Let's embark on a culinary journey with the vibrant, delightfully sweet, and visually stunning tie-dye macaron cake. This recipe combines the airy, crisp texture of a macaron with the elegance of a layered cake. It is a spectacle worth creating, be it for a special occasion or simply to satiate your sweet cravings.
For the tie-dye effect, you'll need gel food colorings, these are more vibrant and won't thin out your batter like liquid food dyes can. You can usually find these in the baking aisle of a supermarket. Superfine almond flour is another key ingredient, it gives the macarons their signature texture. If you can't find it, regular almond flour pulsed in a food processor can work too.
Ingredients for the Tie-Dye Macaron Cake
Almond flour: It provides the unique, signature texture of macarons.
Powdered sugar: It sweetens the macarons and contributes to their light, airy texture.
Egg whites: They give structure and stability to the batter.
Granulated sugar: It helps to stabilize the whipped egg whites.
Kosher salt: It enhances the sweet flavors.
Vanilla extract: It gives depth of flavor.
Gel food coloring: They provide the vibrant tie-dye effect.
White chocolate chip: It is the base of the creamy ganache filling.
Heavy cream: It's combined with the chocolate to make the ganache.
Strawberries: They add a fresh, fruity contrast to the sweet macaron cake.
One reader, Camey Hays says:
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This tie-dye macaron cake recipe is a game-changer! The step-by-step instructions were easy to follow, and the end result was a stunning and delicious masterpiece. The vibrant colors and the creamy white chocolate ganache filling made it a showstopper at my party. I can't wait to make it again!
Techniques Required for Making a Tie-Dye Macaron Cake
How to make macaron batter: Explanation of the process of whipping egg whites, folding in almond flour, and incorporating food coloring to create the macaron batter.
How to pipe macaron shells: Instructions on how to fill a piping bag and pipe the macaron batter onto parchment paper in circular shapes.
How to make white chocolate ganache: Explanation of melting white chocolate and cream together to create a smooth ganache filling.
How to assemble the macaron cake: Instructions on how to fill the macaron shells with ganache, arrange strawberries, and stack the macaron shells to create the cake.
How To Make Tie-Dye Macaron Cake
Whip up this colorful dessert made of macarons. If you love those little bite-sized pieces, then it’s time to eat cake and try our macaron cake recipe.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Macaron Cake:
- 2cupssuperfine almond flour
- 3½cupspowdered sugar
- 6largeegg whitesroom temperature
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- 2tspkosher salt
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 4dropsyellow gel food coloring
- pink gel food coloring
- orange gel food coloring
- blue gel food coloring
- green gel food coloring
For White Chocolate Ganache Filling:
- 2cupswhite chocolate chipor chopped bars
- 1cupheavy cream
- 8strawberrieslarge, halved lengthwise
Instructions
Macaron Cake:
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Using a fine-mesh sieve, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar into a medium bowl. 2. Discard any large chunks that remain in the sieve. Thoroughly mix the dry ingredients together until all one color.
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In a large bowl, whip the egg whites with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
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Add ⅓ of the granulated sugar and salt beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. Add another third of the sugar and salt, and beat again until stiff peaks return. Add the remaining sugar and salt, and beat until the egg whites are shiny and fluffy.
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Add the almond flour mixture to the bowl with the egg whites. With a rubber spatula, fold to incorporate into the egg whites, 35 to 45 strokes, or until the batter falls on itself but a slight peak remains. Fold in the vanilla and yellow food coloring, being careful not to overmix.
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Fit an extra-large piping bag with a large, round tip. Cut off the tip right above the opening of the piping tip.
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Using a paintbrush or skewer, paint the inside of the piping bag with the pink, orange, green, and blue gel food coloring, working carefully so the colors do not overlap and muddle together. Carefully transfer the yellow macaron batter into the piping bag using an ice cream scoop.
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Trace a 7-inch circle onto 2 sheets of parchment paper and tear off a third unmarked sheet. Dab a small amount of macaron batter in the corners of 3 rimmed baking sheets to prevent the paper from sliding around, then flip the parchment over onto the pans.
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Fill each circle with the batter. Carefully tap the baking sheet on a flat surface 2 to 3 times to smooth the batter and release any air bubbles, then use the tip of a skewer or toothpick to pop any remaining bubbles on the surface.
