Hey there, lovely bakers! If you’re anything like me, you know that there’s something magical about whipping up a special treat that brings joy to your day. Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe that combines the elegance of French macarons with the whimsical joy of a birthday cake. That’s right, let’s talk about Birthday Cake Macarons! These little beauties are not only a feast for the eyes but also a flavorful celebration wrapped up in a delicate shell. So, grab your apron and let’s get started on a journey that will surely make your taste buds dance!
Why Make This Recipe
So why should you consider making Birthday Cake Macarons? First off, they’re absolutely stunning, and they make a fantastic treat for any celebration, birthdays, parties, or just a well-deserved afternoon pick-me-up. They’re also a conversation starter!
But beyond their charm, these macarons are so much fun to make! With a bit of practice, you’ll master the technique of creating the perfect macaron, and there’s nothing quite like that feeling when you pull a beautiful batch out of the oven. Plus, this recipe packs in the cozy flavors of cake and frosting, making each bite a trip down memory lane. Not to mention, they’ll impress your friends and family, who wouldn’t love a rainbow-colored macaron filled with birthday cake goodness?
How to Make Birthday Cake Macarons
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of creating these fabulous treats! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step, so you feel like a pro in no time.
Ingredients:
To make these delicious Birthday Cake Macarons, here’s what you’ll need:
- 105 g Sifted Super Fine Almond Flour
- 105 g Sifted Confectioners Sugar
- 100 g Egg Whites
- 100 g White Sugar
- 3 g (1 tsp) Egg White Powder (meringue powder, optional but highly recommended)
- 1 tsp Artificial Vanilla
- Nonpareils Rainbow Sprinkles
- 1 cup (130 g) White or Yellow Boxed Cake Mix
- 1 cup (227 g) Unsalted Butter (at room temperature)
- 3 cups (360 g) Confectioners Sugar
- 2 tbsp (28 g) Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp Artificial Vanilla
- Pink Food Colouring
Directions:
Now, let’s get down to business with the steps you’ll follow to create these macaron delights!
Dry Ingredients: Start by combining the sifted almond flour and confectioners sugar in a bowl. This mix should be as fine as possible, so take your time!
Making the Meringue: In a separate bowl, whip those egg whites until they are frothy. Gradually add the white sugar and continue whipping until you achieve stiff peaks. If you’re using egg white powder, add it in at this stage.
Macaronage: Gently fold the dry mixture into the meringue using a spatula. The key is to fold carefully until the batter flows smoothly, like lava! Don’t overmix or undermix; you want that perfect consistency.
Piping and Drying the Macarons: Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Next, sprinkle the rainbow nonpareils on top. Let them sit for about 30-60 minutes, allowing a skin to form on the surface.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes, turning the tray halfway through. They should have little feet and be slightly firm to the touch.
Birthday Cake Buttercream: While the macarons cool, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the confectioners sugar and heavy cream, then add the artificial vanilla and a drop of pink food coloring. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
Assembling the Macarons: Once your macarons have cooled completely, flip half of them over. Pipe a dollop of the birthday cake buttercream on each one, then gently press another macaron on top to create a sandwich.
How to Serve Birthday Cake Macarons
Serving these Birthday Cake Macarons is simple yet so satisfying! Present them on a beautiful platter, perhaps adorned with more rainbow sprinkles or a few edible flowers for that extra touch. Pair them with a cup of tea or a glass of milk for a delightful treat that everyone will love. Whether for a party or just a special snack for yourself, these macarons are sure to bring joy!
How to Store Birthday Cake Macarons
To keep your macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last about 3-5 days but let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze the empty macaron shells. Just thaw them out before adding the buttercream.
Tips to Make Birthday Cake Macarons
- Sift, sift, sift! Ensure you sift your dry ingredients well to avoid lumps. The finer your mixture, the smoother your macarons will be.
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements. It’s one of the secrets to macaron success!
- Practice your piping! If you’re new to piping, don’t stress. Just take your time, and remember, perfectly imperfect is still beautiful.
- Be patient while drying. Skipping this step can lead to cracked shells, so let them rest until they develop a skin.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? You can swap out the flavorings in the buttercream! Try lemon or almond extracts instead of vanilla for a unique twist. Or, add a fruit puree for an exciting flavor variation.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh egg whites instead of pasteurized ones?
Yes, you can! Just make sure they are at room temperature for the best results.
2. What if my macarons crack during baking?
Cracked macarons usually mean they didn’t dry long enough before baking. Make sure to let them sit until a skin forms.
3. Can I add natural colors instead of artificial ones?
Absolutely! You can use natural food colors derived from fruits and veggies, just know that shades may be more muted.
And there you have it, my friends, a complete guide to making delightful Birthday Cake Macarons that are sure to light up any dessert table. Enjoy the process, cherish each bite, and remember: baking is all about finding joy in every moment! Happy baking!
Print
Birthday Cake Macarons
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 macarons 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these elegant Birthday Cake Macarons, combining French pastry with festive flavors in a delicate shell.
Ingredients
- 105 g Sifted Super Fine Almond Flour
- 105 g Sifted Confectioners Sugar
- 100 g Egg Whites
- 100 g White Sugar
- 3 g (1 tsp) Egg White Powder (optional)
- 1 tsp Artificial Vanilla
- Nonpareils Rainbow Sprinkles
- 130 g White or Yellow Boxed Cake Mix
- 227 g Unsalted Butter (at room temperature)
- 360 g Confectioners Sugar
- 28 g Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp Artificial Vanilla
- Pink Food Colouring
Instructions
- Combine sifted almond flour and confectioners sugar in a bowl.
- Whip egg whites in a separate bowl until frothy, then gradually add white sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
- If using, add egg white powder during meringue preparation.
- Gently fold dry mixture into meringue until the batter flows smoothly.
- Transfer batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with nonpareils, and let sit for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake macarons for 15-20 minutes, checking for little feet and firm texture.
- Beat unsalted butter until creamy, gradually mix in confectioners sugar and heavy cream, add artificial vanilla and pink food coloring, then beat until fluffy.
- Assemble the macarons by piping buttercream onto half of the shells and sandwiching with the other half.
Notes
Sift ingredients well for smoother macarons and use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements. Practice piping to perfect the technique.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg