Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Boston Creme Pie Macarons combine the elegance of French pastry with the comforting flavors of the classic American dessert. Featuring delicate almond shells filled with silky vanilla pastry cream and topped with rich chocolate ganache, these bite-sized treats are indulgent, refined, and perfect for special occasions or sophisticated snacking.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

almond floursifted powdered sugaregg whitesgranulated sugarcream of tartarvanilla extractyellow food coloring (optional)whole milkegg yolkscornstarchunsalted buttersaltsemi-sweet chocolateheavy cream

directions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.

In a food processor, pulse almond flour and powdered sugar, then sift to remove any lumps.

In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy.

Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Add vanilla extract and yellow food coloring, if using, and gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients.

Continue folding until the batter flows like lava and forms ribbons.

Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe uniform circles on the prepared sheets.

Tap the trays firmly on the counter to release air bubbles, then let sit for 30–60 minutes until a skin forms.

Bake for 15–18 minutes. Let cool completely before removing from the tray.

For the pastry cream, heat milk in a saucepan until steaming.

In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.

Slowly pour hot milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly.

Return to the pan and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, and cool completely in the fridge.

For the ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering and pour over chopped chocolate.

Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Cool slightly before using.

Pair macaron shells by size, fill one side with pastry cream, and drizzle or pipe ganache on the other.

Sandwich together and chill in the fridge for 24 hours to mature.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 macarons (12 sandwiches).Preparation time: 1 hourResting time: 1 hourBaking time: 15–18 minutesChilling time: 24 hoursTotal time: 26–27 hours

Variations

Use vanilla bean paste in the cream for an extra luxurious flavor.

Top shells with a drizzle of ganache instead of filling both sides.

Add a thin layer of jam beneath the cream for a fruity twist.

Use dark chocolate or white chocolate for different ganache profiles.

Pipe the cream into the center only and surround with chocolate for a layered effect.

storage/reheating

Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.Freeze for up to 1 month—thaw in the refrigerator overnight.Best served chilled or at room temperature—do not reheat.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pastry cream?

Yes, but homemade offers better texture and flavor.

Why are my macarons hollow?

Underbaking or improper meringue folding can cause hollow shells.

Do I have to age the egg whites?

It helps stabilize the meringue but isn’t strictly necessary.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, it’s just for appearance—taste is unaffected.

How do I know when the pastry cream is thick enough?

It should coat the back of a spoon and leave a trail when you run your finger through it.

Can I make the components ahead of time?

Yes, both pastry cream and ganache can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Do I need to rest the macarons before baking?

Yes, resting creates the smooth top and prevents cracking.

Can I use a different flour?

No, almond flour is essential for the proper texture of macarons.

Why are my shells cracked?

They likely didn’t rest long enough or were overmixed.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just scale all ingredients evenly and work in batches.

Conclusion

Boston Creme Pie Macarons are a decadent fusion of French finesse and classic American dessert flavors. With soft, chewy shells, creamy filling, and rich chocolate, they offer a delightful bite-sized version of a beloved treat. Impress guests—or yourself—with these elegant confections that taste as good as they look.