Spanish Magdalenas: Traditional Lemon-Scented Mini Cakes

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 1 cup of sunflower oil
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Slowly add the sunflower oil to the mixture, continuing to beat until well incorporated.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture.
  6. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest, mixing until just combined.
  7. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the magdalenas are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the magdalenas cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. If desired, dust the cooled magdalenas with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowls - You'll need at least one large mixing bowl for the batter.
  • Whisk - Used to beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy and to mix the wet and dry ingredients.
  • Spatula - Helps in combining the ingredients and scraping the sides of the bowl.
  • Muffin tin - Used to bake the magdalenas. Make sure to line it with paper liners.
  • Wire rack - Used for cooling the magdalenas after baking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Zester or grater - Needed to zest the lemon.
  • Oven - Preheat to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
  • Toothpicks - Used to check if the magdalenas are fully baked.

Recipe variations

  • Add a tablespoon of grated orange zest for a citrus twist.
  • Replace sunflower oil with olive oil for a richer flavor.
  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture.
  • Include a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
  • Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different aroma.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey variation.
  • Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Make it a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding grated cheese, chopped herbs, and spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.

Recipe overview

This is a traditional Spanish recipe for light and fluffy Magdalenas. These delightful little cakes are a staple in Spanish bakeries and are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. The recipe is fairly straightforward, requiring basic baking ingredients and a muffin tin. The key to achieving the characteristic dome shape of the Magdalenas is to fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full and then bake until golden. The end result is a delicately sweet cake with a hint of lemon and vanilla. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cooled Magdalenas with powdered sugar before serving. Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Magdalenas recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can substitute sunflower oil with vegetable oil or canola oil.
  2. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use cake flour or self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour, but adjust the amount of baking powder accordingly.
  3. Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk or almond milk.
  4. Can I omit the lemon zest? Yes, if you prefer a plain flavor, you can omit the lemon zest from the recipe.
  5. How long do these magdalenas stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
  6. Can I freeze the magdalenas? Yes, you can freeze the magdalenas for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
  • Electric Mixer - Useful for beating the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Muffin Tin - A baking pan with individual cups to bake the magdalenas.
  • Paper Liners - Liners to place in the muffin tin cups to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the magdalenas.
  • Wire Rack - Used to cool the magdalenas after baking.
  • Sifter - Optional, but helpful for sifting the dry ingredients and removing any lumps.
  • Citrus Zester - Used to easily and finely grate the lemon zest.
  • Toothpick - Used to check if the magdalenas are fully cooked by inserting into the center and ensuring it comes out clean.
  • Powdered Sugar Shaker - Optional, for dusting the magdalenas with powdered sugar before serving.

Origin stories

Magdalenas are delightful little cakes originally from Spain, often associated with the autonomous regions of Aragon, Cantabria, and Andalusia. The origin of their name is a bit of a sweet mystery. Some believe it's attributed to a woman named Madeleine Paulmier, who baked the cakes for Louis XV of France in the 18th century. Yet, others contend that they were named after a pilgrim named Magdalena who shared the recipe on her journey along the Camino de Santiago. Whichever version you choose to believe, one thing is certain, these treats have been delighting taste buds for centuries, traditionally enjoyed at breakfast or with afternoon coffee, their citrusy aroma filling Spanish homes with an irresistible warmth.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.