Delightful Beet Macarons That Captivate Your Taste Buds

I first heard about Beet Macarons when my daughter asked for something colorful and a little different for her birthday party. She was fascinated by the idea of vegetable macarons, especially the beetroot macarons that turned the shells a vibrant pink. I dove into making them, excited to add a natural food coloring macarons recipe to our family favorites. When I finally served these Beet Macarons, the look on everyone’s faces was priceless — surprise and delight all around!

What made this Beet Macarons recipe stick around in our meal rotation wasn’t just the pretty color or unique flavor, but how they brought us together. There was something special about sharing macarons that felt fresh and a bit unexpected, yet still delicious. The earthiness of the beet powder dessert combined with delicate sweetness in the shells created a perfect balance.

Making Beet Macarons was a bit of a kitchen discovery for me. I learned early on that using beet powder instead of fresh beet juice gave a cleaner, more consistent color without affecting the texture too much. I also found that pairing them with creative macaron filling ideas, like rich cream cheese or a hint of lemon curd, really made each bite memorable.

If you haven’t tried Beet Macarons yet, I promise this recipe is approachable and fun for a family cooking day or a special treat. It’s a beautiful way to add a vegetable twist to your dessert table and delight your loved ones with something they might not expect. Plus, these Beet Macarons are perfect for any occasion that calls for a little color and charm.

Give it a try and see how this Beet Macarons can brighten your next family gathering!

What You’ll Need

For the best Beet Macarons, I recommend gathering a few simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. This Beet Macarons recipe uses beet powder for rich color and flavor, making it a natural food coloring macarons treat that feels special yet straightforward.

Ingredients for Beet Macarons displayed on a table

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup almond flour, finely ground
  • 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
  • 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon beet powder dessert (this is key for that beautiful pink hue)
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (helps stabilize your egg whites)
  • Pinch of salt

For the filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese or mascarpone (a favorite filling for Beet Macarons)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest or juice for a fresh twist

You’ll find everything for this Beet Macarons at your regular grocery store or specialty markets. The beet powder dessert is my secret weapon; it’s easier to measure than fresh beet juice and provides consistent color without adding moisture.

This Beet Macarons is forgiving if you need to swap a few things. For instance, you can substitute the almond flour with a finely ground cashew flour if a family member has a mild nut sensitivity. The cream cheese in the filling can be replaced with a dairy-free spread for those with dietary restrictions.

Here’s a Beet Macarons secret that makes all the difference: make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before whipping for the best volume and stability. Also, sift your almond flour and powdered sugar well to keep your shells smooth.

My family prefers when I use fresh lemon zest in the filling—it adds a bright note that balances the earthy beetroot macarons flavor perfectly. Trust me, this Beet Macarons ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!

How to Make It

Making Beet Macarons is a fun challenge that pays off in sweet rewards. This Beet Macarons typically takes me about two hours, including preparing the shells, resting, baking, and filling. Here’s how you do it step by step.

1. Prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This makes a big difference in how easily your Beet Macarons come off.

2. Sift together almond flour and powdered sugar (and beet powder dessert) twice. This removes lumps and helps keep the shell surface smooth.

3. Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt and cream of tartar on medium speed until frothy. Slowly add granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. This is where your natural food coloring macarons start to shimmer with promise.

4. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites gently. The batter should flow like lava. Don’t overmix or undermix your Beet Macarons batter—it’s a fine balance. You’ll know your Beet Macarons is ready to pipe when the batter drops off the spatula slowly but doesn’t separate.

5. Pipe rounds on the baking sheets using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Give them space because they will spread a bit.

6. Tap the baking tray lightly on the counter to pop any air bubbles.

7. Let the piped shells rest at room temperature until they form a thin skin on top—a 30 to 60-minute wait. You’ll know the resting is done when you can lightly touch the shells without sticking.

8. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). While your Beet Macarons are resting, you can prepare your filling.

9. Bake the shells for 14-16 minutes. The macarons should have “feet” or little ruffled edges and not wiggle when touched.

10. Cool completely before removing from the parchment.

11. Mix the filling: beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add in any macaron filling ideas like lemon zest if you want a zesty boost.

12. Pair a shell with matching size shell and spread your filling in the middle.

Here’s where I used to mess up my Beet Macarons: not letting them rest enough before baking. Now I always remember to give that skin time to develop; it keeps them from cracking. While your Beet Macarons is cooking, you’ll have time to tidy the kitchen or plan your next meal.

If your Beet Macarons looks a bit flat or glossy, it’s usually because the batter was overmixed or undermixed. Don’t worry—just learn from it and try again next time. Each attempt brings you closer to macaron perfection.

For more tips on natural food coloring macarons, check out this thread from the r/macarons community about natural food colouring options for macaron shells and filling.

Serving Ideas

Everyone reaches for seconds when this Beet Macarons comes out with a cup of tea or a light dessert wine. The bright pink shells paired with a creamy filling are a showstopper for birthday parties, family dinners, or celebrations.

