Black Sesame Madeleines with White Chocolate and Roasted Black Sesame Seeds Recipe
Introduction
Black sesame madeleines are elegant, delicate French butter cakes infused with the nutty flavor of black sesame. These bite-sized treats combine a tender crumb with a subtle crunch from roasted sesame seeds and a touch of white chocolate for added richness.

Ingredients
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 7 tbsp caster sugar
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 11 tbsp cake flour
- 3 tbsp black sesame powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 oz white chocolate
- Roasted black sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, and honey for 3 to 4 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is light.
- Step 2: Sift in the cake flour, black sesame powder, and baking powder. Whisk until combined evenly.
- Step 3: Add the melted butter and whisk again until fully incorporated into the batter.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the batter for at least 1 hour or overnight to help develop flavor and texture.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃). Grease a non-stick madeleine pan with butter. If your pan isn’t non-stick, also lightly dust the wells with flour.
- Step 6: Remove the batter from the fridge and gently stir with a spatula to loosen it and remove air bubbles.
- Step 7: Transfer the batter into a piping bag and fill each mold about 80-90% full. Alternatively, spoon the batter into the molds carefully.
- Step 8: Place the pan in the oven, immediately reduce the temperature to 350℉ (180℃), and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the madeleines have risen and are golden brown.
- Step 9: Remove the madeleines from the pan right away and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 10: Melt the white chocolate and spoon it diagonally over half of the hump side of each madeleine. Shake off any excess chocolate, then sprinkle roasted black sesame seeds over the chocolate side.
- Step 11: Let the chocolate set before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra toasty flavor, lightly toast the black sesame powder before mixing it into the batter.
- If white chocolate isn’t preferred, try dark chocolate or a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
- Chilling the batter overnight improves the texture and enhances the black sesame aroma.
- Use a silicone madeleine pan for easier removal if you don’t have a non-stick one.
Storage
Store madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, warm refrigerated or frozen madeleines briefly in a low oven or microwave to restore their softness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular sesame seeds instead of black sesame powder?
While regular sesame seeds offer a similar nutty flavor, black sesame powder gives a more intense taste and distinctive color. You can grind regular sesame seeds finely if black sesame powder is unavailable.
Do I have to use honey in this recipe?
Honey adds subtle sweetness and moisture, but you can omit it or replace it with maple syrup or another liquid sweetener depending on your preference.
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Black Sesame Madeleines with White Chocolate and Roasted Black Sesame Seeds Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these delicate Black Sesame Madeleines, a fusion of buttery French sponge cakes infused with nutty black sesame powder and finished with smooth white chocolate and roasted sesame seeds. Perfectly moist with a golden crust and a subtle hint of sweetness, these madeleines offer an elegant twist on a classic treat, ideal for afternoon tea or a sophisticated dessert.
Ingredients
Butter
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, plus extra for greasing)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 7 tbsp castor sugar
- 1/2 tbsp honey
Dry Ingredients
- 11 tbsp cake flour
- 3 tbsp black sesame powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
Decoration
- 3 oz white chocolate (melted)
- Roasted black sesame seeds (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, castor sugar, and honey for 3-4 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift the cake flour, black sesame powder, and baking powder into the wet mixture. Whisk gently until the batter is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate butter: Pour in the melted unsalted butter and whisk until fully incorporated into the batter, creating a smooth consistency.
- Chill batter: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to hydrate the flour and develop flavor.
- Prepare pan and oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a non-stick madeleine pan with butter. If your pan is not non-stick, additionally dust the wells lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Prepare batter for piping: Remove the chilled batter from the refrigerator and gently fold it with a spatula to loosen it and eliminate any air bubbles for even baking.
- Fill molds: Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe into each madeleine mold, filling them about 80-90% full. Alternatively, you can spoon the batter carefully into the molds.
- Bake: Immediately place the pan into the preheated oven, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (180°C). Bake the madeleines for 10-12 minutes until they have risen and are golden brown on top.
- Cool madeleines: Remove the madeleines from the oven and immediately release them from the pan to prevent sticking. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Decorate: Drizzle or spoon melted white chocolate diagonally over half of each madeleine’s hump side. Shake off any excess chocolate for a clean finish.
- Garnish and set: Place the madeleines with the hump side facing up, then sprinkle roasted black sesame seeds over the melted chocolate. Allow the chocolate to fully set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate the batter overnight to enhance texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have black sesame powder, you can grind roasted black sesame seeds finely at home.
- Ensure madeleines are removed from the pan while still warm to avoid breaking.
- Use a piping bag for neat and even molds fill, but spooning is an acceptable alternative.
- Storing leftover madeleines in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Black Sesame Madeleines, French Madeleines, Sesame Cookies, White Chocolate Dessert, Tea Time Treat, Baking Recipe

