Madeleine molds are key to making perfect madeleines, the famous shell-shaped cakes loved in France. These little cakes, known for their soft texture and golden edges, have a long history in French baking. The right madeleine mold helps the batter rise properly, creating the cake’s signature “hump” and smooth texture.
With quality molds, whether metal, silicone, or non-stick, home bakers can easily make bakery-quality madeleines in their own kitchens, bringing a touch of French tradition to every batch. To get that classic look and flavor, it’s important to pick the right mold. So we’ve gathered the top options to help you choose the perfect Madeleine trays for your needs.
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Our Top Pick
Best Set:
Beasea 3 Pack Madeleine Pans
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Best Budget:
Bellemain Madeleine Pan
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Best Material:
Chicago Metallic Madeleine Pan
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Best Overall:
Kitchen Craft Madeleine tray
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Best Durable
USA Pan Bakeware Madeleine Pan
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Best Mini:
ChefMade Oval Shell Madeline Bakeware
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Best Carbon Steel:
Fox Run Non-Stick Madeleine Pan
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Madeleine Pan reviews:
Beasea 3 Pack Madeleine Pans
The Beasea 3 unique shaped Pack Madeleine Pans are a fantastic pick if you’re looking for different shapes of madeleine molds to elevate your baking. Made from high-quality carbon steel, these molds are not only durable but designed to help you bake delicious, beautifully shaped madeleines every time. The carbon steel construction provides even heat distribution, so your madeleines bake consistently without burning. Each pan in this set has six wells, offering three unique designs: banana, shell, and a cute cat paw donut pan shape giving you fun and variety for every batch. Is size is also best for countryside or backpaking cookware.
One of the standout features is the non-stick coating, which makes releasing your madeleines easy and keeps cleanup quick and simple. The seamless, roll-up edge design also ensures there are no sharp edges, making it safer and easier to handle. These high-quality madeleine molds are perfect for home bakers, whether you’re making treats for family dinners, parties, or just for fun. The Beasea 3 Pack Madeleine Pans are designed with versatility, so they’re suitable for both everyday baking and special occasions.
Pros
- Durable carbon steel material for even baking
- Non-stick coating for easy release and cleanup
- Three unique shapes for creative baking
Cons
- Only six wells per pan, which may require multiple batches
- Some may prefer traditional scallop shapes only
Bellemain Madeleine Pan
The Bellemain Madeleine Pan stands out as one of the best madeleine molds for creating perfect French treats at home. Crafted from heavy-duty carbon steel, this durable madeleine mold ensures even heat distribution, helping you achieve golden, tender cakes every time. Its non-stick coating is a game-changer, making it easy to release each delicate madeleine without sticking or breaking a feature especially helpful for beginners.
The 12-shell design lets you bake a dozen madeleines in one batch, making it both efficient and practical for home bakers. The pan’s compact design is ideal for smaller kitchens, but keep in mind it lacks a hanging hole for storage and doesn’t have side handles, so you’ll need to use oven mitts for safe handling.
Overall, the Bellemain Madeleine baking tray offers quality and convenience at an affordable price, making it a top choice for both novice and seasoned bakers who want professional results. If you’re looking for high-quality madeleine molds for home baking, this is a smart pick.
Pros
- Heavy-duty carbon steel for even baking
- Reliable non-stick coating for easy release
- Holds 12 madeleines per batch
Cons
- No hanging hole for storage
- Lacks side handles, requiring oven mitts
Chicago Metallic Madeleine Pan
The Chicago Metallic Madeleine Pan is a top choice for anyone looking to bake madeleines at home. This high-quality madeleine mold, crafted from durable carbon steel, holds 12 traditional shell-shaped cups, ideal for bringing French baking into your kitchen. With its heavy-weight aluminized steel, this pan offers superior heat conduction, ensuring even baking every time, so each madeleine has a perfect golden hue and soft, buttery texture.
A key feature of this pan is its silicone-based, non-stick coating. This not only makes for easy-release madeleines but also means cleanup is quick and simple, a bonus for busy bakers. The pan is also dishwasher safe, though hand-washing is recommended to extend its life. At 15.75 by 7.75 inches, it’s compact enough for most kitchens while allowing you to bake a dozen treats in one go.
Whether you’re new to madeleines or looking for a reliable pan for your recipes, this Chicago Metallic Professional Madeleine Pan stands out for both quality and performance, making it a must-have for every home baker.
