Decadent Chocolate Walnut Macarons with Salted Caramel

Chocolate Walnut Macarons with Salted Caramel: A Gourmet Gluten-Free Delight

Welcome, fellow dessert enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of French macarons, but with a unique and irresistible twist that promises to redefine your favorite sweet treat. Forget the traditional almond flour; these exquisite macarons feature rich, earthy walnuts, creating a depth of flavor that perfectly complements their deep, chocolate-infused shells. Nestled between these delightful cookies is a luscious, buttery salted caramel filling, striking a harmonious balance between sweet and savory. These elegant pastries are more than just a cookie; they’re a luxurious experience, almost a fusion of confectionery art and comforting indulgence. Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite gluten-free dessert!

Unveiling the Unique Charm of Walnut Macarons

Macarons have long captivated palates worldwide with their delicate crunch, chewy interior, and vibrant flavors. However, innovation in classic recipes often leads to extraordinary discoveries. Our take on the French macaron introduces the robust and distinct flavor of walnuts, elevating the humble macaron to an unprecedented level of sophistication. This subtle yet significant alteration provides a more profound, nutty base that pairs exceptionally well with chocolate, creating a flavor profile that stands out from the conventional. The decision to incorporate walnuts was inspired by the generous support of California Walnuts, one of the esteemed sponsors of this year’s #BrunchWeek. Their commitment to quality and flavor encouraged us to experiment, resulting in a macaron shell that is both familiar in its delicate texture and surprisingly novel in its taste.

The cocoa-infused shells contribute a bittersweet note, enhancing the natural richness of the walnuts. This combination results in a macaron that feels gourmet and indulgent, perfect for special occasions or simply elevating your everyday dessert experience. The earthy undertones of the walnuts also provide a delightful contrast to the sweet filling, ensuring that each bite is a complex symphony of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. Furthermore, these walnut macarons retain their naturally gluten-free status, making them an accessible and delightful treat for a wider audience.

The Irresistible Allure of Salted Caramel

What could possibly make a chocolate walnut macaron even better? A decadent, homemade salted caramel filling, of course! This rich, buttery sauce is not just a complement but a key player in the symphony of flavors found in these macarons. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, primarily sugar—thanks to Dixie Crystals, another fantastic #BrunchWeek sponsor—this salted caramel comes together in about ten minutes, yet delivers an unparalleled depth of flavor. Its silky texture and perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of sea salt create a filling that is utterly irresistible. It’s the kind of caramel that drips slowly, gleaming with a golden hue, and melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of pure bliss. Many consider it the richest, butteriest, and most decadent creation imaginable, and we couldn’t agree more. The slightly savory note of the salt cuts through the sweetness of the caramel and the macaron shell, creating a truly balanced and addictive treat that will undoubtedly earn a spot in your recipe repertoire.

This pairing of chocolate, walnuts, and salted caramel isn’t just a happy accident; it’s a classic flavor combination celebrated for its ability to deliver pure culinary joy. My family, including my husband and eight-year-old, unanimously declared these the best macarons I’ve ever made. The blend of nutty crunch, deep cocoa, and gooey, salty-sweet caramel creates an explosion of taste and texture that is truly unforgettable. It’s a testament to how traditional recipes can be transformed with thoughtful ingredient choices, leading to new favorites that delight and impress.

Celebrating Culinary Creativity with #BrunchWeek

This delightful recipe is proudly part of the third annual #BrunchWeek, a spectacular blogger event that brings together culinary talents from across the country to celebrate the joy of brunch. Organized by the incredible Terri from Love and Confections and Shaina from Take A Bite Out Of Boca, #BrunchWeek is a vibrant showcase of diverse brunch dishes, perfectly timed to inspire your Mother’s Day celebrations. From innovative cocktails and savory casseroles to delightful breakfast breads, hearty sandwiches, and fresh salads, there’s truly something for every palate and occasion. This event fosters a wonderful community among food bloggers, encouraging creativity and sharing delicious ideas with a wide audience.

The generous contributions from our amazing sponsors, including Bob’s Red Mill, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, California Walnuts, Dixie Crystals, Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic/True Juice, KitchenAid, Le Creuset, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Pacari Chocolate, Stonyfield Organic, Vidalia Onions, and Woot Froot, make #BrunchWeek possible. Their support not only provides bloggers with high-quality ingredients to create these fantastic recipes but also offers exciting prizes for our lucky giveaway winners. We extend our sincerest gratitude to all sponsors for their generosity and for enabling such a fantastic culinary celebration.

Throughout #BrunchWeek, you can look forward to an abundance of inspiring recipes. From my kitchen, I’ll be sharing a delightful dessert, a hearty breakfast dish, and a refreshing cocktail recipe. Beyond my contributions, you’ll find a treasure trove of innovative and delicious brunch ideas from dozens of other participating bloggers. It’s an exciting week filled with gastronomic inspiration, perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of magic to their brunch table, whether for Mother’s Day or any weekend gathering.

Mastering Macarons: Tips for Success

Creating perfect macarons can sometimes feel like a delicate art, but with a few key tips, you can achieve those coveted “feet” and a smooth, elegant shell. The precision of ingredients, especially when it comes to weight, is crucial. Using a food processor to finely grind your walnuts ensures a consistent texture, similar to almond flour, which is essential for macaron stability. Don’t skip the sifting process for your dry ingredients—walnut flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder—as this prevents lumps and ensures a smooth batter. Re-sifting if necessary helps achieve the desired fineness.

