The first time I pulled a tray of Ombré Macarons from the oven, I was not just thrilled—I was enchanted. With their delicate, pastel hues and glossy finishes, they looked like they belonged on a display at a Parisian patisserie rather than my humble kitchen. The vibrant history of macarons fascinates me, melding artistry with delightful flavors in every bite.
As the fragrant scent filled my home, I couldn’t help but think how perfect they would be for any occasion—from a cozy tea party to a grand celebration. These charming little bites not only bring smiles but also serve as a canvas for creativity. Each layer of the ombré effect is not just visually striking; it encapsulates the beauty of baking—where precision meets imagination.
Join me as we embark on a thrilling journey to create an impressive Ombré Macaron Tower that’s sure to wow friends and family alike. With a bit of practice and a splash of color, you’ll be crafting these delicate treats that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat!
Why Choose the Ombré Macaron Tower?
Amazingly Beautiful: The ombré effect elevates your macaron game, transforming simple cookies into an eye-catching dessert display.
Creative Outlet: These macarons are a perfect canvas for your imagination, allowing you to experiment with colors and flavors.
Impressive Presentation: Serving a stunning tower of these treats will make any gathering memorable, impressing guests with your baking skills.
Easier Than You Think: With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll be delighting in the process of creating, even as a beginner baker.
Decadent Flavors: The sweet meringue paired with diverse fillings offers a delightful taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Versatile Delight: Perfect for all occasions, from birthdays to bridal showers, these macarons will brighten any food table.
Ombré Macaron Ingredients
• Get ready to create edible art with these delightful components!
For the Macarons
- 195 grams Egg Whites – Using aged egg whites will help achieve those perfect stiff peaks.
- 180 grams Granulated Sugar – This sweetener stabilizes the meringue for that perfect macaron texture.
- ¾ tsp Cream of Tartar – A little acidity helps maintain the structure of the egg whites during whipping.
- 300 grams Almond Flour – A fine grind is essential for smooth macarons; sift for the best results.
- 300 grams Confectioner’s Sugar – This adds sweetness and contributes to the lovely smooth finish of your treats.
For the Color
- 7.5 drops Americolor Sky Blue – Adjust the quantity for desired brightness—more drops yield a bolder color!
- 3.75 drops Americolor Violet – Use this to achieve that stunning ombré effect layering in your tower.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re on your way to a marvelous Ombré Macaron Tower that will dazzle at any event!
How to Make Ombré Macarons
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Prepare the Sheets: Line 3 baking sheets with silicone mats. This ensures your macarons don’t stick and bake evenly.
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Set Up the Piping Bag: Place a medium-sized round piping tip inside a large piping bag and seal the opening. This helps you achieve perfectly shaped macarons with minimal mess.
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Sift the Dry Ingredients: Weigh and sift the confectioner’s sugar and almond flour into a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together until well blended; this step helps the dry ingredients combine smoothly for a better texture.
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Mix the Meringue: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar. Beat on medium-low speed for 2 minutes to soften the egg whites, then increase speed to medium and continue beating for another 2 minutes until you start seeing bubbles.
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Add Color: Add 1½ drops of Americolor Violet and 3 drops of Americolor Sky Blue to the meringue. Beat for an additional 3 minutes on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, resembling glossy marshmallow fluff.
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Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gently pour half of the almond flour/confectioner’s sugar mixture into the meringue. Fold with a spatula about 15 times until mostly incorporated but still showing some streaks.
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Fold in Remaining Mixture: Add the rest of the powdered sugar and almond flour, continuing to fold until there are no streaks left in the batter. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should flow slowly and form ribbons.
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Divide the Batter: Split the batter evenly among 3 bowls for coloring. This allows you to create those beautiful gradients in your ombré design.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 295°F (145°C). Getting the oven ready ensures optimal baking conditions when it’s time to bake your macarons.
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Adjust the First Bowl: Fold the batter in the first bowl until it thickens and mostly settles back into itself within about 30 seconds. This will help achieve the right consistency for piping.
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Fill the Piping Bag: Pour the adjusted batter from the first bowl into your prepared piping bag. Twist the opening closed to keep the batter secure as you pipe.
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Pipe the Macarons: Pipe the batter into the center of your circle templates on the baking sheets. Release pressure just before achieving the desired size, creating a perfectly domed shape.
Optional: Consider adding edible glitter for a little sparkle on your beautiful display.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Ombré Macarons
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Egg Whites Matter: Always use aged egg whites for better volume and stability, ensuring those beautiful stiff peaks for your macarons.
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Avoid Overmixing: When folding ingredients, stop as soon as no streaks remain; overmixing can lead to flat, chewy macarons instead of airy delights.
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Tempering Chocolate: If adding a chocolate ganache filling, let it cool to room temperature to avoid melting your delicate macarons.
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Piping Technique: To achieve smooth, even shapes, hold the piping bag vertically and apply consistent pressure as you pipe into the center of the templates.
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Baking Secrets: Ensure your oven is thoroughly preheated. Baking at the right temperature is crucial to developing that iconic macaron “foot.”
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Color Combining: Experiment with different Americolor drops to achieve your ideal ombré effect. A little can go a long way, so start slow!
What to Serve with Ombré Macarons?
Elevate your dessert experience by considering delightful pairings for these beautiful treats that are as pleasing to the palate as they are to the eyes.
- Earl Grey Tea: This fragrant brew complements the sweetness of the macarons, enhancing their delicate flavors with a hint of floral notes.