Pros
- High-quality carbon steel for even heat distribution
- Non-stick coating for easy release and cleanup
- Compact, oven-safe, and durable design
Cons
- Non-stick coating may wear with frequent dishwasher use
Kitchen Craft Madeleine tray
The MasterClass Kitchen Craft Madeleine Tray is a must-have for anyone looking to bake perfect madeleines at home. Crafted from durable carbon steel, this high-quality madeleine mold ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked treats. Measuring 27 x 21 cm, it features 24 individual cavities that create bite-sized madeleines, just like those served in top French bakeries.
The tray is coated with Quantum II non-stick for easy release, making it ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike. You’ll never struggle with stuck cakes again, and cleanup is a breeze since it’s dishwasher-safe.
Designed for home baking, this tray excels in creating delicate, golden-brown madeleines with ease. The rolled edges prevent moisture buildup and resist rust, ensuring it lasts through many baking sessions. The shallow shell pattern creates beautiful madeleine shapes, though they are smaller compared to other trays. If you’re planning to bake large batches for a party, you might need to bake more than one round.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this non-stick madeleine mold is perfect for creating traditional French madeleines right in your kitchen.
Pros
- Easy-release, non-stick surface for quick cleanup and smooth baking.
- Durable carbon steel construction ensures long-lasting use.
- Oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for everyday use.
Cons
- Small-sized cavities, requiring multiple batches for larger groups.
- Large sizes may require both hands to handle safely.
USA Pan Bakeware Madeleine Pan
Fan of baking French madeleines? The USA Pan Bakeware Madeleine Pan is a must-have for your kitchen. Made from heavy-duty alloy steel, this pan is designed for even baking, ensuring your madeleines come out perfectly golden every time. The nonstick silicone coating makes the release of baked goods smooth and easy, so you won’t have to worry about your delicate treats sticking. Plus, cleanup is quick and simple just use hot water, mild soap, and a gentle scrub.
This pan is crafted from aluminized steel, making it incredibly durable and reliable, perfect for both home bakers and restaurant kitchens. The Americoat coating promotes a quick release of your madeleines, so you can enjoy them without the hassle of sticking or burnt spots. Although it’s not dishwasher safe, washing by hand is quick and easy.
With 16 wells, this madeleine mold can bake multiple madeleines at once, making it great for larger batches. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or preparing to serve in a café or restaurant, this pan ensures your madeleines come out evenly and beautifully.
Pros
- Even heat distribution for perfectly baked madeleines.
- Nonstick surface for easy release and cleanup.
- Durable and long-lasting construction from aluminumized steel.
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe (requires hand washing).
- A larger size may not fit smaller ovens.
ChefMade Oval Shell Madeline Bakeware
The ChefMade Oval Shell Madeleine Bakeware is a premium option for those looking to bake perfect madeleines at home. Crafted from high-quality carbon steel, this pan provides excellent heat distribution for even baking, ensuring your madeleines come out light and golden every time. The champagne gold color adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen, making it a beautiful addition for any baker.It makes various shapes like heart shaped, oval, spherical, and more.
What makes this madeleine mold stand out is its non-stick coating, allowing your madeleines to slide out easily with minimal effort. It’s also oven-safe, withstanding high temperatures up to 428°F, which means you can bake your delicious treats without worrying about the pan warping. The food-grade silicone coating is a major plus, as it’s safe, non-toxic, and free from harmful chemicals like PTFE and PFOA, ensuring a healthier baking experience.
Perfect for family gatherings, afternoon teas, or even restaurant-style desserts, this madeleine mold makes it easy to create 16 beautiful, shell-shaped madeleines in a single batch. Plus, with its thickened carbon steel and reinforced edges, you get a mold that lasts for years with proper care.
Pros
- Non-stick coating for easy release and cleaning.
- Made from carbon steel for even heat distribution.
- Safe and durable with a sleek champagne gold finish.
Cons
- Hand wash recommended for longer durability.
- Might be slightly larger for smaller kitchen spaces.
Fox Run Non-Stick Madeleine Pan
If you’re looking to bake perfect French madeleines at home, the Fox Run Non-Stick Madeleine Pan is a fantastic choice. Made from durable carbon steel, this pan features 12 shell-shaped cavities, which are ideal for creating those classic, buttery madeleine cakes. Whether you’re following a traditional baking recipe or trying out a new variation, this pan will help you achieve that golden, perfectly baked result every time.