Served Beet Macarons with creamy filling on a white plate

This Beet Macarons is perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying but not too heavy. Serve alongside fresh fruit or a fresh beet salad delight to round out the vegetable flavor beautifully.

Presentation tips? I like arranging Beet Macarons in neat rows on a white plate to show off the color. Dust a little extra beet powder dessert on top for a subtle pop or drizzle a bit of dark chocolate around the edges for a festive touch.

If you have leftovers (it happens sometimes when my family gets full quickly), store your Beet Macarons in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste just as good the next day, especially after they sit a bit and the flavors meld.

Variations I’ve tried successfully include swapping out the cream cheese filling for a rich chocolate ganache or a lavender-infused buttercream. My picky eater loves the chocolate version, while my husband prefers the lemon cream cheese.

If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy this fresh beet salad delight recipe, which celebrates the vibrant flavor of beets in a refreshing way.

Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this Beet Macarons ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! I usually prepare the shells the day before, then assemble the next day. Store the piped batter shells in a cool, dry spot while resting. After baking, refrigerate filled Beet Macarons in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Q: What if I don’t have beet powder dessert?
A: You can use fresh beet juice, but be mindful—it adds moisture, which can affect shell texture. Alternatively, check out natural coloring ideas like carrot or turmeric for orange hues from this discussion on what is a natural food coloring for orange.

Q: How do I store leftover Beet Macarons?
A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before eating to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

Q: My shells cracked or didn’t get feet. What happened?
A: This usually means the batter either wasn’t rested enough or was mixed incorrectly. Try ensuring your shells rest properly and fold batter gently next time.

Q: Can I freeze Beet Macarons?
A: Yes! Freeze them unfilled to keep their shape. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then add filling.

Q: What are some good macaron filling ideas?
A: Besides classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting with lemon, chocolate ganache, or even a fruit jam works wonders. Play around and see what your family loves most.

Q: Is Beet Macarons good for kids?
A: Definitely! The natural color and sweet taste make it fun and tasty. My kids love when I include a hint of vanilla in the filling to keep it mild and pleasant.

For more discussions on soaking egg whites with different fruits and veggies, this Facebook group has great insights from fellow home cooks passionate about natural food coloring macarons.

The Final Word

This Beet Macarons has earned its place in my recipe collection because it’s such a fun way to introduce vegetables into a family dessert, bringing subtle earthiness and beautiful color to something sweet. It’s been a kitchen win that never fails to gather smiles and compliments.

My Beet Macarons Tips:

  • Use beet powder dessert instead of fresh juice for consistent color and texture.
  • Always let your shells rest until a skin forms before baking.
  • Try different macaron filling ideas like lemon cream cheese or chocolate ganache to find your family fave.

I’ve also enjoyed making variations with lavender buttercream, chocolate-mocha filling, and a classic vanilla bean cream. My daughter loves the berry jam-filled Beet Macarons, while my husband always goes for the chocolate.

If you’re ready to make Beet Macarons your own, remember it’s a dessert worth sharing. This recipe is as much about the joy of making something interesting in your kitchen as it is about enjoying the sweet results with your loved ones.

I hope your family loves these Beet Macarons as much as mine does. Give this recipe a try, and watch how this colorful, vegetable macarons treat brings everyone a little closer around your own table!

For more ideas to pair with Beet Macarons, check out this refreshing fresh beet salad delight — it’s a great way to celebrate beets at every meal!

Also, if you want to get inspired by various natural coloring options and home cook tips, take a peek at these discussions on natural food colouring options for macaron shells and filling.

Happy cooking and savor those family meal wins with Beet Macarons!

Print

Beet Macarons

Delicate and vibrant Beet Macarons combine the natural earthiness of beets with the classic French meringue cookie for a unique and colorful dessert treat.

  • Author: Vienna Ellis
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
  • Yield: 20 macarons (10 sandwiches)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale
  • 90g egg whites (about 3 large eggs), aged at room temperature
  • 30g granulated sugar
  • 200g powdered sugar
  • 110g almond flour
  • 30g beetroot powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Red or pink food coloring (optional)
  • Buttercream filling:
    • 115g unsalted butter, softened
    • 150g powdered sugar
    • 1 tbsp beet juice (freshly extracted)
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a food processor, combine almond flour and powdered sugar; pulse until fine. Sift the mixture to remove any clumps.
  3. Whisk egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  4. Gently fold the sifted almond-flour mixture and beetroot powder into the meringue in batches. Add food coloring if desired, mixing until fully incorporated.
  5. Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1-inch circles onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  6. Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter to release air bubbles. Let macarons rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until a skin forms.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until macarons can be lifted cleanly from parchment without sticking.
  8. Cool completely on wire racks.
  9. For the buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in beet juice and vanilla extract until smooth.
  10. Pair macaron shells by size and pipe buttercream onto one shell, sandwiching with the other.
  11. Refrigerate assembled macarons for 24 hours before serving to meld flavors.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a hint of lemon zest to the buttercream or dust the shells with edible gold dust for an elegant presentation.

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