Quick answer: To store madeleines, let them cool completely and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 4 days; avoid the fridge, which dries them out. To keep them longer, wrap each one and freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature.
This post is a part of my Madeleine series in tribute to this iconic French pastry and all that it means, from its fascinating history, choosing the right pan, and all the secrets of authentic madeleine hump, you name it!
Who doesn't love buttery madeleines? These little French cakes are perfect for any occasion, but sometimes you might wonder how to store them so they stay fresh.
I have all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your madeleines always taste their best. And if you want to make a big batch ahead of time, don't worry, I will show you how to freeze them too.
After learning all the ingredients and techniques, you want your madeleines to last at least a few days.
The proper molds can make all the difference in how good these little cakes look. Of course, I'm talking about that humpy hump.
How to store madeleines
Madeleines are best served warm, right out of the oven. Nothing beats these little cakes dipped in Earl Grey tea like Marcel Proust.
Interestingly, some people find madeleines are better the day after baking, but they risk drying out. So what is the best way to store your baked goods to prolong their shelf life?
Store madeleines in an airtight glass container, which is better than a plastic one since the latter tends to soften the pastries.
Place a piece of paper towel in the bottom of your box to absorb excess fat from the madeleines. Next, add a few sugar cubes to absorb moisture from the madeleines.
Finally, place your cooled madeleines in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 to 4 days. If you want them longer than that, freeze them.
Can you freeze madeleines?
Yes, you can freeze madeleines, and it is the best way to keep them beyond a few days. Frozen properly, they last up to three months and taste close to fresh once thawed. Madeleines tend to disappear fast, so freezing a batch means you always have a treat on hand.
The key is wrapping them well. Because madeleines are small and buttery, they dry out and pick up freezer burn quickly if left exposed, so each cake needs its own layer of protection before going into the freezer.
How to freeze madeleines
Now you can make your own batch of frozen madeleines. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Pre-freezing madeleines. To prevent sticking, freeze the madeleines individually. Arrange your madeleines on a plate or baking sheet and freeze for about an hour.
Step 2: Freezing madeleines. Remove the madeleines from the freezer and wrap each in plastic wrap. Place individually wrapped madeleines in an airtight container (glass or plastic) or a large Ziploc freezing bag.
Label your container or bag, then store the madeleines at -13°F (-25°C) in the freezer for up to three months. Or store them for up to 3 weeks in the freezer at -0.4°F (-18°C).
To defrost, bring the frozen madeleines to the counter and let them come to room temperature for about a couple of hours. Let them thaw on a rack or the counter rather than in the microwave, which softens them unevenly and spoils the texture.
How long do madeleines last?
Madeleines are at their best the day they are baked, but with the right storage, they keep longer. At room temperature in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 2 to 4 days, though the texture gradually dries out.
In the freezer, madeleines last up to 3 months when wrapped individually and sealed well. Chilling them in the fridge is not recommended, since the cold air tends to dry them out faster than room-temperature storage.
As a rule of thumb, eat them within a day or two for the softest crumb, and freeze any you cannot finish so none go to waste.
Do madeleines need to be refrigerated?
No, plain madeleines do not need to be refrigerated. Room-temperature storage in an airtight container keeps their light, buttery texture better than the fridge, where the cold air dries them out and can dull the flavor.
The exception is madeleines with a perishable filling or topping, such as a cream, custard, or fresh fruit. Keep those in the fridge and eat them within a day. For everyday madeleines, room temperature for a few days or the freezer for longer is the way to go.
How do you keep madeleines fresh longer?
Good storage helps, but a madeleine's freshness starts in the recipe. A few smart ingredient choices keep the crumb soft for longer, so the cakes are more forgiving after a day or two on the counter.
Swap part of the white sugar for honey or inverted sugar. Both hold moisture in the batter, which slows drying and keeps madeleines tender well past the first day. White sugar alone tends to crystallize and firm up faster.
Do not skimp on the butter, either. A good-quality butter with a high fat content gives madeleines their soft, rich texture, and that extra fat helps the cakes stay moist as they sit rather than turning dry and crumbly.
How to revive stale madeleines
If your madeleines have dried out, do not throw them away. A day-old madeleine comes back to life the moment you dip it in hot tea or coffee, which is the classic French way to enjoy one anyway. The warm liquid softens the crumb instantly.
For a quick fix, warm a madeleine in the microwave for five to ten seconds and eat it right away. The softening effect is brief, so this trick works best the moment before serving rather than ahead of time.
Drier madeleines also make a great base for another dessert. Crumble them over yogurt or fruit compote for a fast topping, or use them in place of ladyfingers in a tiramisu or a fruit charlotte, where their dense texture soaks up syrup and holds its shape.
Madeleine recipes
Madeleines are a specialty of France, and you will find them in any French-style bakery that specializes in these delicate sweet cakes. The ones with the perfect texture and flavor are not too difficult to make at home.
First, read all the posts on making perfect madeleines and download the FREE FAQ madeleine guide.
Then choose a madeleine recipe you want to make:
- Classic French madeleines
- Madeleine recipe without a mold
- Madeleine flavors
- Madeleine cake
- Raspberry madeleines (Ispahan)
- Lemon poppy seed madeleines
This post is the last educational post on all things madeleines. Again, be sure to check out the rest of my madeleines page.
FAQ
Can you freeze madeleine batter?
Madeleine batter is delicate, and freezing changes the texture and shape of the cakes. Keep the batter in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours instead; resting it there also helps the signature hump form.
Can you make madeleine batter in advance?
Yes. You can prepare the batter and chill it, covered, for up to two to three days before baking. A rested, cold batter often bakes up with a better hump than freshly mixed batter.
How long do store-bought madeleines last?
Packaged madeleines usually keep for one to two weeks thanks to their sealed wrapping and added preservatives. Once opened, treat them like homemade ones and eat them within a few days.
How do you keep madeleines fresh?
Cool them completely, then store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature with a paper towel underneath to absorb excess butter. For anything beyond a few days, freeze them.
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