Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a sweet adventure with a delightful treat that’s bound to make your heart sing, Caramel Apple Macarons! If you’ve ever wondered how to capture the essence of fall in a delicate cookie, this recipe is the answer. With each bite, you get the sweetness of caramel, the crunch of apples, and the luxurious feel of meringue. It’s like taking a cozy stroll through an orchard on a crisp autumn day. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite mixing bowl, and let’s create something beautiful together!
Why Make This Recipe
You might ask, “Why should I make these macaron wonders?” Well, let me tell you! Firstly, macarons are not just cookies; they are miniature works of art that transform your kitchen into a patisserie. These Caramel Apple Macarons are not only visually stunning, but they also offer a unique flavor combination that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. You get the caramel’s rich sweetness and the bright, tangy notes from the apples, all hugged by a lovely almond shell.
Moreover, baking is therapeutic, it’s like a meditation session with flour and sugar. Making macarons might seem tricky, but they are also a chance to challenge yourself and learn new skills. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just to treat yourself, these macaron delights are bound to impress. Plus, who doesn’t love to indulge in something homemade?
How to Make Caramel Apple Macarons
It’s time to gather your ingredients and make these dreamy macarons come to life. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 150 g almond flour (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 150 g powdered sugar (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 4 g freeze-dried apple (4-5 tsp), finely ground
- 110 g egg whites (divided)
- A few drops of green food coloring
- A pinch of salt
- 150 g granulated sugar (about ¾ cup)
- 2 1/2 tbsp water (38ml)
- 150 g apple (about 5 oz), diced
- 30 g sugar (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 80 g whipping cream (about 1/3 cup)
- 230 g white chocolate (about 8 oz), chips or finely chopped bar
- 4 g freeze-dried apple (4-5 tsp), finely ground (for the filling)
- A few drops of green food coloring (for the filling)
- 11 oz caramels
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Directions:
Prepare the White Chocolate Ganache Filling:
Start by heating the whipping cream until it’s just about to simmer. Pour it over the white chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Then, stir gently until smooth. Mix in the finely ground freeze-dried apple and a drop of green food coloring to get that beautiful apple green hue. Set aside to cool and thicken.Prepare the Macaron Shells:
Next, sift the almond flour, powdered sugar, and finely ground freeze-dried apple together into a bowl. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until foamy and gradually add the granulated sugar. Continue whipping until you have stiff peaks. Add in the green food coloring to get that fun apple look. Gently fold the almond mixture into the egg whites until the batter flows like lava. Pipe onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for about 30 minutes until the tops are dry.Melt the Caramels:
While the macaron shells are resting, prepare the caramel sauce by melting the caramels with the heavy cream and kosher salt in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.Assemble:
Once your macaron shells are baked and cooled, it’s time to fill them! Spread a layer of white chocolate ganache on one shell, and then add a dollop of the melted caramel. Top with another shell to create the perfect sandwich of flavors.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Macarons
When it’s time to enjoy your creations, serve these Caramel Apple Macarons with a warm cup of tea or a refreshing cider. They also make for a stunning centerpiece at parties, trust me, they will grab everyone’s attention. Arrange them on a beautiful platter, perhaps with a few fresh apple slices and caramel drizzle on the side. The combination of flavors will make each bite a delightful experience!
How to Store Caramel Apple Macarons
To keep your macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3 to 5 days, but I recommend enjoying them sooner rather than later for the best flavor. You can also freeze the assembled macarons by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to a month, but again, it might be hard to resist eating them all at once!
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Macarons
- Measure with Precision: Baking is a science, especially with macarons. Measuring your ingredients correctly will ensure the best results.
- Use aged egg whites: If possible, use egg whites that have been allowed to sit in the fridge for a day or two. This helps improve the structure of the macarons.
- Avoid Humidity: Macarons love a dry environment. If it’s a humid day, consider waiting for a drier day to bake.
- Practice patience with resting: Let the piped shells rest until dry to the touch before baking. This helps them to develop the signature foot.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, try adding different flavors to your ganache! You could infuse it with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a more festive twist. Or swap out the freeze-dried apple for other flavors, such as raspberry or strawberry for a berry twist.
FAQs
What if my macarons crack?
If your macarons crack during baking, it’s often due to too much moisture or not resting long enough before baking. Make sure you’ve allowed them to dry on the counter beforehand.Can I make the macarons in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the macaron shells a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just wait to fill them until you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.Why are my macarons hollow?
Hollow macarons usually indicate that the batter was overmixed. Be sure to fold the dry ingredients in gently until just combined to achieve a smooth batter that holds its shape without losing air.
Now that you’ve got all the insights on making these delightful Caramel Apple Macarons, it’s time to get in the kitchen and start baking! Happy baking, friends!✨
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Caramel Apple Macarons
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Caramel Apple Macarons that capture the essence of fall with each bite, combining sweet caramel, crunchy apples, and luxurious meringue.
Ingredients
- 150 g almond flour (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 150 g powdered sugar (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 4 g freeze-dried apple (4–5 tsp), finely ground
- 110 g egg whites (divided)
- A few drops of green food coloring
- A pinch of salt
- 150 g granulated sugar (about ¾ cup)
- 2 1/2 tbsp water (38ml)
- 150 g apple (about 5 oz), diced
- 30 g sugar (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 80 g whipping cream (about 1/3 cup)
- 230 g white chocolate (about 8 oz), chips or finely chopped bar
- 4 g freeze-dried apple (4–5 tsp), finely ground (for the filling)
- A few drops of green food coloring (for the filling)
- 11 oz caramels
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the White Chocolate Ganache Filling: Heat the whipping cream until just about to simmer. Pour it over the white chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Then stir gently until smooth. Mix in the finely ground freeze-dried apple and a drop of green food coloring. Set aside to cool and thicken.
- Prepare the Macaron Shells: Sift the almond flour, powdered sugar, and finely ground freeze-dried apple. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites and gradually add the granulated sugar. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Add green food coloring and fold in the almond mixture. Pipe onto a lined baking sheet and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Melt the Caramels: Prepare caramel sauce by melting caramels with heavy cream and kosher salt over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Assemble: Once macaron shells are baked and cooled, spread white chocolate ganache on one shell, add melted caramel, and top with another shell.
Notes
Macarons are best enjoyed fresh, and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg