Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons

Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons are the perfect dessert for your summer celebrations. These delightful treats combine sweet almond flavors, tangy cream cheese filling, and fresh cherries, creating a refreshing bite. Ideal for Memorial Day or Fourth of July parties, these macarons not only look festive but also taste amazing. Their vibrant colors and unique flavor make them a standout choice for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The vibrant red, white, and blue colors make these macarons visually stunning for holiday gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of almond, cream cheese, and cherries offers a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for various occasions like birthdays, picnics, or casual get-togethers.
• Impressive Presentation: These macarons elevate any dessert table with their elegant look and fun decorations.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to tweak the filling or colors to match your specific theme or preference.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure success in the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Kitchen scale
• Mixing bowls
• Whip attachment for mixer
• Piping bag with round tip
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Ensures a fine mixture of almond meal and powdered sugar for smooth macaron shells.
• Kitchen scale: Provides accurate measurements for consistent results in your baking.
• Piping bag: Allows you to create uniform macaron shells with ease.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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
– edible star glitter (for garnish)
– 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.))

How to Make Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Whites

Set the egg whites aside to come to room temperature.

Step 2: Process the Dry Ingredients

1. Measure the almond meal, powdered sugar, and salt into the bowl of a food processor.
2. Process this mixture finely until well combined.
3. Sift the mixture to discard any large bits.

Step 3: Beat the Egg Whites

1. Add cream of tartar to the room temperature egg whites.
2. Mix on medium-high speed using the whip attachment until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Color the Meringue

1. Divide the meringue equally between two bowls.
2. Tint one bowl with red gel paste and another with a mix of royal blue and violet gel pastes.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. Fold half of the almond meal mixture into the red meringue until it forms a ribbon-like batter.
2. Repeat this with the blue meringue.

Step 6: Pipe the Macaron Shells

1. Transfer each colored batter into separate piping bags with round tips.
2. Pipe 1½-inch rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
3. Sprinkle edible star glitter on top of blue macarons.

Step 7: Drying Time

Allow macarons to dry for about 45–60 minutes until a thin skin forms on top.

Step 8: Bake the Macarons

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and bake each sheet one at a time for about 10–15 minutes until set without browning.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let macarons cool on baking sheets before carefully peeling them from parchment paper.

Step 10: Make the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt; whip until fluffy.

Step 11: Assemble

Spoon or pipe about two teaspoons of filling onto half of the macaron shells. Place a halved cherry on top and sandwich with remaining shells.

Enjoy your beautiful Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons at your next celebration!

How to Serve Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons

Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their festive appeal. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying them at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

Festive Platter

• A beautiful platter filled with macarons creates an eye-catching centerpiece. Arrange the red and blue macarons together with a few fresh cherries for added color and freshness.

Ice Cream Sandwich

• For a fun twist, sandwich your macarons with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of creamy ice cream and the crunchy macaron shell is simply irresistible.

Dessert Table Addition

• Include these macarons on a dessert table alongside other patriotic treats. They complement cakes, cookies, and fruit tarts beautifully.

Individual Serving

• Place each macaron in a small cupcake liner for individual servings. This not only makes them easy to grab but also adds an elegant touch to your presentation.

Pairing with Beverages

• Serve these macarons with refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea. The fruity flavors of the cherries will pair wonderfully with citrusy drinks.

How to Perfect Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons

Making perfect macarons requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to help you achieve flawless results every time.

• Use Room Temperature Egg Whites: Letting egg whites come to room temperature helps them whip up better, resulting in a more stable meringue.
• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Always sift almond meal and powdered sugar together before mixing. This ensures no lumps remain, leading to smoother macaron shells.
• Fold Gently: When combining the meringue with the dry ingredients, fold gently until fully combined. This technique prevents overmixing and maintains the airy texture.
• Check Consistency: The batter should flow like lava and form a ribbon when lifted with a spatula. If it’s too thick or too runny, adjust your technique accordingly.
• Let Them Rest: Allow piped macarons to rest until they form a skin before baking. This step is crucial for achieving that smooth top and ruffled feet.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time as ovens may vary. Remove the macarons when they are set but not browned for the best results.

Best Side Dishes for Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons

To create an enjoyable dining experience alongside your Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons, consider serving some complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet macarons.
2. Patriotic Berry Trifle: Layers of cake with strawberries and blueberries mirror the colors of your macarons.
3. Lemon Sorbet: This light dessert cleanses the palate between bites of rich cheesecake flavor.
4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The sweetness of chocolate pairs well with cherry flavors in the macarons.
5. Mini Cheesecakes: Offer bite-sized cheesecakes for those who want more of that creamy dessert feel.
6. Pineapple Coconut Skewers: Grilled skewers add tropical flair and balance out sweetness with tartness.
7. Vanilla Whipped Cream: A dollop on top adds richness and complements the fruity flavors beautifully.
8. Homemade Lemonade: Refreshing and tangy lemonade pairs perfectly with these sweet treats!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the age of egg whites: Fresh egg whites can lead to a less stable meringue. Let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before using.
• Not sifting dry ingredients: Failing to sift almond meal and powdered sugar can result in a gritty texture. Always sift for a smoother batter.
• Overmixing the meringue: Overmixing can cause the meringue to deflate. Stop mixing as soon as you achieve stiff peaks.
• Ignoring drying time: If you don’t let the piped shells dry long enough, they may crack during baking. Aim for a dry membrane on the surface before baking.
• Using incorrect oven temperature: Baking at too high of a temperature can brown the macarons. Stick to 300 degrees F for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days when properly stored.

Freezing Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons

• Place macarons in a single layer in an airtight container before freezing.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F, place macarons on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one macaron at a time for about 10 seconds on low power.
• Stovetop: Place macarons in a pan over low heat with a lid for around 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons special?

These macarons are not just visually appealing; they combine flavors of cheesecake, cherries, and almond that create a festive treat perfect for summer celebrations.

Can I customize the filling for these macarons?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different fillings such as vanilla buttercream or fruit preserves while keeping the base shell recipe intact.

How do I prevent my macarons from cracking?

To avoid cracking, ensure you pipe them evenly and allow adequate drying time before baking.

Are Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! The main ingredients are almond flour and eggs, making these macarons naturally gluten-free.

How do I achieve vibrant colors in my macarons?

Using gel paste food coloring is key. Start with small amounts and gradually add until you reach your desired shade.

Final Thoughts

Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons are not only delicious but also festive and visually stunning. They make an excellent addition to any summer gathering or celebration. Feel free to customize them with different fillings or colors to suit your tastes!