French Buttercream Macarons are a delicate and delicious type of macaron filled with rich, creamy French buttercream. Unlike the more common ganache or jam fillings, French buttercream is made by whipping egg yolks with a hot sugar syrup, then adding butter to create a smooth, custard-like texture. Here’s a bit more about this delightful treat:
What Are French Buttercream Macarons?
- Macaron Shells: Made with almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, and granulated sugar, they are light, crisp on the outside, and chewy inside.
- French Buttercream Filling: The filling is made by cooking sugar with water to create a syrup, then pouring it into whipped egg yolks and beating in softened butter. The result is a rich, custardy, and slightly yellow-tinted cream that’s not as sweet as American buttercream but has a luxurious, silky texture.
Why French Buttercream?
French buttercream pairs beautifully with macarons because:
- Richness: The custard-like cream complements the almond flavor and texture of the shells.
- Less Sweet: It’s less sweet than other buttercreams, letting the almond shells and any added flavors (like vanilla, coffee, or fruit) shine.
- Versatile Flavoring: French buttercream can be flavored with vanilla, chocolate, coffee, or even fruit purées for a burst of flavor.
Recipe Summary
- Make the macaron shells. Whisk egg whites to a stiff peak, fold in sifted almond flour and powdered sugar, and pipe small rounds. Let them rest until a skin forms, then bake until just set.
- Prepare the French Buttercream – Heat sugar and water to a soft-ball stage, whip egg yolks, then pour the syrup over while beating continuously. Add butter piece by piece until smooth and creamy. Flavor as desired.
- Assemble: Pipe the French buttercream onto one macaron shell and gently press another shell on top to create a sandwich.
Suggested Flavors for French Buttercream
- Classic Vanilla: Add vanilla bean paste or extract for a rich, fragrant filling.
- Chocolate: Blend in melted, cooled dark chocolate for a chocolate French buttercream.
- Espresso: Dissolve espresso powder in a bit of warm water and mix it into the buttercream for a coffee twist.
- Fruit: Add a small amount of fruit purée (like raspberry or passion fruit) for a fruity variation.
French Buttercream Macarons are an indulgent twist on the classic French macaron, offering a sophisticated, creamy filling that elevates the entire dessert!
French Buttercream Macarons Recipe
Yield: About 20 macarons (40 shells)
French Buttercream Macarons
Delight in these delicate, homemade macarons filled with luxurious French buttercream. Perfect for any occasion, these macarons have a crispy exterior, a chewy interior, and a smooth, creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
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Servings: 0
Ingredients
Macaron Shells
- 100 g almond flour
- 180 g powdered sugar
- 100 g egg whites about 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 50 g granulated sugar
- Food coloring optional
French Buttercream Filling
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup unsalted butter 226g, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or flavoring of choice
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Macaron Shells
- Prep and Sift Dry Ingredients
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Fit a piping bag with a round tip.
- Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar into a large bowl. If there are large pieces, discard them or blend them into a fine powder.
Beat the Egg Whites
- In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and increase the speed to high.
- Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. (Add food coloring here if desired.)
Macaronage (Folding Process)
- Fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites gently, in two additions. Use a rubber spatula and fold in a circular motion around the bowl, then cut through the middle.
- The batter should flow like “molten lava,” thick but smooth enough to fall in ribbons.
Pipe and Rest
- Transfer the batter to the piping bag. Pipe small rounds about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter to release air bubbles, then let the macarons sit for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms and they are no longer sticky to the touch.
Pipe and Rest
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 14-16 minutes, one tray at a time, until they easily lift off the parchment paper.
- Let cool completely before filling.
Step 2: Make the French Buttercream
Heat Sugar Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Continue heating until it reaches 238°F (114°C) on a candy thermometer.
Whip the Egg Yolks
- While the sugar syrup heats, beat the egg yolks on medium-high speed until they become thick and pale.
Add Sugar Syrup to yogurt
- With the mixer running, slowly pour the hot syrup down the side of the bowl into the yolks. Continue to beat until the mixture cools to room temperature.
Add Butter and Flavoring
- With the mixer on medium, add the butter, one piece at a time, beating until smooth. Add vanilla extract or your preferred flavoring.
Step 3: Assemble the Macarons
Fill
- Transfer the French buttercream to a piping bag. Pipe a small dollop onto the flat side of one macaron shell, then gently press another shell on top to create a sandwich.
Mature the Macarons
- For the best texture, store the macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours before serving. Let them come to room temperature before eating.
Notes
Tips
- Aging the Egg Whites: If possible, separate the egg whites a day before and store them in the fridge. This helps improve the stability of the meringue.
- Consistent Size: To keep macarons uniform, use a macaron template under your baking mat or parchment paper.
- Flavor Variations: You can add coffee, melted chocolate, or fruit purée to the buttercream for extra flavor.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g
French Buttercream Macarons recipe:
- History of Macarons
- Link to a reputable article that explores the records of macarons, which includes a submit from a famous culinary internet site like Le Cordon Bleu or BBC Good Food.
- Example: “Learn more about the captivating history of macarons.”
- Guide to French Buttercream
- Link to a comprehensive manual explaining distinctive buttercream types, like one from The Spruce Eats or Food52, so readers recognize the distinction among French and other buttercream patterns.
- Example: “Discover the difference among French buttercream and different sorts.”
- Macaron-Making Tips
- Link to a guide on macaron-making guidelines, possibly from Bon Appétit or Serious Eats, for readers wanting greater steerage on gaining knowledge of macaron techniques.
- Example: “Check out these expert macaron-making pointers.”
- Baking Tools for Macarons
- Link to a useful resource or article list vital tools for baking macarons, like silicone mats, piping baggage, and thermometers, available on websites like King Arthur Baking or Amazon.
- Example: “Here’s a listing of important macaron baking equipment.”
- Nutritional Info on Almond Flour
- Link to a dependable supply on almond flour’s dietary benefits, consisting of Healthline or WebMD.
- Example: “Learn extra about the nutritional benefits of almond flour.”