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Macarons, those delicate and colorful French pastries, are a beloved treat enjoyed by dessert aficionados around the world. Known for their crisp outer shells and soft, chewy interiors, macarons are a delightful blend of textures and flavors that make them irresistible. They come in a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to exotic matcha, but today, we will be exploring a unique twist on this classic pastry: Caramel Cheesecake Macarons. These macarons combine the rich, creamy taste of cheesecake with the luxurious sweetness of caramel, creating a delectable dessert that is sure to impress.

Caramel Cheesecake Macarons

Discover the art of baking with this indulgent recipe for Caramel Cheesecake Macarons. These delicate French treats feature a luscious cream cheese filling balanced perfectly with rich caramel, all nestled between airy almond meringue shells. Perfect for any occasion or as a sweet treat, these macarons are sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide for flawless results every time. #Macarons #DessertRecipe #Baking #Cheesecake #Caramel #FrenchPastry #TreatYourself #BakingTips

Ingredients
  

For the Macaron Shells:

1 cup (100g) almond flour

1 ¾ cups (200g) powdered sugar

3 large egg whites (room temperature)

¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Gel food coloring (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened)

½ cup (60g) unsalted butter (softened)

2 cups (240g) powdered sugar

2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

For the Caramel Sauce:

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter (cubed)

¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream

1 teaspoon sea salt (for salted caramel, optional)

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Instructions
 

Prepare the Macaron Shells:

    - Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

      - In a bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. Set aside.

        - In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites until frothy. Add the cream of tartar and continue whipping until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while beating until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form (around 5 minutes). Stir in the vanilla extract. If desired, add a few drops of gel food coloring.

          - Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites in three additions, being careful not to deflate the batter. The batter should flow like lava and form a figure-eight.

            - Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles (about 1.5 inches/4 cm in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.

              - Tap the baking sheets on the counter to remove air bubbles and let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until they form a skin (they should not stick to your finger when gently touched).

                - Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they have risen and have a slight sheen. Let them cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.

                  Make the Caramel Sauce:

                    - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar until it becomes golden brown, swirling the pan gently as needed. Once melted, add the cubed butter and stir until melted and combined.

                      - Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly (the mixture will bubble up). Cook for an additional minute until smooth. If making salted caramel, stir in the sea salt. Let it cool to room temperature.

                        Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

                          - In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined.

                            - Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the filling is light and fluffy.

                              Assemble the Macarons:

                                - Pair similar-sized macaron shells. Pipe a small amount of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one shell, then drizzle some caramel sauce on top of the filling. Top with another macaron shell to create a sandwich.

                                  - Let the assembled macarons sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

                                    Serve and Enjoy!

                                      - Serve your delicious Caramel Cheesecake Macarons cold or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake filling with the rich flavor of caramel!

                                        Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 day | Servings: 20 macaron sandwiches