The meringue stage is equally vital. Whipping egg whites with cream of tartar to stiff peaks provides the necessary structure for the macaron shells. Gradually adding superfine sugar (or granulated sugar) creates a stable, glossy meringue. The subsequent “macaronage” process, where you fold the dry ingredients into the meringue, is where the magic happens. You’re looking for a consistency that flows like a “ribbon” off your spatula—not too thin, not too thick. This ensures the macarons develop their distinctive “feet” during baking.

Perhaps the most critical step for beautiful macarons is the “drying” period. Allowing the piped batter to sit at room temperature for 45 minutes to an hour, or until a thin, dry skin forms on the surface, is essential. This skin helps the macarons hold their shape and encourages the characteristic “feet” to form as they bake. Finally, the baking temperature is paramount. Starting at a higher temperature and then reducing it helps create a crisp exterior and a chewy interior without browning. Patience during the cooling phase is also key; allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets to prevent breakage. For more detailed guidance on mastering the basics of French macaron making, feel free to explore our Basic Macaron Recipe guide.

More Brunch Week Delights from Our Fellow Bloggers!

The #BrunchWeek event is a fantastic opportunity to explore a diverse range of culinary creations from talented bloggers. Here’s a glimpse of the deliciousness they are sharing today:

BrunchWeek Breads, Grains and Pastries:
Savory Pancetta and Cheddar Waffles from The Little Ferraro Kitchen.
Avocado Toast Bar from Sarcastic Cooking.
Mocha Nut Granola from greens & chocolate.
Chocolate Hazelnut Croissants with Bourbon Sauce from {i love} my disorganized life.
Berry Cacao Nib Scone Cakes from The Spiffy Cookie
Spiced Pear Oatmeal from Making Miracles.
Overnight Cinnamon Bread French Toast from That Skinny Chick Can Bake.
Nutty Chocolatey Oatmeal Muffins from A Day in the Life on the Farm.
Vanilla Orange Scones from Sew You Think You Can Cook.
Sour Cream and Dark Chocolate Oat Bread from Bread Booze Bacon.
Cherry Vanilla Almond Granola from Cupcakes & Kale Chips.
Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins from My Catholic Kitchen.
Macadamia Nut Crusted French Toast with Spiced Pineapple Syrup from Cooking in Stilettos.
Maple Cinnamon Scones from Pink Cake Plate

BrunchWeek Main Dishes:
Breakfast Wraps from Big Bear’s Wife.
Brunch Charcuterie Cheese Board from Quarter Life (Crisis) Cuisine.

BrunchWeek Fruits, Vegetables and Sides:
Whipped Yogurt and Ricotta with Figs and Honey from Take A Bite Out of Boca.
Gluten Free Swiss Chard and Mushroom Galette from It Bakes Me Happy.

BrunchWeek Desserts:
Mini Creamsicle Bundt Cake with Vanilla Bean Glaze from It’s Yummi.
Lemon Bars from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.
Chocolate Walnut Macarons with Salted Caramel from Baking a Moment.

Thank you to #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Bob’s Red Mill, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, California Walnuts, Dixie Crystals, Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic/True Juice, KitchenAid, Le Creuset, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Pacari Chocolate, Stonyfield Organic, Vidalia Onions, and Woot Froot for providing the bloggers with samples and product to use for #BrunchWeek. All opinions are my own.

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5 stars (5 ratings)

Chocolate Walnut Macarons with Salted Caramel

Servings:
40 sandwiches (approx.)

Prep Time:
40 mins

Cook Time:
18 mins

Dry Time:
45 mins

Total Time:
1 hr 43 mins

Rich and flavorful walnuts replace the traditional almonds in these French macarons, with a deep, chocolate-y flavor, and a buttery salted caramel filling! These delicious little pastries are almost a cross between a cookie and a candy, and they’re sure to be your new favorite treat! (Naturally gluten-free.)

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Ingredients

• 100 grams walnuts,, ground finely in the food processor
• 150 grams powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 egg whites,, preferably at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 55 grams superfine sugar, (granulated sugar may be substituted)
• 3/4 cup salted caramel

Instructions

 

• Sift the ground walnuts, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder together. (Re-process and re-sift, if necessary.)
• Place the egg whites in a large mixing bowl, and add the cream of tartar. Whip the egg whites, on medium-high speed, until fluffy. Slowly add in the superfine sugar, while whipping. When all the superfine sugar has been added, turn the speed up to high and continue to whip until stiff.
• Add the ground walnut/powdered sugar/cocoa mixture, all at once, and fold until the mixture drops from the spatula in one long ribbon. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
• Pipe the batter onto parchment-lined baking sheets, in 1 1/2-inch circles. Set them out to dry for 45 minutes to an hour, or until a thin, dry membrane has formed on the surface of the macarons.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the macarons in the hot oven. Turn the oven temperature down to 300 degrees F, and bake for 18 minutes (do not brown). Allow the macarons to cool completely on the baking sheets.
• Sandwich the macarons with salted caramel sauce.

Notes

For more info on how to make French macarons, click here: Basic Macaron Recipe.

Serving: 1sandwich,
Calories: 48kcal,
Carbohydrates: 8g,
Fat: 1g,
Sodium: 18mg,
Potassium: 25mg,
Sugar: 5g,
Vitamin A: 5IU,
Calcium: 5mg,
Iron: 0.1mg

Cuisine:
French

Course:
Dessert, Snack

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