As the sweet scent of strawberries mingles with the cozy aroma of baking, I can’t help but feel a rush of joy at the thought of my latest creation: Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons. These delightful pink confections are not just visually captivating; they’re a testament to the magic of combining textures and flavors. With a creamy cream cheese frosting nestled between two perfectly chewy macaron shells and a luscious homemade strawberry jam filling, each bite is a celebration of indulgence. The best part? They’re surprisingly quick to prepare and make for an impressive crowd-pleaser at any gathering! Are you ready to elevate your dessert game and impress your friends with these charming treats? Let’s dive into the bliss of baking together! Why Are These Macarons Unique? Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and cream cheese delivers a delightful taste that will have you craving more. Chewy Perfection: The perfectly chewy macaron shells create a satisfyingly delicious texture that complements the smooth frosting. Easy to Make: You’ll be surprised at how simple the process is, making these macarons a fabulous choice for bakers of all skill levels. Impressive Presentation: With their vibrant pink hue and elegant white chocolate drizzle, these macarons are sure to steal the spotlight at any event. Customizable Joy: Explore flavors by swapping strawberries for other fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, for a personal twist—perfect for those who love to innovate in the kitchen. Dive into the sweet experience of baking these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons, and don’t forget to check out my recipe for Vanilla Bean Cheesecake if you’re in the mood for another cheesecake treat! Strawberry Cheesecake Macaron Ingredients Unlock the secrets to making these delightful strawberry cheesecake macarons! For the Macaron Shells • Super-fine Almond Flour – Provides structure and a delicate texture; ensure it’s finely ground for the best results. • Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth batter; substitute with coconut sugar for a slightly darker flavor. • Egg Whites (90 g, room temperature and aged for 24 hrs) – Essential for meringue structure; aging helps achieve the right consistency. • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the meringue; standard sugar is fine—no substitutions required. • Pink Gel Food Colouring – Adds a festive touch to macaron shells; use any color or skip if not desired. For the Strawberry Jam Filling • Frozen Strawberries (100 g) – For the jam filling; fresh strawberries can be used but add 1-2 tablespoons water to help them cook down. • Granulated Sugar for Jam (3 tablespoons) – Facilitates the jam-making process; can be replaced with honey for natural sweetness. For the Cream Cheese Filling • Cream Cheese (100 g, softened) – Provides a rich and creamy filling; vegan cream cheese can substitute for a dairy-free version. • Powdered Sugar for Filling (200 g) – Sweetens the cream cheese; no substitutions suggested. • Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon) – Enhances flavor; use pure extract for the best taste. For the Topping • White Chocolate (50 g, melted) – Used for drizzling; enhances sweetness but can be omitted for a less sweet macaron. • Honey Graham Cracker (1 sheet, crushed) – For topping texture and flavor; can be skipped or replaced with digestive biscuit crumbs. Dive in, and let’s create some unforgettable strawberry cheesecake macarons together! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheets Begin by preheating your oven to 290°F (143°C). While it warms, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring they’re smooth and free of wrinkles. This will provide the perfect surface for your strawberry cheesecake macarons. Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine the super-fine almond flour and powdered sugar. Carefully sift this mixture together to eliminate any lumps—this step is crucial for creating the smooth texture of the macaron shells. Set this aside while you whip your egg whites. Step 3: Whip Egg Whites Using a stand mixer, add room temperature egg whites to the bowl and beat on medium speed until frothy. Gradually sprinkle in the granulated sugar, then increase the speed to high. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, and fold in a few drops of pink gel food coloring, achieving a lovely pastel hue. Step 4: Combine Ingredients Gently fold half of the sifted dry ingredients into the meringue using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Once incorporated, add the remaining dry ingredients, and continue to fold until the batter flows smoothly and forms a ribbon-like consistency, which is essential for the perfect macaron texture. Step 5: Macaronage Technique To achieve the correct consistency, perform the macaronage technique by scraping the batter against the sides of the bowl while gently folding. You want a thick, glossy batter that falls easily from your spatula in a ribbon, ideal for piping your strawberry cheesecake macarons. Step 6: Pipe Macaron Shells Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe even circles, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter, onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each. The piping should be done in a swift, smooth motion to create perfectly shaped macaron shells. Step 7: Rest Macarons Now, let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for about 1 hour. This step is critical for forming a skin on the surface, so they won’t crack during baking. You’ll know they’re ready when they are dry to the touch and do not stick to your finger. Step 8: Bake Once rested, place the macarons in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should