These Blueberry Lavender Vegan Madeleines are a soft, dreamy twist on the French classic. Infused with delicate floral notes and bursting with juicy wild blueberries, they’re the perfect light dessert or tea-time treat. These dainty shell-shaped cakes have the signature madeleine hump and a pillowy texture—made egg-free and dairy-free without sacrificing elegance or flavor. Chill the batter overnight to get the perfect dome and decorate with a touch of vegan white chocolate for an extra special finish.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 125 g all-purpose flour

• 1 rounded tsp baking powder

• Pinch of salt

• 1½ tsp dried organic lavender flowers (ground)

• 100 g white granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ cup oat milk

• 3½ tbsp neutral oil

Add Before Baking:

• Frozen blueberries (3–4 small wild blueberries per madeleine)

Optional Decoration:

• Vegan white chocolate

• Extra dried lavender blossoms (for garnish)

Directions

1. Grind lavender blooms into small pieces and mix with sugar.

2. In a bowl, combine all wet ingredients and stir.

3. Stir in the lavender sugar.

4. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.

5. Cover the bowl airtight and refrigerate for 24 hours (for best rise).

6. After chilling, preheat the oven to 185°C (365°F).

7. Prepare a madeleine tray (grease if needed, especially if using metal).

8. Fill each mold about two-thirds full with batter.

9. Add 3–4 frozen blueberries to each madeleine mold, gently pressing them in.

10. Bake for 17 minutes or until golden brown (baking time may vary slightly based on your oven and pan type).

11. Let madeleines cool fully in the tray.

12. Melt vegan white chocolate. Optional: place some lavender blossoms in clean madeleine molds, then add white chocolate and press a cooled madeleine on top to coat the base. Chill until set.

13. Once chocolate has hardened, remove from tray and enjoy!

Nutrients (Estimated per madeleine, assuming 18 madeleines)

• Calories: ~110 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~14 g

• Fat: ~5 g

• Protein: ~1 g

• Sugar: ~7 g

• Fiber: ~0.5 g

• Calcium: Light (from oat milk)

• Iron: Trace

A Vegan Twist on a Classic French Confection

Traditionally, madeleines rely on eggs and butter to create their light, airy structure and gentle richness. But this vegan version uses clever plant-based swaps to achieve the same satisfying result. Oat milk brings softness and moisture, while neutral oil contributes richness and helps with that signature rise. The absence of dairy and eggs is not just undetectable—it actually allows the delicate flavors of lavender and blueberry to shine through even more clearly.

With no need for fancy mixers or hard-to-find ingredients, these madeleines are delightfully approachable for the home baker. The result is a batch of lightly sweet, gently floral cakes with a crisp edge and a soft, bouncy center.

Delicate Floral Essence Meets Berry Sweetness

The combination of lavender and blueberry is a match made in botanical heaven. Lavender, when used in moderation, adds a fragrant, herbaceous touch that instantly elevates any baked good. It evokes feelings of calm and elegance and pairs wonderfully with the fruitiness of wild blueberries.

Ground dried lavender blossoms are mixed directly into the sugar, allowing their aromatic oils to infuse throughout the batter. This gentle approach ensures that the floral note is present but never overpowering. Meanwhile, the frozen wild blueberries are added just before baking, creating sweet pockets of flavor and a beautiful visual contrast in each shell-shaped cake.

Every bite of these madeleines feels like a peaceful garden stroll—floral, fruity, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent without being heavy.

Achieving the Signature Madeleine Shape and Texture

One of the joys of baking madeleines is achieving that signature hump in the center. It’s not just a mark of authenticity—it’s a texture game-changer. That rise gives you a soft, sponge-like interior surrounded by a delicately crisp shell. The secret to getting it right lies in temperature contrast. Chilling the batter overnight and placing it into a preheated oven encourages that perfect dome to form, and this vegan recipe follows the same time-honored method.

The madeleine tray also plays a role in creating the classic shape. A well-greased metal mold is ideal for crisp edges and even browning, but silicone trays work wonderfully too with a slightly softer finish. Whether you’re new to madeleines or a seasoned baker, this recipe offers a reliable way to achieve bakery-style results with a unique flavor twist.

Vegan White Chocolate and Lavender Garnish for a Finishing Touch

While these madeleines are lovely on their own, a drizzle or dip of vegan white chocolate adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual sophistication. The subtle vanilla note in the white chocolate complements the floral lavender and tart blueberries, rounding out the flavor beautifully.

For a truly show-stopping presentation, you can garnish the chocolate coating with extra dried lavender blossoms. Not only does this enhance the visual appeal, but it also reinforces the key flavor profile of the dessert. These delicate details make the madeleines feel special—whether you’re serving them at a bridal shower, gifting them to a friend, or enjoying them with your favorite tea.

Perfect for Afternoon Tea or Elegant Gatherings

There’s something inherently luxurious about serving madeleines with tea. Their dainty shape and soft crumb make them ideal for delicate sipping moments, and the lavender in this recipe pairs beautifully with a wide range of teas—from earl grey and chamomile to green tea or a rosehip blend.

Beyond tea time, these madeleines shine at brunches, baby showers, weddings, and springtime celebrations. They’re light enough to serve alongside fruit or a refreshing drink and elegant enough to impress a crowd. Their versatility also makes them an excellent gift—just tuck a few into a bakery box with tissue and a ribbon, and you have a thoughtful, handmade treat.

Healthier and Kinder Without Compromising Flavor

Not only are these madeleines egg-free and dairy-free, but they’re also relatively light in sugar and fat compared to many traditional desserts. With a modest calorie count and minimal saturated fat, they offer a more mindful way to enjoy a sweet treat without compromise.

Using oat milk and oil keeps the recipe allergy-friendly and inclusive for those avoiding dairy, while the absence of eggs makes it a safer option for people with sensitivities. The addition of blueberries brings antioxidants and a touch of natural sweetness, while lavender adds not only flavor but potential calming properties.

These aren’t just cookies—they’re a reminder that dessert can be beautiful, balanced, and better for you without sacrificing indulgence.

Tips for Success and Creative Variations

To get the most out of this recipe, it’s best to chill the batter overnight. This step is crucial for developing flavor and achieving the perfect rise in the oven. If you’re in a hurry, even a few hours of chilling can make a difference, but the full 24-hour rest is highly recommended.

When decorating with white chocolate, make sure the madeleines are completely cooled before dipping or drizzling to prevent melting. If you want to take the decoration a step further, you can dip just the base, place the coated madeleine back into the mold, and chill until the chocolate sets—this method creates a professional finish that looks as good as it tastes.

For those who love experimenting, try swapping the blueberries for raspberries or chopped strawberries, or replace lavender with a touch of rose water or crushed dried chamomile. Each variation brings a new seasonal twist while keeping the recipe’s charm intact.

Conclusion

Blueberry Lavender Vegan Madeleines are a celebration of texture, flavor, and beauty. They honor the timeless appeal of the French madeleine while introducing playful, modern twists through floral notes and fruity bursts. Made without eggs or dairy, they offer a gentle, inclusive option for anyone seeking a lighter, more elegant dessert.

Whether you’re baking them for a quiet moment of indulgence, a festive afternoon tea, or a gift from the heart, these madeleines promise a bite of serenity with every shell-shaped piece. Their soft crumb, aromatic profile, and charming appearance make them a standout treat—one that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.