Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe moment I took my first bite of a macaron, I was transported to a world of airy delight and vibrant flavors that danced on my taste buds. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Birthday Cake Macarons with Buttercream Filling, a festive treat that brings all the joy of a birthday celebration into a single, elegant bite. Not only are these macarons gluten-free, making them a great option for various dietary needs, but they are also surprisingly easier to whip up than a traditional cake. With a delicate crunch that gives way to a chewy center, each macaron is a little piece of happiness adorned with colorful sprinkles. Want to impress at your next gathering or craving a sweet escape? Let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together! Why Are These Macarons So Special? Airy, Delightful Texture: The balance of crunchy exteriors and chewy centers makes each bite a pleasant experience. Festive Flavors: With hints of vanilla and buttercream, these macarons capture the spirit of a birthday celebration. Gluten-Free Goodness: Perfect for gluten-sensitive friends to enjoy without compromise. Surprisingly Simple: Even baking novices can create impressive macarons with our straightforward steps. Customizable Fun: Play around with different gel colors for various occasions. Once you master these, don’t forget to check out my recipes for Blueberry Cake Donuts or Zucchini Coffee Cake for more tasty treats! Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Your guests will rave about these unique treats at parties and celebrations—perfect for impressing family or friends! Birthday Cake Macarons Ingredients For the Macaron Shells • Almond Flour – Provides the unique structure; sifting ensures a smooth texture. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the macarons and helps in creating a glossy surface. • Egg Whites – Room temperature is key for a voluminous meringue. • Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes egg whites for a perfect meringue. • Granulated Sugar – Gradually added for achieving stiff peaks during whipping. • Teal Gel Food Coloring – A little goes a long way; this gel helps maintain batter consistency. • Sprinkles – Choose colorful ones to add a festive touch to your macarons. For the Buttercream Filling • Unsalted Butter – Must be softened for easy mixing to create a creamy texture. • Vanilla Extract – Adds essential flavor that complements the birthday cake theme. • Additional Powdered Sugar – For sweetness and to give body to the filling. • White Cake Mix – This gives a cake batter flavor to the buttercream. • Heavy Whipping Cream – Provides a luscious texture that balances the sweetness. • Pink Gel Food Coloring – Use to color your buttercream, making it as vibrant as your celebration! These Birthday Cake Macarons are not only a treat for the taste buds but a true feast for the eyes. Grab your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Birthday Cake Macarons Step 1: Prep Ingredients Begin by whisking together 1 cup of almond flour and 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar in a large bowl until well combined and airy. This creates the essential structure for your Birthday Cake Macarons. Next, set this mixture aside while you get ready to whip up the meringue. Make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean for the best results. Step 2: Make Meringue In another large bowl, whip 3 egg whites and ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar using a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes bubbly and forms soft peaks. Gradually add in ¾ cup of granulated sugar while continuing to whip. Increase the speed to high and beat until the meringue reaches stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape, about 5-7 minutes. Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Carefully fold half of the prepared almond flour mixture into the meringue using a spatula, being gentle to maintain the airiness of the meringue. Then, add the remaining dry mixture and continue folding until just combined, stopping before the batter reaches the “molten lava” stage – it should flow slowly but maintain some thickness. Step 4: Color Batter Divide the macaron batter into two bowls. In one bowl, mix in a few drops of teal gel food coloring until you achieve a vibrant color. Leave the second bowl white. Gently fold the batter in each bowl until the colors are uniform and both batters have reached the desired consistency of flowing gently like a thick ribbon. Step 5: Pipe Macarons Fit a piping bag with a round tip, and fill it with the colored batter. Pipe 1.5-inch circles on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, keeping space in between to allow for expansion. For the white shells, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top for that festive touch. Ensure each circle is even and smooth for the best macaron experience. Step 6: Rest and Bake Let the piped macaron shells rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, or until they form a shiny shell that doesn’t stick to your finger when gently touched. While they rest, preheat your oven to 295°F (145°C). Once ready, bake the shells for 15-16 minutes, or until they have a firm exterior and lift easily off the mat. Step 7: Cool After baking, allow the macarons to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing breakage. Gently transfer the macarons to a wire rack