My Madeleine Pans (and some other options)
I call myself a “Type B” baker—I measure some things by heart, my recipes aren’t overly fussy, and I’m always happy to cut a corner when I can. But when it comes to madeleines, there are a few things I simply won’t skip: chilling the batter, properly preparing the pan, freezing the filled pan before baking—and, perhaps most importantly, using the proper madeleine pan. In my mind, you simply must have the madeleine pan (or two!).
Technically, you can make madeleines in a cupcake or muffin pan, but you’ll miss that iconic little shell shape (though you may still get the coveted humps!). And while I’ve been known to bake madeleines in actual seashells—a story for another day, and probably a technique worthy of its own conversation—today, let’s talk about the pans you can easily keep in your kitchen.
I’m a big believer in metal madeleine pans, especially for beginners. A good metal pan can make a noticeable difference in achieving that beautiful shell shape and those delicate, golden edges that give a madeleine its signature texture. I don’t personally bake with silicone yet, but there are certainly benefits to it, so I’ve included a silicone option as well.
Ultimately, any of these pans can get you well on your way to becoming the Madeleine Girl in your friend group. And honestly, I can’t think of a better reputation to have.
Metal Madeleine Pans
Metal madeleines pans really help one consistently achieve all the iconic things we love about a Madeleine - the texture, yes, but the shell shape and the iconic hump!
Here is the less expensive pans that helped me fall in love with madeleines, the beautiful pans that I keep on my kitchen counter, and a more decorative shape that I’d love to have.
Silicone Madeleine Molds
I’ve seen some of the most sophisticated pastry chefs I know use silicone madeleine molds—and for good reason! Silicone has its own flexibilities (pun intended), and in my opinion, it can make baking feel even more effortless. It also makes coating your madeleines with a decorative chocolate shell especially easy since they release so cleanly from the mold. Just remember that silicone doesn’t conduct heat like metal, so you’ll likely need a slightly higher temperature and a longer baking time to achieve the same golden edges and texture.
You should know…
Whichever pan you choose, the goal is the same: a beautiful little madeleine that makes baking (and life!) feel fun, joyful, and worth sharing. Consider this your first step toward becoming the Madeleine Girl in your own kitchen. You can find many madeleine recipes on my blog!
