Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons are a delightful treat that will steal the show at your next gathering. Perfect for Memorial Day or Fourth of July celebrations, these macarons combine vibrant colors with a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The charming combination of almond, cream cheese, and fresh cherries makes them not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a unique dessert to impress friends and family, these macarons are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: The red, white, and blue colors make these macarons an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread.
- Delicious Flavor: The mix of sweet almond and tangy cherry cheesecake creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: Despite their elegant look, these macarons are straightforward to prepare with just a few steps.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them at parties or as a sweet snack; they fit any occasion perfectly.
- Fun Decoration: With edible star glitter, you can add a playful touch that enhances their festive spirit.
Tools and Preparation
To achieve the best results when making Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons, having the right tools is essential. Proper preparation ensures that your macarons turn out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Piping bags with round tips
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool helps you achieve the perfect meringue consistency needed for light and airy macarons.
- Silicone spatula: A must-have for folding ingredients gently without deflating your batter, ensuring you maintain the right texture.
Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells
- 120 grams egg whites (from about 4 large eggs)
- 170 grams almond meal (also called almond flour)
- 200 grams powdered sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 70 grams granulated sugar
- red gel paste food coloring
- royal blue gel paste food coloring
- violet gel paste food coloring
For the Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened but cool)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened but cool)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 15 fresh cherries (pitted and halved (approx.))
For Garnish
- Edible star glitter (for garnish)
How to Make Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the macarons from sticking and ensures even baking.
Step 2: Make the Meringue
- In a mixing bowl, combine egg whites and cream of tartar.
- Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together almond meal and powdered sugar. Stir in kosher salt for added flavor.
Step 4: Fold Ingredients Together
- Gently fold dry ingredients into meringue using a silicone spatula.
- Add food coloring gradually until desired color is achieved; aim for vibrant shades of red and blue.
Step 5: Pipe the Macarons
Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip:
1. Pipe small circles onto prepared baking sheets.
2. Tap the baking sheet gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Allow piped macarons to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they form a skin on top.
Step 7: Bake the Macarons
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake macarons for about 10 minutes or until they have risen slightly and can be removed easily from the parchment paper.
Step 8: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt; mix until smooth.
Step 9: Assemble the Macarons
- Pair macaron shells of similar sizes.
- Pipe filling onto one shell and gently press another shell on top.
Step 10: Garnish and Enjoy!
Sprinkle edible star glitter on top for decoration before serving your festive Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons!
How to Serve Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons
Serving Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons is a delightful way to impress your guests during any patriotic celebration. These colorful treats can be presented in various fun and festive ways.
On a Decorative Platter
- Use a vibrant platter to showcase the macarons. Arrange them in a circular pattern or in rows for a visually appealing display.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair these macarons with fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries. This adds an extra pop of color and complements the flavors beautifully.
As Part of a Dessert Table
- Include the macarons on a dessert table alongside other treats. This creates a fun dessert bar atmosphere for your guests to enjoy.
In Individual Boxes
- Present each macaron in small, clear boxes tied with ribbon for a cute take-home treat. This makes your guests feel special and appreciated.
With Coffee or Tea
- Serve these macarons with coffee or tea. The creamy filling and sweet almond flavor pair perfectly with warm beverages.
How to Perfect Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons
To achieve the best results when making Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons, follow these simple tips for perfecting your technique.
- Use aged egg whites: Allow your egg whites to sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours before using them. This helps create a better meringue structure.
- Measure accurately: Ensure you weigh your ingredients precisely for consistent results. Baking is all about chemistry!
- Sift dry ingredients: Always sift almond meal and powdered sugar together to avoid lumps in your batter.
- Pipe evenly: When piping the macaron shells, use a template under your parchment paper for uniform sizes. This ensures even baking.
- Let them rest: Allow piped macarons to rest until they form a skin before baking. This helps achieve those signature feet.
- Cool completely: Make sure the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them. This prevents breakage.
Best Side Dishes for Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons
When serving Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their festive nature. Here are some great options:
- Patriotic Fruit Salad: Combine strawberries, blueberries, and bananas tossed with a light honey dressing for a refreshing side.
- Mini Caprese Skewers: Assemble cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls on skewers with fresh basil leaves for an easy appetizer.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Serve buttered corn sprinkled with paprika as a savory contrast to sweet desserts.
- Watermelon Feta Salad: Mix cubes of watermelon with crumbled feta cheese and mint leaves for a cooling side dish.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: A creamy dip served warm with pita chips provides a delicious savory option.
- Classic Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds texture and balances sweetness from the macarons.
- Deviled Eggs: Colorfully decorated deviled eggs can be made festive with red and blue toppings.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with seasonal veggies dressed in vinaigrette enhances any summer gathering experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to flat macaron shells. Mix just until combined for the right texture.
- Skipping the aging process: Allow egg whites to sit for a few hours before using. This helps achieve a better meringue.
- Inconsistent piping: Use a template or guide when piping the macarons. This ensures uniform size and shape.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different, so invest in an oven thermometer. Proper temperature is crucial for even baking.
- Not letting them rest: Allow piped macarons to sit before baking. This forms a skin that helps them rise properly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons
- Freeze in an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Place parchment paper between layers for easy separation.
Reheating Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and bake for about 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- Microwave: Use at low power for 10 seconds. Monitor closely to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place on a warm skillet covered with a lid for about 1 minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruit instead of cherries?
Yes! You can substitute fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a different flavor while keeping the patriotic colors.
How do I achieve perfect macaron feet?
Focus on proper mixing and resting times. A good meringue and skin formation will help achieve those signature feet.
What is the best way to color the macarons?
Use gel paste food coloring as it doesn’t add excess moisture like liquid food coloring. Start with small amounts until you reach your desired shade.
Can I make these macarons ahead of time?
Absolutely! These macarons store well, making them perfect for preparing in advance before events or holidays.
What should I serve with my Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons?
They pair beautifully with coffee or tea. You can also serve them alongside fruit salads or light desserts for a delightful spread.
Final Thoughts
Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons are a festive treat perfect for summer celebrations. Their sweet almond flavor combined with cream cheese and cherries makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize these macarons by experimenting with different fillings or colors. Try this delightful recipe and impress your friends and family at your next gathering!
Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons
Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons are the ultimate festive dessert for summer celebrations. These stunning treats are not only visually appealing with their vibrant red, white, and blue colors, but they also offer a delightful flavor combination of sweet almond and tangy cherry cheesecake. Perfect for Memorial Day or Fourth of July gatherings, these macarons will impress your guests and provide a unique twist on traditional desserts. Easy to prepare, they require just a few steps that anyone can master. With the added touch of edible star glitter, these macarons are sure to be the highlight of any dessert table.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 macarons 1x
Ingredients
- 120 grams egg whites
- 170 grams almond meal
- 200 grams powdered sugar
- 70 grams granulated sugar
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh cherries (15 pitted and halved)
- Red gel paste food coloring
- Royal blue gel paste food coloring
- Violet gel paste food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whip egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form; gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, sift together almond meal and powdered sugar; gently fold into meringue with food coloring.
- Pipe small circles onto prepared sheets and let them rest for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until set.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; mix in powdered sugar, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt.
- Assemble by pairing shells with filling in between.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use aged egg whites for better meringue stability. Sift dry ingredients to ensure a lump-free batter. Experiment with different fruit fillings to customize flavors.