The non-stick coating ensures that your madeleines slide out of the pan with ease, leaving no mess behind. This makes cleanup quick and simple. The pan is designed with superior heat conduction, allowing the heat to spread evenly across the pan, ensuring each cake bakes evenly without any hot spots. Whether you’re baking tea cakes or soft cookies, this pan will give you great results.
The Fox Run non-stick Madeleine pan is also dishwasher-safe, but for longer-lasting durability, handwashing is recommended. With a generous size of 15.5 x 7.5 x 1 inch, it fits easily into most ovens and is safe up to 445°F (229°C). If you’re serious about baking madeleines or even trying your hand at other French desserts, this pan is a must-have!
Pros
- Non-stick coating makes for easy cake release and cleaning.
- Even heat conduction ensures perfectly baked madeleines every time.
- 12 cavities allow you to bake multiple madeleines at once, saving time.
Cons
- Hand washing recommended to extend the life of the non-stick coating.
- Smaller cavity size may not be ideal for larger batches.
Features to Consider When Buying Madeleine Molds
When choosing the perfect madeleine mold, it’s essential to consider a few factors to ensure you get one that suits your baking needs and enhances your results.
1. Material Quality
Every baker has their own preferred choice when it comes to bakeware material. Some favor traditional metal pans, others prefer the ease of nonstick coatings, and many enjoy the flexibility of silicone molds. If you’re open to trying different types, each offers unique benefits for baking.
- Aluminum and Steel Pans: Metal pans, especially those made from aluminum or steel, provide excellent heat distribution, ensuring even baking. Since madeleines tend to stick, many pans come with a nonstick coating, which often includes silicone or similar materials. Although nonstick coatings can limit the pan’s maximum temperature, madeleines typically bake at 375°F, so this rarely causes any issues. Keep in mind that darker pans can bake faster and may need slightly less time in the oven.
- Silicone Pans: Silicone bakeware offers easy cleanup, as it is often dishwasher-safe, stain-resistant, and rust-proof. It produces evenly baked goods without over-browning, making it perfect for delicate treats like madeleines. However, because silicone doesn’t conduct heat as efficiently, it won’t brown the baked goods’ surface as much. A downside is that silicone molds require a baking sheet for support, can be prone to damage from sharp objects, and are generally more expensive.
- For most bakers, a combination of quality metal and silicone pans can yield fantastic results. Whether you’re looking for a traditional golden-brown finish or an easier release with no sticking, each material brings unique qualities that make baking enjoyable and effective.
2. Non-Stick Coating
A non-stick coating is very useful because it makes baking and cleaning easier.
Easy Release: With non-stick molds, your madeleines will slide out easily without sticking or breaking, helping each one come out just right.
Even Browning: A good non-stick surface helps bake the madeleines evenly, giving them golden edges and keeping their light, buttery taste.
3. Mold Size and Shape
The size and shape of your mold can affect how many madeleines you can bake at once and how they look.
Traditional Shell Shape: Classic shell-shaped molds create the familiar madeleine look, with a slight rise in the middle, which makes them look traditional and appealing.
Capacity: Molds come in different sizes; some bake six, twelve, or more at a time. Larger molds are better for baking in bulk, while smaller ones are good for smaller batches or testing new recipes.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning up quickly after baking is always nice. The material and coating of your mold make a difference here.
Non-Stick Advantage: Non-stick molds are easy to clean, often needing just a quick rinse or wipe to be ready for the next use.
Dishwasher Safe: Some molds are safe to put in the dishwasher, though hand washing is often best to keep the mold in good condition.
5. Best Capacity
A standard madeleine mold often has 12 spaces, which works well with most recipes. Some molds have more, but a 12-space mold is usually ideal for typical madeleine recipes.
By focusing on these points—material quality, non-stick coating, size, shape, and ease of cleaning—you can find a madeleine mold that’s easy to use and helps you bake delicious, picture-perfect treats every time.
Types of Madeleine Molds
When choosing a madeleine mold, it’s essential to consider the different types available. Each type has its own advantages depending on your baking needs and preferences. Here’s a closer look at the most common types of molds:
1. Traditional Metal Molds
Traditional metal molds have been a staple in baking for centuries, and they offer some great benefits.
- Benefits: Metal molds, typically made from steel or aluminum, provide excellent heat distribution. This helps your madeleines bake evenly, with a perfect rise and crisp edges. The solid construction also ensures the molds will last a long time.
