Purple Macarons
A Bite of Elegance and Whimsy
There’s something irresistibly unique about macarons: the delicate shell, the soft chew, and the surprise of flavor hidden in every bite. But when you color them purple? They become more than a dessert, they’re a statement.
Whether you’re hosting a bridal shower, planning a dessert table, or love purple, these little confections bring a pop of color and sophistication to any occasion.
Why Are Purple Macarons Stealing the Spotlight?
Purple isn’t just a color; it’s a mood. It evolves luxury, mystery, and creativity. When it comes to desserts, purple often hints at flavors like blackberry, lavender, blueberry, ube, or even blackcurrant,each one bringing its own personality to the table.
Imagine a tray of glossy purple macarons glimmering under soft lighting at a wedding reception. Or a rustic lavender-honey version paired with tea on a cozy spring afternoon. These aren’t just sweets; they’re edible art.
Purple Macarons Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: French20
servings30
minutes14
minutes1
hour1
hour44
minutesIngredients
For the Macaron Shells:
100g almond flour (finely ground, sifted)
100g powdered sugar
70g egg whites (room temperature)
100g granulated sugar
30g water
Gel or powder purple food coloring
For the Filling (Lavender Buttercream):
100g unsalted butter (softened)
150g powdered sugar
1–2 tsp milk or cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp culinary lavender (ground or steeped in cream)
Optional: A few drops of purple food coloring
Directions
- Prepare the Dry Mix
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar into a large bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Make the Italian Meringue
- In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Heat to 118°C / 244°F.
- While the syrup is heating, start whisking the egg whites in a stand mixer at medium speed.
- Once syrup reaches temperature, slowly pour it into the whipping egg whites. Increase to high speed and whisk until glossy, stiff peaks form (about 8–10 mins).
- Add purple food coloring at the end to achieve your desired hue.
- Macaronage (Folding)
- Fold the meringue into the almond mixture in two parts.
- Use a spatula to gently deflate the batter until it flows like lava. It should fall from the spatula in ribbons and disappear into itself after 10 seconds.
- Pipe the Macarons
- Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Pipe evenly sized circles (about 1.5 inches) onto a silicone mat or parchment-lined baking tray.
- Tap the trays firmly on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Let the shells rest for 30–60 minutes until a skin forms (they should not stick to your finger when touched lightly).
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 150°C / 300°F.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Let shells cool completely before removing from tray.
- Make the Filling
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and lavender. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Add food coloring if desired.
- Assemble
- Pair similar-sized shells.
- Pipe buttercream onto one shell and sandwich gently with another.
- For best flavor and texture, refrigerate for 24 hours to mature. Bring to room temp before serving.
Notes
- Use gel or powder color to avoid watering down your batter.
- Age your egg whites (separate and refrigerate for 1–2 days) for more stable meringue.
- Store assembled macarons in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge, or freeze for longer storage.
Flavor Ideas for Purple Macarons:
One of the beauties of macarons is their versatility. With a purple shell, you can explore a range of fillings to match the theme or season:
- Lavender Vanilla: Earthy floral notes with a creamy finish.
- Blackberry Buttercream: Tart, vibrant, and beautifully purple all the way through.
- Ube Ganache: A nod to Filipino flavors with a nutty, vanilla-like depth.
- Blueberry Lemon Curd: A balance of sweet and tangy that bursts in your mouth.
- Earl Grey with Honey: Subtle and refined, perfect for tea lovers.
Styling Tips: Make Your Purple Macarons Stand Out:
Presentation matters, especially when you’re posting for social media or building a brand:
- Pair with contrasting elements like gold leaf, white chocolate drizzle, or edible flowers.
- Use ombre tones, a mix of pale lavender and deep plum shells for a dreamy effect.
- Place them in a clear gift box with a silk ribbon for elegant favors or client thank-you gifts.
- On dessert tables, layer them on marble or glass stands for a clean, modern look.
Behind the Bake: Getting That Perfect Purple:
Achieving a vibrant purple without overmixing can be a challenge. Gel or powder food coloring works best. Mix your desired shade into the meringue early to avoid overloading later. Keep in mind that the color deepens slightly during baking, so plan ahead if you’re aiming for a specific hue.
Pro tip: Let your macarons mature for at least 24 hours in the fridge before serving. This allows the shells to soften slightly and absorb the flavor of the filling, creating that perfect bite.
Final Thoughts
Purple macarons are more than just pretty pastries; they’re mood-setters, conversation-starters, and memorable treats. Whether you’re crafting them for a special event or just indulging in some weekend baking therapy, these vibrant confections add a touch of elegance and creativity to every bite.
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Delicious Desserts Recipes Team
Mark is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast, dedicated to creating easy and indulgent sweet treats. From rich chocolate cakes to refreshing fruity delights, Mark loves experimenting with flavors and textures to bring joy to every occasion.
