Welcome to a burst of patriotic flavor and an absolute showstopper for your holiday gatherings! These **Red, White, and Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons** are not just a dessert; they’re an experience, perfectly embodying the festive spirit of Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Imagine the vibrant colors, the delicate crunch of a perfectly baked macaron shell, and then the creamy, tangy indulgence of a cherry cheesecake filling. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet almond, rich cream cheese, and the delightful freshness of summer cherries, making it an unforgettable treat for any celebration.
There’s something truly magical about bringing a dessert that looks as good as it tastes to a party, and these macarons definitely fit the bill. Their striking red and blue shells, accented with sparkling edible glitter, instantly set a festive, patriotic mood. But beyond their visual appeal, it’s the incredible flavor combination that will have everyone asking for the recipe. This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a declaration of deliciousness!
Embracing the Spirit of Memorial Day and Fourth of July
As the unofficial kickoff to summer, Memorial Day carries a profound significance that often gets overshadowed by barbecues and beach trips. While I love the warm weather and outdoor fun, my kids, with their endless questions, have recently prompted me to reflect more deeply on what Memorial Day truly represents. It’s a humbling reminder that this holiday is dedicated to honoring the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It’s a day to feel immense gratitude for their courage and the secure home their sacrifices have provided for us and our children.
This sentiment of gratitude extends to all the families who have given so much. As we gather with loved ones this holiday weekend, whether for a quiet moment of remembrance or a lively celebration, my thoughts will be with those who served. It’s a time to appreciate the peace and freedom we enjoy, made possible by their incredible dedication.
Do you have any exciting plans for the upcoming holiday weekend? We used to venture to the shore, but after a few chilly Memorial Day experiences, we learned that the beach weather isn’t always quite ready for us in late May. So, this year, we’ll be enjoying the comforts of home. The forecast for the Philly ‘burbs looks promising, with sunshine and temperatures in the eighties. We anticipate plenty of backyard fun, including spirited games of wiffle ball, sizzling barbecue, and ample relaxation. I’m truly looking forward to these moments of simple joy and togetherness.
If you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply contributing to one, these Cherry Cheesecake Macarons are guaranteed to elicit gasps of delight. Their captivating colors and elegant presentation make them an instant focal point, perfectly aligning with the celebratory theme. And the cherry cheesecake filling? It’s the quintessential summer flavor combination, offering a refreshing and indulgent counterpoint to the delicate almond shells.
The Art of Macaron Baking: Achieving Patriotic Perfection
Creating beautiful macarons can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s often described as an art form that requires precision and a gentle touch. This recipe builds upon my foundational Basic Macaron recipe, which is essential for understanding the nuances of these delicate French confections. However, for these patriotic beauties, there’s an added layer of complexity: tinting the shells two distinct colors while maintaining the perfect macaronage (the delicate folding technique that gives macarons their signature “feet”).
I’ve included the detailed recipe below, so you won’t need to click away, but I highly recommend visiting the original basic macaron recipe post. There, you’ll find a wealth of comprehensive tips, troubleshooting advice, and even a video tutorial that can demystify the macaron-making process. Accuracy is paramount in macaron baking, from precisely weighing ingredients to mastering the art of folding the almond flour into the meringue until it reaches just the right consistency. For this two-tone variation, there’s a bit of extra weighing and dividing involved, but my instructions are designed to make it as straightforward as possible. I promise, the stunning results are well worth the effort!
Mastering the Red, White, and Blue Hues
Now, for a little confession and a crucial tip: I absolutely adore red, white, and blue desserts. My Pinterest boards are brimming with them around this time of year! But I do have a pet peeve when it comes to patriotic colors, and I hope it doesn’t come across as too snobby. The colors of the American flag are red, white, and *true blue*, not turquoise! Many “royal blue” food colorings, unfortunately, tend to lean towards a greenish-blue, which just doesn’t quite capture that iconic flag blue.
Through much trial and error, I’ve discovered the secret to achieving a gorgeously deep, vibrant blue. It involves mixing royal blue gel paste food coloring with a touch of violet gel paste food coloring. It might sound a little unconventional, but trust me on this one! The ratio is almost one-to-one, and the violet tones down the green undertones in the royal blue, resulting in a rich, authentic flag blue. It’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference in the overall patriotic aesthetic of these macarons.
And let’s not forget the final flourish that elevates these macarons from delicious to truly dazzling: edible glitter! Those delicate silver stars are the perfect touch, adding a whimsical sparkle that completes the entire patriotic look. I usually find mine at local craft stores like Michael’s, but for your convenience, I’m including a link where you can purchase edible star glitter online if needed. These small embellishments truly make your dessert table shine.
