Welcome to my culinary haven, where I share my passion for creating delectable treats that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Today, we embark on a sweet adventure, crafting a confection that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is palate-tingling – the Macaron Cake.
A macaron cake recipe is an easy and delicious cake that mixes ground almonds, butter, sugar, and egg to create a moist yet crisp exterior.
Macaron cakes are heavily influenced by the French, who also introduced the macaroon, an almond-based confection.
The cakes are then shaped into thin discs coated with colored sugar and dried out until they form a shell before being baked in the oven.
The macarons are made of ground almonds instead of flour. Or sugar which gives them a unique texture and taste.
Imagine a symphony of flavors and textures, where airy macaron shells dance with a rich and velvety buttercream, creating an explosion of delicate sweetness that will transport you to a realm of pure indulgence.
This is the essence of the Macaron Cake, a masterpiece of French pastry that has captivated dessert enthusiasts worldwide.
What Is A Macron Cake Recipe?
The macron cake recipe is a variation of the traditional French macaroon. Macron cakes are made with almond meals or ground almonds instead of flour and then baked in the oven.
They are called macarons because they are made with ground almonds, similar to a classic French macaroon cookie.
Macron cake recipe have been a popular dessert for years in France and other parts of Europe but have made their way into the United States during the last few decades.
How To Prepare Macaron Cake Recipe?
Hands-on time: 2 hours
Total time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 macaron shells
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Sifter
- Kitchen scale
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Piping bags and round tips
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Airtight container
Ingredient
For the Macaron Shells:
- 1 ¼ cups plus 1 ½ tablespoons (158 g) almond flour
- 1 ¼ cups (158 g) powdered sugar
- 105 g egg whites (from 3 or 4 eggs)
- ½ cup plus 1 ½ tablespoons (117 g) granulated sugar
- Red, yellow, green, and blue gel food coloring, optional
For the Buttercream:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Making the Macaron Shells:
Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. This ensures a fine texture and eliminates any lumps.
Whip the Egg Whites: In a large bowl, using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This creates a stable base for the batter.
Gradually Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the whipped egg whites, beating continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg white mixture. Use a spatula, making careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the batter.
Divide and Color: Divide the batter into four equal portions. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each portion, creating different vibrant hues.
Pipe the Macarons: Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using piping bags fitted with round tips, pipe the batter into 1-inch circles, leaving a small space between each macaron.
Rest at Room Temperature: Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or until they are no longer tacky. This allows a skin to form, preventing them from cracking during baking.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Bake the Macarons: Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm and dry to the touch. Overbaking can cause the shells to become brittle.
Cool Completely: Remove the macarons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets before attempting to remove them.
2. Making the Buttercream:
Cream Butter and Powdered Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, creating a smooth and airy buttercream.
Add Flavorings: Beat in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined. These simple additions enhance the overall flavor profile.
Set Aside: Refrigerate the buttercream until ready to use.
3. Assembling the Cake:
Match Similar Colors: Pair macaron shells according to their color, creating a visually appealing arrangement.
Pipe Buttercream: Pipe a generous dollop of buttercream onto the center of one macaron shell.
Gently Press Another Shell: Carefully place another macaron shell, matching the color, on top of the buttercream, creating a sandwich.
Repeat Layering: Continue layering macaron shells and piping buttercream until all shells have been used.
Refrigerate: Gently press down on the assembled cake to ensure a uniform shape. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the buttercream to firm up and the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts Of Macaron Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
Amazing 8 Health Benefits Of Macaron Cake Recipe
1. Improvement Bone:
Macaron is made of almonds, a rich source of calcium used to strengthen the bone. So macaron can help you to keep strong bones and prevent osteoporosis.
2. Good For Digestion:
Almond consists of high fiber content that helps you to improve digestion. So if you’re feeling bloated, having trouble digesting, or having digestive problems, try replacing snack foods with almonds for the extra fiber content and boost metabolism.
3. Keep Heart Healthy:
Almond is a good source of antioxidants, lowering the bad cholesterol level. So eat almond cake instead of white bread to reduce your risk of heart disease.
4. Boost Brain Function:
Macaron has some vitamin E that works as an antioxidant in the body and helps to protect against damaging free radicals.
Free radicals are linked to age-related cognitive decline and the risk of developing diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia later in life.
5. Good For Skin:
Almond macaron cake contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E works to moisturize the skin and prevent drying and aging of the skin.
6. Prevention Of Cancer:
Vitamin E is thought to help prevent breast and prostate cancer. Many nutritionists recommend eating almonds as part of an anti-cancer diet for their antioxidant properties.
7. Good For Kidneys
Macaron is rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which keeps the kidney healthy by preventing kidney stones.
So eat macaron instead of white bread to protect your kidneys from any problems related to a lack of potassium or magnesium in your body.
Is Macaron A Cake?
Macarons are not technically considered cakes, but rather they are a type of cookie. They are made from a different batter than cakes and have a different texture.
Cakes are typically made with flour, eggs, sugar, and butter, while macarons are made with almond flour, egg whites, sugar, and food coloring.
Cakes are also typically baked in a cake pan, while macarons are piped onto baking sheets and allowed to dry before baking.
Are Macaroon And Macaron The Same Thing?
