Mermaid Tail Madeleines

Featured in: Golden Desserts

These delicate madeleines capture the whimsy of mermaid tails with their pastel hues and vanilla aroma. The light, airy cakes are gently baked and then dipped in smooth white chocolate. Finished with shimmering sprinkles and sugar pearls, they offer a delightful, elegant touch ideal for refined gatherings. Quick to prepare, they bring a playful elegance to any occasion.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:01:00 GMT
Delicate Mignardises Queue de Sirène, pastel-colored mermaid tail madeleines dipped in white chocolate and shimmering sprinkles. Pin this
Delicate Mignardises Queue de Sirène, pastel-colored mermaid tail madeleines dipped in white chocolate and shimmering sprinkles. | plumoven.com

Delicate, mermaid tail-inspired petits fours featuring colorful, airy madeleines with a hint of vanilla, dipped in white chocolate and adorned with shimmering sprinkles — perfect for refined afternoon teas or festive celebrations.

I remember the first time I served these mignardises at a family gathering, everyone was enchanted by their delicate shape and lovely flavors.

Ingredients

  • For the Madeleines: 100 g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 2 large eggs 90 g granulated sugar 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 110 g all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking powder Pinch of fine sea salt Food coloring gels (pastel blue, purple, pink, green)
  • For Decoration: 150 g white chocolate, chopped Mermaid tail-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter Assorted sugar pearls

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously butter a madeleine pan and dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
Melt butter:
Melt the butter in a small saucepan, then set aside to cool slightly.
Beat eggs and sugar:
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and thick (about 3 to 4 minutes). Mix in the vanilla extract.
Sift and fold:
Sift together the flour baking powder and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture until just combined.
Fold in butter:
Gradually fold in the melted butter until the batter is smooth.
Tint batter:
Divide the batter evenly into 3 to 4 small bowls. Tint each portion with a different food coloring gel stirring until pastel shades are achieved.
Fill pan:
Using a teaspoon spoon small amounts of each colored batter into the cavities of the prepared pan swirling gently to create a marbled effect.
Bake:
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the madeleines are puffed and the edges are golden. Cool in the pan for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
Melt chocolate:
Once completely cool melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water.
Dip and decorate:
Dip the tip of each madeleine into the melted white chocolate then immediately sprinkle with mermaid tail sprinkles edible glitter and sugar pearls. Place on parchment paper to set.
A close-up of Mignardises Queue de Sirène showcases airy madeleines coated in white chocolate and mermaid sprinkles. Pin this
A close-up of Mignardises Queue de Sirène showcases airy madeleines coated in white chocolate and mermaid sprinkles. | plumoven.com

My family loves to gather around the table enjoying these delicate petits fours especially during festive celebrations and teatime.

Notes

For extra flavor add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the batter. Pair with floral teas or sparkling moscato for a delightful treat.

Required Tools

Electric mixer Madeleine pan Mixing bowls Small saucepan Sifter Wire rack Parchment paper

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs wheat (gluten) milk (butter and white chocolate). May contain traces of nuts or soy (check chocolate and decorations).

These elegant Mignardises Queue de Sirène, are French treats with shimmering decorations, perfect for afternoon tea. Pin this
These elegant Mignardises Queue de Sirène, are French treats with shimmering decorations, perfect for afternoon tea. | plumoven.com

These mignardises promise a beautiful addition to any occasion and a tasty treat to impress guests.

Recipe FAQs

What gives the madeleines their pastel colors?

Food coloring gels are gently folded into the batter to create soft pastel shades before baking.

How is the white chocolate applied to the madeleines?

The cooled madeleines are dipped at the tips into melted white chocolate and then decorated immediately with sprinkles.

Can I add extra flavor to the batter?

Yes, finely grated lemon or orange zest can be added for a fresh citrus note.

What tools are essential for preparing these madeleines?

An electric mixer, madeleine pan, sifter, and wire rack are key for mixing, shaping, and cooling.

How long should the madeleines bake?

They require 10–12 minutes at 180°C until puffed and golden at the edges.

Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, all ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly.

Mermaid Tail Madeleines

Airy madeleines in pastel hues, dipped in white chocolate and decorated with sparkling sprinkles and sugar pearls.

Prep time
20 min
Time to cook
12 min
Total Duration
32 min
Created by Plum Oven Sophie Warren


Level of challenge Easy

Cuisine type French

Servings made 24 Portions

Dietary details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Madeleines

01 7 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
02 2 large eggs
03 7 tbsp granulated sugar
04 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
05 7/8 cup all-purpose flour
06 1/2 tsp baking powder
07 Pinch of fine sea salt
08 Food coloring gels: pastel blue, purple, pink, green

Decoration

01 5 oz white chocolate, chopped
02 Mermaid tail-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter
03 Assorted sugar pearls

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously butter a madeleine pan and dust with flour, tapping out the excess.

Step 02

Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 03

Whisk Eggs and Sugar: Beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and thick, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 04

Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold this into the egg mixture until just incorporated.

Step 05

Incorporate Butter: Gradually fold in the melted butter until the batter is smooth.

Step 06

Color the Batter: Divide the batter evenly into 3 to 4 small bowls. Tint each portion with a different food coloring gel until pastel shades form.

Step 07

Fill the Pan: Using a teaspoon, spoon small amounts of each colored batter into the madeleine cavities, swirling gently for a marbled effect.

Step 08

Bake Madeleines: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until puffed and edges are golden. Cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 09

Melt Chocolate: Once cooled, melt the white chocolate over simmering water in a heatproof bowl.

Step 10

Decorate: Dip the tip of each madeleine into melted white chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with mermaid tail sprinkles, edible glitter, and sugar pearls. Place on parchment paper to set.

Equipment Needed

  • Electric mixer
  • Madeleine pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Sifter
  • Wire rack
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Advisories

Review each item for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains: eggs, wheat (gluten), milk (butter and white chocolate)
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy

Nutrition info (per portion)

This nutritional overview is meant for general information. For medical concerns, ask a professional.
  • Caloric Value: 87
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 1.3 g