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Using the remaining batter, pipe small 3-inch round macarons onto the remaining baking sheet. Let the macarons rest at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes, until a skin forms on the surface and the batter no longer sticks to your finger when gently brushed over the tops.
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Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
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Bake the small macarons for 17 to 18 minutes and the large macarons or 28 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges. Gently remove the macarons from the baking sheet and let cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
White Chocolate Ganache Filling:
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate and cream. MIcrowave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until melted and smooth, 2 to 3 minutes total.
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Transfer the ganache to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes, or until just thick enough to pipe.
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Transfer to a piping bag fitted with an open star tip.
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Flip a large macaron shell over so the flat side is facing up and place on a cake platter.
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Arrange the halved strawberries around the edge of the bottom macaron, leaving ¼–½ inch of space between each one. Pipe rosettes of ganache in the spaces between the strawberries and one large rosette in the center of the macaron.
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Top with the remaining large macaron shell. Fill the mini macarons with a small amount of ganache, then sandwich together. Reserve the remaining ganache in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the cake.
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Transfer the large macaron cake and small macarons to the refrigerator to settle and fuse together, at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours.
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Pipe small rosettes of ganache on top of the macaron cake, then place the small macarons on top. Decorate with more halved strawberries and white chocolate ganache rosettes.
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Note: If superfine almond flour is not available, add the almond flour to a food processor and pulse until very finely ground before making the batter.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 613.50kcal
- Fat: 30.97g
- Saturated Fat: 12.86g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.69g
- Carbohydrates: 77.99g
- Fiber: 2.60g
- Sugar: 73.28g
- Protein: 9.73g
- Cholesterol: 39.75mg
- Sodium: 379.50mg
- Calcium: 102.67mg
- Potassium: 328.67mg
- Iron: 0.42mg
- Vitamin A: 100.99µg
- Vitamin C: 6.63mg
Crucial Technique Tip for a Perfect Tie-Dye Macaron Cake
When making your macaron batter, it's crucial to achieve the right consistency. The batter should be smooth and fall off your spatula in a thick ribbon. If it's too runny, the macarons will spread out too much and won't rise properly. If it's too thick, they won't spread enough and will have a lumpy texture. Achieving the perfect consistency takes practice, so don't be discouraged if your first batch isn't perfect. Remember, the key is to fold the batter just enough to incorporate the ingredients without deflating the egg whites.
Time-Saving Tips for Making a Tie-Dye Macaron Cake
Prepare the batter: To save time, prepare the macaron batter in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
Use a template: Create a template for piping the macarons onto the parchment paper to ensure uniform size and shape, saving time during the preparation process.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, organize all the ingredients and equipment needed for efficiency in the kitchen.
Use a food processor: If superfine almond flour is not available, use a food processor to finely grind the almond flour, saving time and effort.
Chill the ganache: While the macarons are resting, chill the white chocolate ganache in the refrigerator to thicken it for easier piping and assembly later.
Bake in batches: Bake the small macarons while the large macaron cake is resting to save time and utilize the oven space efficiently.
Plan ahead: Plan the assembly and decoration of the macaron cake in advance to streamline the process and save time during the final steps.
Clean as you go: Clean and organize the kitchen workspace as you progress through the recipe to avoid clutter and save time during the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Tie-Dye Macaron Cake Recipe
superfine almond flour - Substitute with hazelnut flour: Hazelnut flour can be used as a substitute for almond flour, providing a similar nutty flavor and texture to the macaron cake.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for powdered sugar by blending it to a fine powder, although the texture may be slightly different.
large egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped to create a foam similar to egg whites, making it a suitable vegan substitute.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar, providing a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness to the macaron cake.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract, adding a nutty flavor to the macaron cake.
yellow gel food coloring - Substitute with turmeric: Turmeric can be used as a natural substitute for yellow food coloring, providing a vibrant yellow hue to the macaron cake.
pink gel food coloring - Substitute with beet powder: Beet powder can be used as a natural substitute for pink food coloring, providing a lovely pink color to the macaron cake.
orange gel food coloring - Substitute with carrot juice: Carrot juice can be used as a natural substitute for orange food coloring, adding a natural orange hue to the macaron cake.
blue gel food coloring - Substitute with butterfly pea flower extract: Butterfly pea flower extract can be used as a natural substitute for blue food coloring, providing a vibrant blue color to the macaron cake.
green gel food coloring - Substitute with matcha powder: Matcha powder can be used as a natural substitute for green food coloring, providing a beautiful green hue to the macaron cake.
white chocolate chips - Substitute with vegan white chocolate chips: Vegan white chocolate chips can be used as a dairy-free substitute for white chocolate chips in the ganache filling.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream in the ganache filling.