- French Champagne: Bubbles and elegance collide, making macarons surrounded by the sparkling allure of champagne an irresistible combination for celebrations.
- Fresh Berries: Their natural tartness pairs beautifully with the sweet indulgence, adding a pop of color and flavor contrast that makes the dessert sing.
- Whipped Cream: Mild and creamy, it balances the richness of the macarons, allowing each bite to melt seamlessly into a velvety experience.
- Vanilla Custard: A luscious custard adds a creamy layer of sweetness that enhances the macaron’s texture and flavor, creating a truly indulgent dessert plate.
- Café Au Lait: The rich coffee flavor mingled with warm milk is a perfect match, dialing up the treat’s sophistication, making it suitable for an afternoon delight.
- Chocolate Ganache: Consider a dark chocolate filling for some extra decadence. The smooth chocolate complements the lightness of macarons captivatingly.
- Lemon Sorbet: The refreshing sharpness of lemon sorbet beautifully counteracts the sweetness, creating a delightful flavor balance that dances on your palate.
- Mixed Fruit Skewers: A colorful assortment of grapes, kiwi, and pineapple brings freshness to your table, perfectly balancing the richness of the macarons.
- Lavender Ice Cream: The calming floral notes marry well with the ombré colors, creating an ethereal dessert experience that’s just divine.
Make Ahead Options
These Ombré Macarons are a delightful treat that you can easily prepare in advance, perfect for busy home cooks! You can make the macaron shells up to 24 hours ahead; simply bake them and let them cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. For the filling, prepare your desired flavored cream or ganache up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble. When it’s time to serve, just fill the macaron shells and let them sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, giving you that perfect combination of taste and texture. Enjoy less stress while impressing your guests with these beautifully crafted Ombré Macarons!
Ombré Macaron Tower Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity with these delightful twists to truly make this recipe your own!
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Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with finely ground sunflower seeds for a nut-free version that still delivers a wonderful texture.
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Color Variations: Experiment with other Americolor shades like lavender or peach to create a uniquely colored macaron tower that matches your event.
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Flavor Infusions: Add a few drops of your favorite extracts, such as blueberry or almond, to infuse the batter with delightful flavors that elevate each bite.
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Filling Options: Swap the classic buttercream for fresh fruit jams or curds, offering a refreshing tart contrast to the sweet shells.
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Chocolate Delight: Incorporate cocoa powder into half of the almond flour mixture for luscious chocolate macaron shells that pair beautifully with berry fillings.
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Heat It Up: For those who love a kick, mix in a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the filling for an unexpected spicy surprise!
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Gluten-free Option: Opt for a certified gluten-free almond flour or try using finely ground oats to maintain the delicate texture.
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Layered Surprise: Create a hidden layer of ganache inside your macarons by piping it in before sealing with the top shell, adding a decadent surprise with every bite.
How to Store and Freeze Ombré Macarons
Room Temperature: Keep your fresh Ombré Macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delicate texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the macarons in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: If you want to save them for later, freeze the macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. They can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To revive frozen macarons, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy as if they were freshly made!
Ombré Macaron Tower Recipe FAQs
What type of egg whites should I use for the Ombré Macarons?
Using aged egg whites is highly recommended! They whip up better and produce the stiff peaks necessary for that perfect macaron texture. To age them, simply separate the yolks and whites and let the egg whites sit uncovered in the fridge for at least 24 hours.
How should I store the Ombré Macarons after baking?
Keep your freshly made Ombré Macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their delicate texture. If you want to keep them longer, feel free to pop them in the fridge, where they can last up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze my Ombré Macarons?
Absolutely! To freeze your macarons, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
What if my macarons don’t develop the “foot”?
Ah, the infamous macaron “foot”! If your macarons come out flat without that signature foot, it could be a result of under-mixing the batter or inadequate oven temperature. Make sure to accurately follow the folding technique and ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. If needed, consider using an oven thermometer to check the actual temperature.
Are there any dietary concerns I should keep in mind when making these macarons?
Yes! These Ombré Macarons contain egg whites and almond flour, making them unsuitable for individuals with nut allergies or egg sensitivities. For a nut-free version, consider experimenting with sunflower seed flour, though the texture may differ. Always ensure to inform guests of any allergens when serving.
Create a Stunning Ombré Macaron Tower for Any Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line 3 baking sheets with silicone mats. This ensures your macarons don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Place a medium-sized round piping tip inside a large piping bag and seal the opening.
- Weigh and sift the confectioner’s sugar and almond flour into a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together until well blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar. Beat on medium-low speed for 2 minutes, then increase speed to medium and continue beating for another 2 minutes.
- Add 1½ drops of Americolor Violet and 3 drops of Americolor Sky Blue to the meringue. Beat for an additional 3 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Gently pour half of the almond flour/confectioner’s sugar mixture into the meringue. Fold with a spatula about 15 times.
- Add the rest of the powdered sugar and almond flour, continuing to fold until there are no streaks left in the batter.
- Split the batter evenly among 3 bowls for coloring.
- Preheat your oven to 295°F (145°C).
- Fold the batter in the first bowl until it thickens and mostly settles back into itself within about 30 seconds.
- Pour the adjusted batter from the first bowl into your prepared piping bag.
- Pipe the batter into the center of your circle templates on the baking sheets.
- *Optional:* Consider adding edible glitter for a little sparkle on your beautiful display.