No, macaroons and macarons are not the same thing. They are both sweet treats, but they have different ingredients, textures, and origins.
Macarons are French cookies made with almond flour, egg whites, sugar, and food coloring.
They are known for their smooth, delicate shells and creamy fillings, which are typically made with ganache, buttercream, or jam.
Macarons are often colorful and visually appealing, and they are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.
Macaroons, on the other hand, are typically made with shredded coconut, egg whites, sugar, and vanilla extract.
They are denser and chewier than macarons, and they have a distinct coconut flavor. Macaroons are often dipped in chocolate, and they are a popular treat in many countries, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Are Macaroons Healthy?
Macaroons are generally considered to be a healthier dessert option compared to many other sweets, such as cupcakes and pastries.
This is because they are made with relatively few ingredients, most of which are naturally derived. Additionally, macaroons are naturally gluten-free and low in fat and cholesterol.
What Are Real Macarons Made Of?
Real macarons are made with four essential ingredients:
Almond Flour: Almond flour is the key ingredient that gives macarons their distinctive texture and flavor. It is made from finely ground almonds that have had their skins removed.
Almond flour is high in protein and fat, which contributes to the moist and chewy texture of macarons.
Egg Whites: Egg whites are the main structural component of macarons. They are whipped into a meringue, which is a mixture of egg whites and sugar.
The meringue provides the macarons with their delicate shells and airy texture.
Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetening the macarons and providing the meringue with its stability. It also helps to create the smooth, glossy surface of the macaron shells.
Food Coloring: Food coloring is optional, but it is often used to give macarons their vibrant colors.
Gel food coloring is the preferred choice for macarons because it is more concentrated and less likely to affect the texture of the batter.
In addition to these four essential ingredients, some macaron recipes may also include other ingredients, such as:
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is sometimes added to the almond flour to make it even finer and to give the macarons a smoother texture.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is a common flavoring for macarons. It adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Salt: A pinch of salt can help to balance the sweetness of the macarons and enhance the other flavors.
Can I Do This With Any Macaron Recipe?
You can make the same macaron cake recipe with any macaron flavor. You can use flavored baking chips for the icing and chocolate chips for garnishing.
A fruit-flavored icing will taste good on a vanilla-based macaron cake recipe and vice versa.
How To Store Macaron Cake Recipe?
Storing a macaron cake is essential to preserve its delicate texture and flavor. Here’s how to store your macaron cake:
1. Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the cake has completely cooled to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming and affecting the texture of the macarons.
2. Cover with Plastic Wrap: For added protection, wrap the cake in plastic wrap before placing it inside the airtight container.
This helps to maintain moisture and prevent the macarons from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
3. Refrigerate: Store the macaron cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cold temperature helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the macarons.
4. Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving: When ready to serve, remove the macaron cake from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
This allows the macarons to soften slightly and come to room temperature, enhancing their flavor and texture.
Are Macarons Cake Recipe Or Cookies?
Macarons are similar in appearance and texture to cookies, but they have a more complex, delicate flavor and a distinct almond aroma.
Macarons are most often sandwiched between two thin pastry layers or between thin sheets of pastry, like cupcakes.
How Do You Decorate A Cake With Macaron Cake Recipe?
Decorating a cake with macarons can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your dessert. Here are some tips on how to decorate a cake with macarons:
1. Choose Macarons That Complement the Cake: Select macarons that match the flavor profile and color scheme of the cake.
For instance, if you have a chocolate cake, consider using macarons with chocolate or caramel fillings.
2. Pipe a Base of Buttercream: Apply a generous layer of buttercream to the top of the cake, ensuring a smooth and even surface. This will provide a stable base for the macarons to adhere to.
3. Arrange Macarons in a Pattern: Start placing macarons around the perimeter of the cake, creating a visually appealing pattern. You can use a single color or a variety of colors for a more vibrant look.
4. Vary the Placement of Macarons: Alternate the placement of macarons, placing some upright and others slightly tilted. This adds visual interest and dimension to the cake.
5. Fill in Gaps with Smaller Macarons: If there are any gaps between the larger macarons, fill them in with smaller macarons or macaron halves. This creates a uniform and visually appealing arrangement.
6. Add Finishing Touches: Decorate the cake with additional elements, such as sprinkles, edible flowers, or ribbons, to further enhance its presentation.
Have Any Side Effects On Eating Macaron Cake Recipe?
No, this is a healthy food, but avoiding an excessive amount of macaron to your daily diet is recommended because it can cause some allergic reactions, especially in people who have an allergy to almonds.
If you are interested in any foods with almonds, you must know what an allergy to almonds is like or how you can prevent it.
Can I Keep Freeze?
Yes, you can freeze your macaroni. When I have new macarons, I usually put them in a freezer bag and then into the freezer.
You don’t need to worry about getting frosted, or freezer burned because they will be sealed shut in the plastic bags.
The only thing you need to worry about is that once they are frozen solid, they need to be placed in a container or wrapped well, so they do not stick together when frozen.
Conclusion
The macaron cake recipe is a delicious cake that makes excellent pastry for making macaron sandwiches. Bake macaron recipe with the ingredients you can buy from health food stores.
They can be made easily at home and save you money as well. Macarons are also quite good as petit fours, and in cookies, so they are very versatile.