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries can be used as a substitute for strawberries in the ganache filling, providing a similar tartness and fruity flavor.
Essential Tools for Creating a Tie-Dye Macaron Cake
Fine-mesh sieve: Used to sift dry ingredients and remove any lumps or impurities.
Electric hand mixer: Used to whip egg whites and incorporate air into the batter.
Rubber spatula: Used to fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites without deflating the batter.
Extra-large piping bag with large, round tip: Used to pipe the macaron batter onto the baking sheets.
Paintbrush or skewer: Used to paint the inside of the piping bag with gel food coloring.
Ice cream scoop: Used to transfer the macaron batter into the piping bag.
Skewer or toothpick: Used to pop any air bubbles on the surface of the macarons before baking.
Microwave-safe bowl: Used to melt and combine the white chocolate and cream for the ganache filling.
Piping bag fitted with open star tip: Used to pipe the white chocolate ganache filling onto the macaron cake.
Cake platter: Used to assemble and serve the macaron cake.
Storing and Freezing Your Tie-Dye Macaron Cake
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for the tie-dye macaron cake:
- Store the assembled macaron cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The macarons will soften slightly but still retain their shape and texture.
- To freeze the assembled macaron cake, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- To store or freeze individual macarons:
- Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- To thaw frozen macarons, transfer them to the refrigerator and let thaw for at least 2 hours before bringing to room temperature and serving.
- Avoid storing the macaron cake or individual macarons at room temperature for extended periods, as they can become too soft and lose their texture.
- The white chocolate ganache can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Interesting Fact About Tie-Dye Macaron Cakes
The macaron cake recipe is a delightful and colorful dessert that combines the delicate flavors of almond and white chocolate. It's a fun and creative way to enjoy a classic French treat with a tie-dye twist. The vibrant colors and unique patterns make it a visually stunning addition to any special occasion. Plus, the combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or just looking for a show-stopping dessert, this tie-dye macaron cake is a must-try for any dessert lover.
Is Making a Tie-Dye Macaron Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
This tie-dye macaron cake recipe can be cost-effective for a household, as it uses basic ingredients like almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, and granulated sugar. However, the cost may increase if you need to purchase the gel food coloring and white chocolate chips. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10 for its creativity and visual appeal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, factoring in the cost of the ingredients and the yield of the recipe.
Is This Tie-Dye Treat Healthy or Unhealthy?
This tie-dye macaron cake recipe, while visually stunning, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients – almond flour, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and white chocolate chips – are all high in sugar and calories. The heavy cream used in the ganache filling also adds significant amounts of saturated fat. Additionally, the recipe lacks any substantial nutritional value, as it does not include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or lean proteins.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the macaron batter and ganache filling, or replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Incorporate more fresh fruits into the filling and decoration, such as adding a layer of pureed strawberries or raspberries between the macaron shells
- Use a lower fat alternative to heavy cream, such as coconut milk or Greek yogurt, in the ganache filling
- Experiment with using a portion of whole wheat flour or oat flour in place of some of the almond flour to increase the fiber content
- Serve smaller portions of the cake and pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a light fruit salad to balance out the richness of the dessert
Editor's Opinion on the Tie-Dye Macaron Cake Recipe
The tie-dye macaron cake recipe is a delightful and visually stunning dessert. The use of vibrant gel food coloring creates a beautiful tie-dye effect, making it a showstopper at any event. The combination of almond flour and powdered sugar creates a delicate and light macaron shell, while the white chocolate ganache filling adds a rich and creamy contrast. The addition of fresh strawberries adds a pop of color and a refreshing fruity flavor. Overall, this recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it's sure to impress anyone with its unique and eye-catching appearance.
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Why trust this Tie-Dye Macaron Cake Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a memorable experience for your taste buds. The macaron cake is meticulously crafted, guaranteeing a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The vibrant gel food coloring creates an eye-catching tie-dye effect, adding a playful touch to the dessert. The luscious white chocolate ganache filling, paired with fresh strawberries, elevates the overall indulgence. With precise instructions and attention to detail, this recipe promises a delectable outcome, making it a trustworthy choice for any occasion.
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