to cool completely. This way, they will be ready to fill with buttercream without losing their delicate structure. Step 8: Make Buttercream In a mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of softened unsalted butter until creamy. Slowly mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar, ¼ cup of white cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a few drops of pink gel food coloring. Beat until the buttercream is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, perfect for your Birthday Cake Macarons. Step 9: Assemble To assemble your Birthday Cake Macarons, pipe an even layer of buttercream onto the flat side of each teal macaron shell. Top them with a matching white shell, pressing gently to combine. For the best flavor, refrigerate the assembled macarons for 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld, and then enjoy a delightful, festive treat! Make Ahead Options These Birthday Cake Macarons are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to indulge in sweet delights without stress on the big day! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring they remain crisp. Additionally, the buttercream filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept in the refrigerator—just bring it to room temperature and re-whip before piping. When ready to assemble, simply pipe the buttercream onto the macaron shells and sandwich them together. This streamlined prep method ensures you’ll have gorgeous, flavorful macarons ready to celebrate without the last-minute rush! Birthday Cake Macarons Variations & Substitutions Feel free to customize these macarons to excite your palate and celebrate your creativity! Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with finely ground sunflower seeds or a commercial nut-free flour blend to keep it allergen-friendly. Vegan Option: Use aquafaba (chickpea brine) instead of egg whites to make a delightful vegan meringue substitute for these beauties. Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the macaron batter for a unique flavor spin. Chocolate Buttercream: Swap traditional buttercream for a rich chocolate buttercream made by mixing cocoa powder into the filling. Spiced Variation: Fold in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into your macaron batter for a warm, spiced holiday treat! Dried Fruit Powder: Enhance the flavor by replacing some powdered sugar with powdered freeze-dried fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, for a fruity taste. Filling Delight: Try adding a surprise filling like homemade fruit preserves or a luscious cream cheese frosting inside for a delightful twist. Each bite will bring an unexpected sweetness! Color Palette: Go wild with color! Use different gel food colors for each shell to reflect themes or holidays—pastels for Easter or vibrant colors for a summer soirée; the fun is endless! These inspiring variations ensure that you’ll create a batch of Birthday Cake Macarons that can turn any occasion into a sweet celebration. Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes, like my Honey Cheesecake Salted or Blueberry Crisp Cheesecake, to make the sweetest moments even better! What to Serve with Birthday Cake Macarons Elevate your celebration by adding delightful pairings that complement the festive flavors of these sweet treats. Refreshing Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a light, juicy contrast to the sweet, rich flavors of the macarons. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth texture and coolness of vanilla ice cream perfectly balance the chewy macarons’ sweetness. Sparkling Lemonade: This bubbly drink’s citrusy brightness refreshes the palate, enhancing each sweet bite of the macaron. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The taste of fresh strawberries and the rich chocolate coating create an indulgent combination alongside the macarons. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy element that complements the macaron’s airy texture. Milkshake: A thick, creamy milkshake gives a nostalgic touch to your dessert spread, pairing beautifully with rich birthday cake flavors. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee contrasts well with the sweetness of the macarons, making for a balanced finale to your meal. Mini Cheesecake Bites: These decadent bites bring a creamy, tangy element that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the macarons. Fruit-Infused Iced Tea: This refreshing drink offers a subtle sweetness and fruity flair, enhancing the macarons’ celebratory vibe. Expert Tips for Birthday Cake Macarons Clean Tools: Ensure all bowls and tools are grease-free to whip meringue effectively. Even the slightest grease can hinder your macaron’s rise. Room Temperature Egg Whites: For the best meringue, use room temperature egg whites. This helps create the volume and stability needed for your Birthday Cake Macarons. Molten Lava Check: Stop folding your batter when it resembles molten lava; it should flow slowly and not be too runny. Overmixing will deflate your meringue! No Crowding: When piping your macarons, ensure there’s enough space between each circle. This prevents them from merging during baking. Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting period before baking; it’s crucial for forming a proper shell. They’re ready when they feel dry to the touch. How to Store and Freeze Birthday Cake Macarons Fridge: Store assembled Birthday Cake Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze unfilled macaron shells in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 1 month. Reheating: If you prefer them slightly warmed, thaw the macarons in the fridge before gently bringing them to room temperature. Avoid microwaving, as this can alter their delightful texture. Birthday Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right almond flour for macarons? Absolutely! When selecting almond flour, look for finely ground options. The flour should feel fluffy and be free of lumps to ensure smooth macaron shells. I often recommend using blanched almond flour, as it has a finer texture and a creamy color that creates visually appealing macarons. What is the best way to store Birthday Cake Macarons? Very simple! Store these delightful macaron treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their chewy texture and fresh taste. If you won’t finish them within this timeframe, consider freezing them! Can I freeze Birthday Cake Macarons, and how do I do it? Of course! To freeze unfilled macaron shells, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container, where they can last for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before using. What if my macaron shells crack while baking? Don’t fret! Cracked shells can often be the result of too much moisture in the batter or not letting them rest long enough before baking. Ensure that your egg whites are whipped properly and that the batter is folded gently to maintain airiness. Also, it’s crucial to allow them to rest until a skin forms before baking, which typically takes 30-45 minutes. Can these macarons be made nut-free? Yes, indeed! If you or someone you know has nut allergies, you can substitute almond flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it should still yield delicious results. Just check that the flour blend is safe for your dietary needs! How do I make sure my egg whites whip correctly? The key to perfectly whipped egg whites is ensuring that they are at room temperature and your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry. I recommend separating your eggs while they’re cold, then allowing the whites to warm up for about 30 minutes before whipping. This trick helps achieve maximum volume and stability, resulting in beautiful, fluffy macarons! Birthday Cake Macarons That Bring Sweet Celebration Vibes No ratings yet Celebrate with these delightful Birthday Cake Macarons, featuring a crunchy shell and creamy buttercream filling, perfect for any festive occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 45 minutes minsCook Time 16 minutes minsResting Time 45 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 46 minutes mins Servings: 24 macaronsCourse: DessertCuisine: FrenchCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Macaron Shells1 cup Almond Flour Sifted for smooth texture1.5 cups Powdered Sugar Sifted for smooth texture3 each Egg Whites Room temperature for meringue0.25 teaspoon Cream of Tartar0.75 cup Granulated Sugar Gradually added for meringue1 teaspoon Teal Gel Food Coloring Use sparinglyas desired Sprinkles Colorful for decorationFor the Buttercream Filling0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Softened1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract2 cups Additional Powdered Sugar0.25 cup White Cake Mix2 tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream1 teaspoon Pink Gel Food Coloring For color Equipment Mixing bowlsHand MixerSpatulapiping bagSilicone baking mat Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Birthday Cake MacaronsBegin by whisking together 1 cup of almond flour and 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar in a large bowl until well combined and airy.In another large bowl, whip 3 egg whites and ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar using a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes bubbly and forms soft peaks.Gradually add in ¾ cup of granulated sugar while continuing to whip, then increase the speed to high and beat until it reaches stiff, glossy peaks, about 5-7 minutes.Carefully fold half of the prepared almond flour mixture into the meringue, then add the remaining dry mixture and continue folding until just combined.Divide the macaron batter into two bowls; mix one with teal gel food coloring and leave the second bowl white, folding until colors are uniform.Fit a piping bag with a round tip, fill it with the colored batter, and pipe 1.5-inch circles on a silicone baking mat, sprinkling colorful sprinkles on the white shells.Let the piped macaron shells rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes while preheating the oven to 295°F (145°C).Bake the shells for 15-16 minutes or until firm, then allow them to cool on a wire rack.Beat ½ cup of softened butter until creamy, then mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar, ¼ cup of white cake mix, and 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.Pipe an even layer of buttercream onto the flat side of each teal macaron shell, top with a matching white shell, and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1macaronCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 9gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.3mg NotesThese macarons are visually appealing and perfect for any festive occasion. Be sure to check the cleanliness of your tools to ensure successful meringue preparation. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
