Parchment Paper

If you're using foil, cut a piece that is slightly larger than the pan to allow for some overhang. This overhang will come in handy when you need to lift the madeleines out of the pan. If you're using parchment paper, you can crumple it into a ball and then flatten it out before placing it in the pan. This helps prevent the paper from rolling back up.

Step 3: Line the Pan

Press the foil or parchment paper firmly into the pan, making sure it fits snugly. For foil, you can form it to the bottom edges and wrap the excess over the sides to secure it in place. If using parchment paper, simply ensure it covers the entire surface of the pan.

Step 4: Grease the Lining (Optional)

If you're using foil, it's a good idea to grease it with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure that your madeleines don't stick to the foil. However, if you're using parchment paper, greasing is typically not necessary since it's already non-stick.

Step 5: Bake as Usual

Once your pan is lined and greased, you can proceed with your madeleine recipe as usual. The foil or parchment paper will help ensure that your madeleines release easily from the pan and that cleanup is a breeze!

Remember, it's always a good idea to have some overhang when using foil or parchment paper so that you can easily lift the entire batch of madeleines out of the pan. Happy baking!

Using a pastry brush

Greasing a madeleine pan with a pastry brush is a simple process. First, ensure that the butter is very soft, but not melted. Next, use the pastry brush to apply the butter generously to each cavity of the madeleine pan. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the shell-shaped pan.

After greasing the pan, it is important to lightly dust the pan with flour. This will help ensure that the madeleines do not stick to the pan. Tap the edges of the pan on your countertop to ensure that the flour covers the butter evenly. Then, turn the pan upside down over your sink or a work surface and tap out any excess flour.

Chilling the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes before baking will help create the signature bump in the centre of the madeleines. This is caused by the temperature contrast between the cold pan and the hot oven.

When you are ready to bake, portion the batter into the wells of the prepared pan and bake according to your recipe instructions. Remember to keep an eye on your madeleines as they bake to avoid overbaking.

Finally, use an offset spatula or a dull knife to loosen the madeleines from the pan as soon as you remove them from the oven. Madeleines are notorious for sticking if you wait too long!

Frequently asked questions