Mini Lemon Cannelés

Do you love the crispy, caramelised exterior and soft, custardy interior of a classic cannelé but crave something a bit zesty? Then these mini lemon cannelés are perfect for you! They combine the beloved texture of traditional cannelés with a refreshing hint of lemon, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re enjoying them with your afternoon tea or serving them at a gathering, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress. Plus, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat! Let’s dive into this recipe and bring a little French flair to your kitchen.

Ingredients

1 lemon
250 ml whole milk
1 egg
1 egg yolk
30 g unsalted butter
50 g flour
100 g sugar

Instructions For the Caneles

1. Prep the Lemon: Grate the zest of the lemon and squeeze out the juice. Set aside.

2. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, combine the milk, butter, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour and sugar.

4. Combine with Eggs: Add the egg and egg yolk to the dry ingredients, mixing well.

5. Incorporate the Milk: Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue until the batter is smooth.

6. Rest the Batter: Cover the batter and refrigerate for 24 hours. This resting period is crucial for the texture.

7. Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).

8. Fill the Moulds: Stir the batter gently and fill your mini cannelé moulds almost to the top.

9. Bake: Place the moulds in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 180°C (356°F) and continue baking for another 30 minutes.

10. Cool and Unmold: Remove from the oven and let the cannelés cool slightly before unmolding them. They should have a deep brown crust with a soft, custardy interior.

Pro Tips For A Succesful RECIPE

  • Resting Time: Most people think it’s okay to shorten or even skip the 24 hour resting period. They’re wrong. Allowing the batter to rest helps it develop the right texture you’re looking for.
  • Proper Heating: Ensure your milk mixture isn’t too hot when you mix it with the eggs, as this can cook the eggs prematurely.
  • Mould Preparation: If you’re using traditional copper moulds, make sure to grease them well to prevent sticking.
  • Temperature Control: Start with a high temperature to form the crust, then reduce the heat to cook the interior evenly.
  • Experiment with Flavours: While lemon adds a refreshing twist, you can experiment with other citrus fruits or even add a splash of vanilla for a different flavour profile.
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