Macaron cake

Delving into the world of elegant desserts, the Macaron Cake stands out as a sophisticated and visually stunning choice. This dessert marries the delicate, crisp texture of macarons with the rich, layered experience of a cake. Below, we explore two variations of this delightful treat: a Lemon Macaron Cake and a Giant Chocolate Macaron Cake with Raspberries, showcasing the versatility and appeal of macaron cakes.

Lemon Macaron Cake

Brief Description and Cultural Context The Lemon Macaron Cake is a bright and tangy dessert that layers lemon-flavored macaron shells with cream cheese frosting and lemon curd. Originating from the French macaron, this cake version elevates the traditional single-bite treat to a multi-layered dessert masterpiece. Macarons have been cherished in French patisseries for centuries, and this cake variation offers a modern twist, perfect for celebrations or as an elegant dessert.

Ingredients List

• For the Lemon Macaron Shells: Almond flour (100g), powdered sugar (105g), egg whites (100g), granulated sugar (100g), vanilla extract, lemon extract, and yellow gel food coloring.
• For the Lemon Curd: Granulated sugar (50g), eggs, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, unsalted butter (42g), and a pinch of salt.
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream cheese (56g), unsalted butter (56g), vanilla bean paste, and powdered sugar (120g).

Preparation Instructions The process involves making the lemon macaron shells using a technique similar to that of traditional macarons, which includes creating a Swiss meringue and folding in almond flour and flavorings. The lemon curd and cream cheese frosting are prepared separately and layered between the macaron shells.

Storage and Reheating The Lemon Macaron Cake should be refrigerated, especially due to the cream cheese frosting. For best texture and flavor, it's recommended to let the cake chill overnight before serving. It can be stored in the fridge under a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap.

Nutritional Information Each serving contains approximately 147 calories, with 8g of total fat, 18g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein.

Giant Chocolate Macaron Cake with Raspberries

Brief Description and Cultural Context The Giant Chocolate Macaron Cake is an impressive dessert that features two large chocolate macaron shells filled with sweetened condensed milk buttercream and raspberry jam. This variation adds a rich chocolate flavor and the tartness of raspberries to the classic macaron, making it a decadent choice for special occasions.

Ingredients List

• For the Chocolate Macaron Disks: Ground almonds (150g), powdered sugar (150g), unsweetened cocoa powder (25g), egg whites (110g), salt, granulated sugar (150g), and water.
• For the Raspberry Filling: Fresh or frozen raspberries (120g), sugar (50g), and lemon juice.
• For the Sweetened Condensed Milk Buttercream: Unsalted butter (200g), sweetened condensed milk (260g), and vanilla extract.

Preparation Instructions The chocolate macaron disks are crafted by combining almond flour, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and meringue, then baked until set. The raspberry filling and buttercream are prepared separately and used to fill the macaron shells.

Storage and Reheating Similar to the Lemon Macaron Cake, this dessert is best kept refrigerated and allowed to set overnight to soften the macaron disks. It should be served slightly chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information A serving of this cake is rich in flavor and calories, with each serving providing an estimated 548 calories, primarily from the high content of sugars and fats.

FAQ about the Macaron Cake

• Can I make the macaron cake in advance? Yes, preparing the cake a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and the macaron shells to achieve the desired texture.
• Can I use different fillings? Absolutely! Both recipes can be adapted with various fillings like different flavored jams, ganache, or buttercreams to suit your taste.
• How do I prevent my macaron shells from cracking? Letting the piped batter rest before baking is crucial to develop a skin that prevents cracking. Oven temperature and not overmixing the batter are also key factors.

Final Thoughts

The Macaron Cake, whether you choose the zesty Lemon Macaron Cake or the indulgent Giant Chocolate Macaron Cake with Raspberries, is a showstopper dessert that combines the elegance of macarons with the joy of cake. Perfect for any celebration, these cakes are sure to impress both visually and in flavor.

For detailed recipes and more information, you can visit Baran Bakery for the Lemon Macaron Cake​​ and Home Cooking Adventure for the Giant Chocolate Macaron Cake with Raspberries​​.