Lemon Lime & Chia seed Madeleines

Lemon Lime & Chia Seed Madeleines – Zesty and Gluten free

Another week, another Madeleine recipe — and this one might just be my favourite yet! These Lemon Lime & Chia Seed Madeleines are a modern twist on the classic lemon poppy seed combo, bringing bright citrus flavour to the buttery French sponge we all love.

I wasn’t planning to share another madeleine recipe so soon, but honestly, these were too delicious to keep secret!

I adore traditional madeleines for their delicate texture and simple elegance. This version takes things up a notch with a hit of citrus zest and the gentle crunch of Chia seeds — the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty.

If you loved my Chai Spiced Madeleines, these will be your next obsession — lighter, brighter, and bursting with flavour and Gluten free.

Why You’ll Love These Gluten free Lemon Lime Madeleines

• Zesty & fragrant: The blend of lemon and lime adds a lively brightness.

• Soft yet crisp: Buttery sponge with golden edges.

• Simple & quick: Only 5 minutes of prep and 12–14 minutes to bake.

• Naturally Gluten-free: Made with a simple gluten-free flour blend.

• Perfect for tea time: Elegant, bite-sized, and so easy to love.

What Are Madeleines?

Madeleines are small, shell-shaped sponge cakes that originated in France — light, buttery, and perfectly delicate. They’re baked in special scalloped trays that give them their signature shell pattern and tender crumb.

This citrus version gives the traditional madeleine a refreshing twist, combining the brightness of lemon and lime with the gentle nutty crunch of Chia seeds.

Ingredients

Makes about 18 madeleines

• 60 g unsalted butter (browned for extra flavour)

• 100 g gluten-free flour

• 100 g caster sugar

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Zest of 1 lime

• 1 tbsp poppy seeds

• 30 ml milk

• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-forced).

2. Brown the butter: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat until golden and nutty. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and poppy seeds.

4. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine egg, milk, vanilla extract, and citrus zests.

5. Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry, whisk gently, and fold in the butter in two batches until just combined.

6. Fill moulds: Generously grease your madeleine tray with butter and fill each mould ¾ full.

7. Bake for 12–14 minutes, until golden around the edges and springy to the touch.

8. Cool briefly, then turn out onto a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar if desired.

Baking Tips

• Don’t overfill the moulds — ¾ full gives the perfect scalloped shape.

• Fresh zest is key; bottled juice won’t give the same aroma.

• Madeleine trays vary in size — smaller moulds may only need 10 minutes.

• Brown butter adds a subtle nutty note — don’t skip it!

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days (if they last that long).

Equipment Notes

• Madeleine tray: Traditional or silicone — both work well.

• Alternative: Use a rounded muffin or patty pan tin and adjust bake time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your lemon lime madeleines warm with a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with:

• A drizzle of honey or lemon glaze

• A side of whipped cream or yogurt

• A sprinkle of icing sugar for presentation

Lemon, Lime & Poppy seed Madeleines

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 100 gram Gluten Free Flour
• 100 gram Caster Sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 40 ml milk
• 1 Egg
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 60 gram butter
• 1 lemon zest only
• 1 lime Zest only
• 1 tsp black chia seeds

Instructions

• Oven preheated to 180C (fan forced)
• Melt butter on stove until foaming and nut brown.
• Meanwhile combine Sugar, Flour and baking powder and whisk quickly to combine.
• In a separate bowl combine egg, vanilla and milk and whisk to combine.
• Add the egg mix to the flour mix and whisk to combine
• Now Add the zest of both lemon and lime, and the Chia seeds and whisk.
• Its time for the butter to be added in 2 batches, whisking carefully until just incorporated.
• Butter a Madeleine tray and fill until 3/4 full.
• Bake for 14 minutes, until just cooked. The batter should make around 18 madeleines.

Notes

• Chia seeds can be found at major supermarkets, online and health food stores.

Course: Biscuits, sweet treats

Keyword: afternoon tea, biscuits, dessert, French Flavour, gluten free, morning tea, muffin, picnic food

More Madeleine Magic

If you loved these bright, citrusy madeleines, don’t miss

Chai Spiced Madeleines

Burnt Butter and Vanilla bean Madeleines

Pin the recipe for later…….

Did you make these Lemon Lime & Chia Seed Madeleines?

Tag @thekrookedspoon on Instagram and use #thekrookedspoon — I love seeing your beautiful bakes!