These Canelés or (Cannelés) de Bordeaux are a delicious little treat similar to a portable crème brulee. This version bakes them in silicone molds rather than the traditional copper variety.
Canelés or (Cannelés) de Bordeaux are a delicious little treat that I have recently discovered. The size of small cupcakes, these custardy treats are flecked with vanilla and baked until the edges are deep amber in color. Not overly sweet, they’re a lot like my favorite treat, creme brulee, but in a grabbable, portable format. If you haven’t tried these, you’re in for a treat. 
A bit labor intensive, the true originals call for copper molds which are coated in a beeswax-butter mixture and baked at a high heat to develop that lovely crust. These copper versions can be a bit spendy, but purists would use nothing but. I, on the other hand, have opted for these silicone molds which require no beeswax coating and are a bit friendlier on the wallet.
The batter comes together easily, however, it needs to sit in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, and up to 48 hours, prior to baking. This helps to develop the flavors and bring the custard together. Depending on the number of molds that you have, I found it very handy to cook a small batch each day, enjoying them warm out of the oven day after day.
Regardless of the method you choose, I’m sure you will love these French goodies!
Canelés (Cannelés) de Bordeaux
Ingredients
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 vanilla bean split lengthwise and scraped
- 7 1/2 ounces unsalted butter 3 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup pastry flour
- 1 extra-large egg yolk
- 2 extra-large eggs
- 3 tablespoons dark rum
- 3 ounces beeswax finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, combine the milk, vanilla bean, and its scrapings. Bring the milk to the scalding point over medium high heat, then remove the pan from the heat and add the 3 tablespoons of butter. Set aside to cool to lukewarm.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, eggs and rum. Whisk the egg mixture into the sugar and flour mixture, then whisk in the lukewarm milk mixture. Strain into a container; cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours and up to 48 hours, the flavors will develop as the mixture sits.
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If using copper molds, melt the beeswax in a saucepan over low heat. Add the remaining 3/4 cup butter to the melted wax and stir until the butter is melted. Remove the mixture from the heat and, using a narrow pastry brush, carefully coat the inside of 18 (2 by 1-inch) canneles molds. (Dedicate this brush to canneles making because the wax will get into the brush.) If the wax mixture starts to set up or thicken, return it to the heat for a moment until it thins.
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If using silicone molds, there is no need to coat them. However, they should be placed in the freezer for at least 30 minutes prior to using, in order to help develop a nice crust.
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Remove the batter from the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before baking it.
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Place your molds on a rimmed baking sheet. When you’re ready to bake, fill each mold almost to the top. Place the molds on the middle rack of your preheated oven.
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Bake them for 15 minutes at 450F (convection is highly preferred if you have it) then lower the temperature to 375F and bake for an additional 45 minutes for copper molds or 40 minutes for silicone molds. If not using a convection oven, make sure you turn the molds once in a while too to ensure even baking.
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Let cool slightly. To remove canelles from copper molds, turn each one over with a pair of tongs and tap until the canelle falls out. If difficult to remove, use a pairing knife to help guide it out. If using silicone molds, use a dish towel to squeeze the bottom of each mold to help remove the canelles. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve warm.
ERIN’s PAIRING:
- These treats would go awesomely with a tawny port. Tawny ports come with a built in caramel flavor which will just put this dessert over the top!
These look FABULOUS – thank you. I’ve collected several versions for these but yours seem simpler and easier. I look forward to trying your recipe.
Thanks Arline! They were easy to make – The silicone mold make it so much easier than I think the copper molds would be with the beeswax coating! Enjoy 🙂 I’m making another batch this weekend!
I tried canneles once in Paris and wasn’t really impressed, but I know so many people who love them that I have to believe I just didn’t have a great one. I’m intrigued by the use of beeswax, but I’d be with you in going for a silicone mold that didn’t require it.
That could be! Although, I’d think they’d be AWESOME in Paris! I hope you give them another try!
I love caneles, but I always assumed they would be way too difficult to make at home. Now I’d really like to try!
With the silicone molds, they’re really not too difficult at all! They just take a little pre-planning. I hope you give them a try Katie!
Hello! I purchased the silicone molds through the link you provided on Amazon but the molds are measuring 2×2 inches. On your recipe it says fill 18 2×1 molds. Will the cooking time have to be adjusted for the 2×2 mold? Looking forward to making these, thank you!
Hi Monica – In the recipe, the copper molds are the 2×1″ variety. You are correct that the silicone molds measure 2×2″. Please go ahead and use the instructions for the silicone variety baking and they should come out just right. I hope you love ’em! I’d love to hear back on how they turn out!!!
These caneles look great. They must be delicious as you said with a Tawny port. or even with a coffee. I’ve bought the silicone molds and saved the recipe. I’m eager to try it. I have already used the molds but for a kind of smoothie-on-a -stick. My kids just loved the idea. I’ll leave you the link if you wish to see it.
https://foodwithameaning.wordpress.com/2016/08/20/smoothie-on-a-stick-de-ameixa-e-framboesa/
Best regards
Patrícia
Your recipe looks great – I love finding new uses for baking products! I hope you enjoy the Caneles too Patricia!
Hello
Thanks for sharing the recipe
Looks yummy and fantastic
If I don’t want to use the rum and any other alcohol things, do u think there is gonna be huge difference
Have any suggestions or idea regarding that issue
Look forward to hearing from you
Narges
Hi Narges – You should be fine leaving the alcohol out completely. Hope that helps!
Hi. If I use the silicon molds and omit the beeswax, do I omit the butter too?
Hi Stacy – You should leave the butter.