- Considerations: Metal molds can sometimes be tricky when it comes to releasing the cakes, especially if they’re not properly greased or prepped. They also require more attention when cleaning to avoid rusting.
2. Non-Stick Coated Molds
Non-stick coated molds are a popular option for both beginner and experienced bakers. They make the baking process much more convenient.
- Advantages: The main benefit of non-stick molds is that they make it much easier to release your madeleines. You won’t have to worry about your cakes sticking to the pan, which means no broken or uneven cakes. Additionally, they are much easier to clean compared to traditional metal molds, as the non-stick surface prevents batter from sticking.
- Considerations: While these molds are great for release, the non-stick coating can wear down over time, especially if they are washed frequently in the dishwasher. It’s recommended to hand wash these molds to prolong their life.
3. Silicone Molds
Silicone molds are gaining popularity, especially for beginners who may find traditional molds a bit challenging to use.
- Flexibility: One of the key features of silicone molds is their flexibility. These molds can be bent and twisted, which makes removing your madeleines even easier. They are perfect for bakers who struggle with sticking or those who want a more forgiving mold.
- Versatility: Silicone molds are incredibly versatile and can be used in the oven, microwave, or freezer. They are also available in many fun shapes and sizes, making them ideal for experimenting with new ideas or creating smaller, bite-sized madeleines.
4. Novelty Shapes and Mini Molds
For those who want to get creative with their madeleine recipes, novelty molds and mini molds are the way to go.
- Adding Creativity: Novelty molds come in a wide variety of fun shapes, from hearts to flowers, giving your madeleines a unique twist. These molds are perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with something a little different from the classic shell shape.
- Mini Molds: Mini madeleine molds are ideal for portion control or if you simply prefer smaller, bite-sized treats. These are great for snack-sized portions and are often perfect for kids or parties.
Tips for Baking Perfect Madeleines
Select the Perfect Madeleine Mold: Choose a premium, non-stick Madeleine mold for easy cake removal and consistent baking results.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and butter are key to achieving the best flavor and texture in your Madeleines.
Chill the Batter: Resting your batter in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the Madeleines rise perfectly, giving them their signature lift.
Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven reaches the right temperature, typically around 375°F (190°C), for even and efficient baking.
Bake at the Ideal Temperature: Bake your Madeleines at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and slightly puffed up.
Allow to Cool: Let your Madeleines cool down for a few minutes before removing them from the mold to prevent them from breaking.
Boost Flavor: Enhance the flavor of your Madeleines by adding lemon zest, vanilla, or almond extract to the batter.
Serve Immediately: Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, ideally paired with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate treat.
FAQs
What else can be baked in madeleine pans?
Madeleine pans aren’t only for Madeleines! These versatile molds are great for baking mini cakes, muffins, or even cookies. The shell shape is ideal for making individual servings of treats like brownies, cheesecake bites, or mini quiches. Get creative with your muffin pan and make a variety of delicious, bite-sized desserts
Can you make madeleines in a muffin pan?
While it’s possible to use a muffin pan for Madeleines, they won’t have the traditional shell shape that defines them. Muffin pans create round cakes, unlike the signature shell form of a Madeleine. For the best results and classic appearance, it’s best to use a Madeleine mold. The right mold ensures that your Madeleines bake evenly and maintain that perfect rise and texture.
Can short bread be made in madeleine pans?
Yes, you can make shortbread in Madeleine pans! The molds give your cookies a beautiful, unique shape. Just press the dough into the mold and bake for a tasty, buttery treat. Using a Madeleine pan for shortbread adds a special touch to this classic cookie! It’s a simple way to elevate your baking and impress with a stunning design.
Can I use a Madeleine mold for other types of baking?
Absolutely! A Madeleine mold is not limited to just Madeleines. You can use it to bake mini sponge cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or even savory options like mini quiches and cheese bites. The elegant shell shape makes these treats look sophisticated and perfect for serving at parties. The versatility of a Madeleine mold lets you get creative with a wide range of baked goods!
How do I prevent Madeleines from sticking to the mold?
Properly grease with butter and dust them with flour it really helps to prevent from sticking.
Final Thought
No matter if you’re new to baking or have been doing it for years, a Madeleine mold can add something special to your treats. The right mold helps you get the famous shell shape and soft texture that makes Madeleines unique. Check out the different types of molds to find the one that brings a little extra style to your baking!