not brown but rather be firm to the touch and easily lift off the parchment without sticking to the surface. Step 9: Make Strawberry Jam While the macarons bake, prepare your strawberry jam by cooking frozen strawberries with granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture should thicken. Once achieved, strain the jam and allow it to cool completely. Step 10: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. This frosting will provide that delicious cheesecakey richness. Transfer it to a piping bag for easy assembly later. Step 11: Assemble Macarons Once the macaron shells have cooled, pair them up by size. Pipe a ring of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one shell, then add a dollop of cooled strawberry jam in the center. Gently press another shell on top to create a delightful strawberry cheesecake macaron. Step 12: Finish To add a finishing touch, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the assembled macarons, and sprinkle crushed honey graham crackers on top before the chocolate sets. This will give your strawberry cheesecake macarons an elegant flair and enhance the flavor. Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these macarons to make them even more special! Berry Bliss: Substitute frozen strawberries with other berries for a delightful variation, like raspberries or blueberries. Each berry adds its unique flavor, creating a refreshing alternative. Chocolate Addition: Incorporate cocoa powder into your macaron shells for a chocolatey twist. Pair this with a rich chocolate ganache filling for a decadent experience! Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or lime zest to the cream cheese filling. This brightens the flavor, giving your macarons a delightful zing that beautifully complements the sweetness. Nut-Free Option: Replace almond flour with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free version. Just be mindful that the color of the macaron shells will be slightly different, but the taste remains delicious! Spiced Up Filling: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into your cream cheese filling for a warm, comforting flavor. This twist will evoke the coziness of fall, perfect for seasonal gatherings. Dairy-Free Delight: Use vegan cream cheese in the filling to make these strawberry cheesecake macarons dairy-free. You’ll still get that creamy deliciousness without compromising on taste! Lemonade Infusion: For a refreshing twist, add a splash of homemade lemonade to your strawberry jam. This will enhance the fruity profile and give a bright, cheerful flavor. Decorative Fun: Swap out the white chocolate drizzle for vibrant colored melting candy. This adds a playful touch and can match any occasion or theme! Now that you have these great ideas, don’t hesitate to mix and match these variations to create your perfect macaron masterpiece! And if you’re looking for another scrumptious treat, consider trying my recipe for Strawberry Lemonade Refreshing for a sweet drink to accompany your baking delight. How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons Room Temperature: Keep your macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but be mindful of humidity, as it can affect their texture. Fridge: For best freshness, store strawberry cheesecake macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying for optimal flavor. Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freeze the unfilled macaron shells in a single layer in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature before filling. Reheating: These macarons are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to refresh them, briefly place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—this can help restore some texture. Make Ahead Options These Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a stunning dessert without the last-minute rush. You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their delicate texture. Additionally, the strawberry jam filling can be made up to 3 days in advance; just keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you’re ready to finish, pair the shells with the cream cheese filling right before serving to preserve that creamy integrity. The end result? Delectable macarons that taste just as fresh and delightful as if you made them that day! Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons Perfect Egg Whites: Ensure egg whites are aged for 24 hours and at room temperature for optimal meringue stability and volume when making your strawberry cheesecake macarons. Sift Thoroughly: Sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar is vital to avoid lumps, which can interfere with the smooth texture of your macaron shells. Macaronage Mastery: Don’t skip the macaronage technique. This crucial process achieves the right batter consistency for your macaron shells, allowing them to rise beautifully. Timing is Key: Allow the piped macarons to rest until dry to the touch, which helps prevent cracking during baking. Patience pays off here! Oven Door Closed: Keep the oven door closed while baking to maintain consistent temperature and moisture. Opening it can disrupt the rising of your strawberry cheesecake macarons. What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons As you dive into these luscious strawberry cheesecake macarons, consider delightful pairings that elevate your dessert experience. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla brings out the fruity notes of the macarons, creating a heavenly combination. Fresh Berries Medley: Juicy strawberries and raspberries not only add freshness but also enhance the strawberry flavor, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a smooth counterpart to the rich cream cheese filling in the macarons. Sparkling Wine: The effervescence of sparkling wine complements the sweet and fruity elements, making each bite feel like a celebration. Light Fruit Salad: A light mix of citrus and seasonal fruits cleanses the palate, balancing the sweetness of the macarons perfectly. Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai tea contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the macarons, introducing a cozy element to your dessert spread. Explore these pairings for a delightful afternoon tea or a festive gathering that showcases the enchanting flavors of these strawberry cheesecake macarons! Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe strawberries for the filling? Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for bright red berries that are firm to the touch and have a natural shine. Avoid those with dark spots or a dull appearance, as these can indicate overripeness. Try to choose strawberries that have a fresh smell, as this is a sign of sweetness and flavor. What is the best way to store leftover macarons? Very! To keep your strawberry cheesecake macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to fully enjoy their flavors. Just remember, macarons absorb moisture, so do not store them in a humid environment! Can I freeze the macarons? How? Absolutely! You can freeze your unfilled macaron shells for up to 2 months. To do this, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 30 minutes until firm. Then, transfer the shells to a freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and fill with the cream cheese frosting and strawberry jam. What if my macaron shells do not rise properly? Oh no! If your macarons don’t rise as expected, it could be due to overmixing the batter during the macaronage stage, which causes them to lose air. This method is crucial for creating that perfect texture, so be sure to only fold until you achieve a smooth, shiny batter that flows like lava. Additionally, ensure that your egg whites are at room temperature and aged for 24 hours to maximize volume. Are strawberry cheesecake macarons suitable for those with dietary restrictions? Very! While traditional macarons contain almond flour and eggs, making them not gluten-free or nut-free, you can make adaptations to suit various diets. For a gluten-free option, entirely replace the almond flour with a gluten-free blend that works for macarons. If you have nut allergies, you may explore using sunflower seed flour, although results may vary. Always check ingredient labels to ensure safety! Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen for the jam? Yes! If you opt for fresh strawberries, be sure to add 1-2 tablespoons of water while cooking them down with sugar. This will help create the jammy consistency you desire. Cook until thickened, then strain and let cool. Fresh strawberries can bring a vibrant flavor that’s delightful for these macarons! Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons that Melt in Your Mouth Indulge in the delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons that combine fresh strawberries and cream cheese. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsResting Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 macaronsCourse: DessertCuisine: FrenchCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Macaron Shells100 g Super-fine Almond Flour Ensure it’s finely ground for the best results.100 g Powdered Sugar Substitute with coconut sugar for a darker flavor.90 g Egg Whites Room temperature and aged for 24 hours.50 g Granulated Sugar No substitutions required.1 drop Pink Gel Food Colouring Use any color or skip if not desired.For the Strawberry Jam Filling100 g Frozen Strawberries Fresh strawberries can be used but add water.3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar Can be replaced with honey for natural sweetness.For the Cream Cheese Filling100 g Cream Cheese Softened; vegan option can be used.200 g Powdered Sugar No substitutions suggested.0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use pure extract for the best taste.For the Topping50 g White Chocolate Melted; can be omitted for a less sweet macaron.1 sheet Honey Graham Cracker Crushed; can be replaced with digestive biscuit crumbs. Equipment Stand mixerpiping bagBaking sheetsParchment papersmall saucepan Method Macaron ShellsPrepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 290°F (143°C) and line two sheets with parchment paper.Sift Dry Ingredients: Combine almond flour and powdered sugar, sift to eliminate lumps.Whip Egg Whites: Beat egg whites until frothy, gradually add sugar, then whip to stiff peaks and fold in food coloring.Combine Ingredients: Fold dry ingredients into meringue in two batches until smooth and ribbon-like.Macaronage Technique: Scrape batter against bowl to achieve a thick, glossy consistency.Pipe Macaron Shells: Transfer batter to a piping bag and pipe 1.5-inch circles on the baking sheets.Rest Macarons: Let piped macarons rest for about 1 hour until dry to the touch.Bake: Bake for about 15 minutes until firm and easily lift off parchment.Filling and AssemblingMake Strawberry Jam: Cook frozen strawberries and sugar in a saucepan for about 10 minutes until thick.Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.Assemble Macarons: Pair shells, pipe cream cheese filling and add strawberry jam, then press another shell on top.Finish: Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed graham crackers before the chocolate sets. Nutrition Serving: 1macaronCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor optimal results, ensure egg whites are aged and use a precise piping technique to shape the macarons. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
