Plain, stuffed or topped madeleines: what is the difference?
There are three main styles of madeleine, and once you know them, choosing a box gets much easier. Here is how they differ, how to eat each one, and how to pick a mix.
Plain
- What you see: the clear scallop ridges and the hump. Wikipedia describes the classic madeleine by exactly these two things, the shell pattern with well-defined ridges and the bump on the other side.
- Texture: a crisp outside and a tender inside.
- Good for: a first madeleine, coffee or tea, and anyone who likes simple cakes.
Filled (stuffed)
- What you see: usually the same shell and hump, sometimes with a small mark where the centre was filled.
- Texture: the soft centre changes how every bite feels; the edge still gives some crispness.
- Good for: people who like a richer, softer bite. Filled cakes can be messier to eat by hand, so they suit a plate more than a walk.
Topped (glazed or dipped)
- What you see: a shiny or coloured shell side. The ridges can be softer under the coating.
- Texture: a thin set layer on top, with the cake underneath.
- Good for: a party plate or a gift that should look bright when the box opens.
Side by side
| Plain | Filled | Topped | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Clear ridges, golden | Same shape, soft centre | Glossy or coloured shell |
| Bite | Crisp edge, tender inside | Soft centre, crisp edge | Thin set layer, then cake |
| Easiest to eat by hand | Yes | Use a plate | Mostly |
| Best for | Tasting the cake | A richer bite | A festive look |
How to eat each style: step by step
- Plain: look at the ridges, bite from the edge, notice the crisp-then-soft contrast.
- Filled: use a small plate or napkin, and bite through the middle so you get edge and centre together.
- Topped: hold it by the hump side so the coating stays neat.
- Tasting all three? Go plain, then filled, then topped, from lightest to sweetest.
How to choose for a gift
- For an elder or a host: plain reads as classic and tidy, and it is easy to share. See what to bring to a Thai home.
- For a friend with a sweet tooth: topped looks festive.
- For mixed tastes: a box with a few plain madeleines lets everyone try the cake itself.
Tips
- Pair lighter styles with stronger drinks. A plain madeleine and an espresso; a topped one and a light tea. More in madeleines with coffee and tea.
- Judge the shape first, whatever the style. Our how to spot a good madeleine check works for all three.
Want to see what a good one looks like before you choose? Read what is a madeleine. To mix your own, build a box of madeleines baked this morning.
Source: Wikipedia, "Madeleine (cake)" (shape description only, checked 14 October 2026).
Questions
What is a stuffed madeleine?
A stuffed or filled madeleine is a madeleine with a soft centre inside. It keeps the shell shape and hump on the outside.
What is a topped madeleine?
A madeleine with a glaze or a dipped coating on the shell side. The coating sets into a thin layer, so the ridges can look softer.
Which style should I try first?
Plain. It shows the shape, the crisp edge and the tender inside most clearly, so you learn what a good madeleine tastes like before trying the others.
Which style is best for a gift?
For an elder or a host, plain reads as classic and tidy. For a friend with a sweet tooth, topped looks festive. For a family, a mixed box lets everyone choose.
Can I mix styles in one Ondine box?
Yes. With Build your own box you pick 3 or 5 madeleines from the flavours on our flavours page.