Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! If you’ve ever found yourself swooning over the classic flavors of caramel apple pie, you’re in for a delightful twist! I’m talking about Caramel Apple Pie Macarons! These little gems combine the delicate, chewy texture of macarons with the irresistible taste of caramel-drenched apples and a luscious Swiss buttercream. Seriously, it’s like a culinary hug in every bite! 🌟
The inspiration for these delightful desserts comes from my childhood, spending countless autumn afternoons apple-picking with my family. We’d always come home with a mountain of apples, and my mom would whip up her famous caramel apple pie. One day, while reminiscing about those sweet times, I thought, “Why not turn that pie into a macaron?” And voilà—this delicious recipe was born! Let me take you on a journey to make these decadent treats.
What’s in Caramel Apple Pie Macarons?
- Almond flour: The star ingredient for the macaron shells, it gives them that perfect chewy texture. I prefer Bob’s Red Mill for its fine consistency.
- Powdered sugar: This makes the shells sweet and slightly crisp. Ensure it’s sifted to avoid lumps, because we want smooth macarons!
- Egg whites: Fresh and at room temperature are crucial here to achieve those beautiful stiff peaks.
- Granulated sugar: Added to whipped egg whites for stability and sweetness—making those peaks stand tall!
- Vanilla extract: Because when is vanilla ever a bad idea? It adds warmth and depth to the flavors.
- Red gel food coloring: Completely optional, but a little dash never hurt anyone if you want a festive touch!
- Medium-sized apples: Choose your favorites! I love using Granny Smith apples for that perfect tart sweetness.
- Lemon juice: This brightens the filling and helps prevent the apples from browning.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the apple filling—pure bliss!
- Cinnamon: A warm spice that brings the fall flavors to life; I always go for Ceylon cinnamon for its aromatic profile.
- Unsalted butter: Creamy goodness that brings everything together in the filling.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with water, this thickens our filling to perfection!
- Caramel sauce: The pièce de résistance! Grab your favorite store-bought one or make your own—either works wonders!
- Unsalted butter (for buttercream): Make sure it’s softened, so it blends beautifully into your frosting!
- Heavy cream: Adds that fluffy consistency to the Swiss buttercream.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness, trust me!
Are Caramel Apple Pie Macarons Good for You?
Now, I won’t go around claiming these macarons are health food, but they do bring together some delightful ingredients! The almond flour is a great source of healthy fats and vitamin E. Plus, you’re getting a little fruit in the form of apples! However, keep in mind that they are rich and sugary treats, so moderation is key. You might want to save these babies for a special occasion or as a sweet surprise for loved ones.
As for those with allergies, always double-check your ingredients! Almond flour makes these macarons unsuitable for anyone with nut allergies, and if you prefer to avoid dairy, you can try vegan substitutes for the butter and cream. Just know that the heat will have stayed turned up on flavor, no matter what!
Ingredients List
- For the Macaron Shells:
- 1 ¾ cups almond flour
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring (optional)
- For the Caramel Apple Filling:
- 2 medium-sized apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- For the Swiss Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Macarons?
- Prepare the Macaron Shells: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Sift together almond flour and powdered sugar to remove lumps.
- In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add granulated sugar while whipping until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract and red food coloring, if using, during the last minute of whipping.
- Gently fold the sifted almond mixture into the whipped egg whites until the batter flows like a thick ribbon. Transfer the mixture into piping bags fitted with a round tip and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets. Tap the sheets against the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, until a skin forms on top. Bake for 15-18 minutes. They should not stick to the parchment. Allow to cool completely before removing them.
- Make the Caramel Apple Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples start to soften. Stir in butter until melted, then add cornstarch mixture, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool. Mix in 1/2 cup of caramel sauce once cool.
- Prepare the Swiss Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar; mix on low speed then increase to high speed until fluffy. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until combined and fluffy.
- Assemble the Macarons: Pair up macaron shells of similar size. Pipe a circle of Swiss buttercream on the flat side of half the shells, then add a spoonful of the caramel apple filling in the center. Top with another macaron shell to create a sandwich. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over the tops for garnish.
Sweet Surprises and Serving Ideas
- Serve these macarons chilled or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a few days of making but can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Letting them mature in the fridge for a day can enhance their flavor! Trust me on this one—it’s worth the wait.
- If you want an extra festive touch, you can top them off with some finely chopped pecans for a crunchy texture!
So there you have it, my darling bakers! These Caramel Apple Pie Macarons are a fun and delicious way to celebrate fall flavors any time of the year. I encourage you to gather your loved ones, don your aprons, and dive into the world of macarons. They really do bring joy to the table. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations! Happy baking!
