Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons are a delicate combination of sweet strawberry jam, creamy cheesecake filling, and the classic macaron shell made from almond flour and egg whites. These macarons are the perfect blend of texture and flavor, making them ideal for any special occasion or simply as a treat.
This guide will walk you through all the steps to create these delightful macarons, offering helpful tips along the way to ensure your macarons turn out perfect. Plus, we’ve included some internal linking opportunities to related content to help you explore other exciting baking recipes.
What Are Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons?
Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons are a fruity, creamy twist on the traditional French macaron. They consist of a crisp almond shell, a rich cream cheese frosting, and a homemade strawberry jam filling. These macarons have a light, airy texture paired with a soft, indulgent filling, creating the perfect bite.
If you enjoy experimenting with fruity desserts, you might also love our Rich Chocolate Raspberry Cake, which combines the richness of chocolate with tart raspberry for another layer of flavor complexity.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons
These macarons aren’t just a treat for the eyes but are a delightful experience for your taste buds too! Here’s why you’ll want to try making them:
- Beautiful Presentation: The pink shells make these macarons a perfect option for events like weddings, baby showers, or Valentine’s Day.
- Tangy and Sweet: The combination of cream cheese frosting and strawberry jam provides the perfect balance between sweetness and tang.
- Versatile: These macarons can be decorated in countless ways, whether with a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of graham crackers for a cheesecake effect.
Looking to try more creative dessert combinations? Check out our recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Muffins for a delicious combination of flavors that’s just as fun to make.
Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons
To create the best macarons, using high-quality ingredients is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:
Macaron Shell Ingredients:
- Almond Flour: Super-fine almond flour is essential for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Egg Whites: Aged egg whites help stabilize the meringue.
- Powdered Sugar: Sifted with almond flour to create a fine texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides structure and stability for the meringue.
- Pink Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring helps achieve the pink hue without adding excess moisture.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
- Cream Cheese: The tangy base of the cheesecake filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the richness of the cream cheese.
Strawberry Jam Filling Ingredients:
- Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: For a vibrant jam.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps thicken and sweeten the strawberry filling.
Want to try a variation? Check out our guide on how to make the Best Lemon Coconut Cake for another fruit-infused dessert idea.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons
1. Making the Macaron Shells
Sifting Ingredients
- Start by sifting together the almond flour and powdered sugar into a bowl. This step ensures a smooth batter, which is essential for achieving perfect macaron shells.
Whipping the Meringue
- Whisk the aged egg whites until frothy, then gradually add in the granulated sugar. Continue whipping until the mixture reaches stiff peaks. Incorporate a drop of pink gel food coloring to give the shells a lovely hue.
Folding the Batter (Macaronage)
- Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue using a spatula. Make sure the batter flows off the spatula in a ribbon without breaking.
Piping and Resting
- Pipe the batter into small, even circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the macarons rest for an hour, allowing a thin skin to form on the surface, which helps prevent cracks during baking.
2. Baking the Macaron Shells
- Preheat the oven to 290°F. Bake the shells for 15 minutes or until they have formed the characteristic macaron “feet” and are firm to the touch.
3. Preparing the Strawberry Jam Filling
- Heat the strawberries and sugar over medium heat, mashing them as they release their juices. Let the mixture thicken into a jam consistency before straining and cooling.
4. Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
- Whip the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This will be the tangy base of your strawberry cheesecake macarons.
5. Assembling the Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons
- Pipe a ring of cheesecake filling around the edge of one macaron shell. In the center, pipe a dollop of the strawberry jam. Gently sandwich with the second shell. For added elegance, drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
Tips for Success
Use Aged Egg Whites
- Aged egg whites create a more stable meringue, preventing hollow macaron shells. Simply separate the egg whites a day before baking and let them rest in the fridge.
Perfect Macaronage
- When folding the batter, be sure it flows smoothly like a ribbon. Over-folding will result in flat macarons, while under-folding can cause cracks.
Resting the Shells
- Don’t skip the resting stage. It ensures the macarons develop their signature feet and smooth tops.
If you’re looking for more helpful tips on perfecting your macaron recipes, you may enjoy our guide on How to Squeeze Water Out of Zucchini for Bread—a step that’s similarly important when baking moist zucchini bread.
Storing and Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons
- Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture, let them sit overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- To freeze, place the macarons in a sealed container with parchment paper between the layers. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
FAQs
How long do strawberry cheesecake macarons last?
Stored in the fridge, these macarons can last for 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use store-bought jam for the filling?
Yes, store-bought strawberry jam works well if you’re short on time. However, homemade jam offers a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Why are my macarons hollow or cracked?
Hollow or cracked macarons often result from improper macaronage or baking at the wrong temperature. Be sure to carefully fold your batter and rest the shells before baking.
Conclusion
Making strawberry cheesecake macarons is a rewarding challenge, and with the right techniques, you can achieve perfect results. From the delicate shell to the creamy cheesecake filling and the burst of strawberry jam, these macarons are sure to impress your friends and family.
Now that you’ve learned how to master this recipe, why not try other fun dessert projects like our Best Chocolate Mousse Cake? It’s another elegant dessert that pairs beautifully with macarons!