Tips for Macaron Success: Beyond the Recipe
While the recipe provides the essential framework, mastering macarons often comes down to a few key techniques and environmental factors. For consistent results, consider “aging” your egg whites by separating them a day or two in advance and letting them sit covered (but not airtight) in the fridge. This slightly dehydrates them, contributing to a more stable meringue. Room temperature egg whites are also crucial for achieving maximum volume when whipping.
Another common pitfall is over-mixing or under-mixing the macaron batter. The “macaronage” process, where you fold the dry ingredients into the meringue, requires careful attention. The batter should flow like a thick ribbon from your spatula, slowly reabsorbing into the rest of the mixture within about 15-20 seconds. This is often referred to as the “lava” consistency. If it’s too runny, you’ve over-mixed; if it’s too thick, you’ve under-mixed. Practice makes perfect here!
After piping, don’t skip the drying step. This allows a thin skin to form on the surface of the macaron shells, which is essential for developing those iconic “feet” during baking. Drying time can vary greatly depending on humidity levels in your kitchen, so rely on touch rather than strict time limits. The shells should feel dry to the touch and not sticky. Finally, every oven is different. Investing in an oven thermometer can help you ensure your oven is at the precise temperature needed for perfect macaron baking, which is crucial for preventing cracking or browning.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Once filled, these Cherry Cheesecake Macarons are best enjoyed within a few days. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese filling fresh and firm. Bringing them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving can enhance their flavor and texture. For longer storage, unfilled macaron shells can be frozen for up to a month in an airtight container. Thaw them at room temperature, then fill and serve. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy holiday weekends.
Pair these delightful macarons with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of sparkling cider for a sophisticated treat. They also make a wonderful addition to a larger dessert spread, complementing other patriotic sweets. Consider arranging them artfully on a tiered serving tray to really highlight their vibrant colors and delicate form.
Have a safe, happy, and delicious Memorial Day (and Fourth of July), everyone! If you’re searching for more fantastic dessert ideas for your summer cookouts and celebrations, be sure to explore my other holiday-themed recipes. I’ve also included a few more specific suggestions below that are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Oreo Cheesecake Brownie Bars
Red, White, and Blue Velvet Bundt
S’mores Berry Tart
Lemon Meringue Pie
Nutella Pie
Red Velvet Cupcakes
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Red, White, & Blue Cherry Cheesecake Macarons
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Ingredients
For the Shells
- 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)
For the Filling
- 6 ounces (170.1 g) cream cheese, softened but cool
- 5 tablespoons (73.93 g) unsalted butter, softened but cool
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 15 fresh cherries, pitted and halved (approx.)
Instructions
To make the shells:
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Set the egg whites aside to come to room temperature.
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Measure the almond meal, powdered sugar, and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Process the mixture finely, then sift, discarding any large bits.
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Using a kitchen scale to measure accurately, divide the mixture equally between two small bowls, and set aside.
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Measure the granulated sugar in a small bowl.
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Add the cream of tartar to the whites, and mix on medium-high speed, using the whip attachment.
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When the whites hold soft peaks, start adding the granulated sugar, very slowly, while continuing to whip.
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When all the granulated sugar has been incorporated, continue to whip until stiff.
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Using a kitchen scale to measure accurately, divide the meringue equally between two medium mixing bowls.
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Tint one bowl of meringue with red gel paste food coloring, and the other with equal parts royal blue gel paste food coloring and violet gel paste food coloring.
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Add half the almond meal mixture to the red meringue, and fold together until the batter drops from the spatula in a long ribbon.
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Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, and pipe 1 1/2-inch diameter rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
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Repeat with the blue meringue.
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Sprinkle edible star glitter on the tops of the freshly piped blue macarons.
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Allow to dry for 45-60 minutes, or until thin, dry membrane forms on the surface.
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Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F, and bake the macarons (one sheet at a time) until set (approximately 10-15 minutes). Do not brown.
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Allow to cool on the baking sheet, then carefully peel from the parchment and sandwich with filling.
To make the filling:
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Place the cream cheese and butter in a medium mixing bowl and beat together on medium speed until smooth and well incorporated.
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Stir in the powdered sugar, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt, then increase the speed to medium-high and whip until fluffy.
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Spoon or pipe about 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture onto half the macaron shells.
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Press a halved cherry in the center, then top with the remaining shells.
Notes
©Baking a Moment
