I will never get over the fact that my son hates cake. Every year, and with every birthday, I’m hoping he’ll warm up to a cake or cupcakes. Every year since he’s been old enough to put in a request, I’ve been disappointed.
It’s times like these that I wish I had a daughter in the mix. You know, someone to make pretty, sprinkle-y things for. Things like these cake batter macarons.
If you are a regular reader here, than you are familiar with this conversation . . .
“Hey Coley-bear (Yep, I don’t care that he’s turning 9. He’s still Coley-bear), what do you want for your birthday?”
“Just pumpkin muffins. No sprinkles, no frosting, no cake.” He knows me well, so he always adds in that last sentence for me.
I want to shout, “Your mom is a baker and blogs about it for a living. So can we agree on something that I can also share on the blog, because I’ve already shared pumpkin muffins—back when it was seasonal and two years ago.”
I’m awful. Although that realization doesn’t seem to stop me from persuading him to put in another request.
He wants macarons.
But not these cake batter macarons—of course not these—they’re filled and with sprinkles. I knew that though, I just had to get my sprinkle fix out. Stay tuned though, because I’m on a macaron run and I’ll be sharing the birthday boy’s chosen mac soon.
Cake Batter Macarons
Ingredients:
Macaron shells
- 60 g almond meal
- 120g confectioner's sugar
- 20 g granulated sugar
- 60 g egg whites (about 2 eggs)
- 3 tablspoons sprinkles
- Optional: 1 teaspoon teal powdered food color (I used Rolkem)
Cake Batter Icing
- 1 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup yellow cake mix
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 drops pink food coloring
Directions:
Preparation: Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Process almond meal and powdered sugar in a food processor; sift and discard any large chunks. *If you are using powdered food coloring, whisk it in now. Set aside.
Place egg whites and sugar in a stand mixer bowl, fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on medium low speed until egg whites start to form loose translucent bubbles. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat until meringue turns foamy and white and starts to resemble well lathered shampoo, about 2 minutes. Increase mixer to high and beat until meringue holds glossy stiff peaks, about another 2-3 minutes. *If you are using liquid food coloring, add it in now and beat until just combined. Turn off mixer.
Add dry ingredients to meringue. Using a sturdy spatula fold and smash dry mixture into meringue against side of bowl for about 20-25 folds. Don’t worry about being gentle the idea is to knock the air out of it. The batter should hold its shape when spooned on itself and start to slowly flatten out after about 15-20 seconds. Start checking the batter after 20 folds for readiness. Transfer batter to pastry bag and let rest for 20 minutes before piping.
Pipe 1 1/2 inch circles onto parchment lined baking sheet. Take hold of pan and give it a quick hard tap against the counter, turn the pan 90 degrees and give it another quick hard tap. This will deflate any bubbles and will help to prevent cracked shells.
Bake macarons at 300 degrees F, until macarons easily lift away from paper, about 20 minutes.
To make filling: Add all ingredients into a stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are combined, then gradually increase mixer speed from medium to high and beat for 30-60 seconds on hight until icing is thick and fluffy. Add more powdered sugar to thicken consistency as needed or heavy cream to loosen consistency as needed.
Assembly: Pipe filling on one shell. Place second shell on top.
Welcome to my cozy corner where baking meets random thoughts and musings. I’m a self-taught baker sharing all things sweet (and some savory—okay, and cocktails) with a whisk in one hand and a camera in the other. 
I wish I had a girl for all things sprinkly too Naomi! These look wonderful! Can’t wait to see Cole’s choice!
Awwww, I bet he was more than thrilled with these beauties!!! xo
These are gorgeous, Naomi! Happy Birthday to Cole – cannot wait to see his mac!
These are stunning! They remind me of the cake batter truffles from Momofuku. Absolutely beautiful.
Love these! You are the queen of Macaron making.
As someone who can barely make cookies, these are beyond impressive. So dainty and gorgeous! I love this twist on birthday cake!
Love the idea and they look so good!
They look fabulous! Where do you purchase this powdered colring? Thanks
I totally feel you. My boys aren’t into cake or ANY desserts, for that matter. So cruel and ironic. It’s been too long since I’ve made macarons! These are inspiring me. Did you sprinkle on the nonpariels before drying? They look like they’re stuck on really well. Just curious!
Love the shots, I haven’t made macarons for forever but now I’m inspired
Your creativity is beyond sometimes girl!!!!
These are so pretty and so fun!! I love cake, but I would LOVE these too!
These are so pretty! Love that they’re cake batter flavored!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
These are so fabulous!
I have a son almost like that
On his birthday I always hope to make him and his classmates a stunning cake but no. “Just a normal one, mom”
But he loves macarons
If the little dude doesn’t want cake, you can ship it my way!! I do love that he has such high class tastes!
Yes please!
He’s a man of his own. He loves macarons and I can tell we will get along. He always inspires great ones like these
So pretty! Certainly girly though, they would be such a hit at Easter!
Aaw so glad he likes macarons though
I’ve been on a macaron kick lately and these are just so gorgeous! I love the cake batter frosting and the sprinkles are the perfect touch!
Your macarons are so beautiful! I can’t wait to try making these! I, too, am the mom of a son & wish for those “sparkly” times. I am hoping for a daughter-in-law and grand-daughter someday!!!
Yummy! I’ve made funfetti macaroons before but I put cake minx into the cookies themselves. They didn’t come out nearly as pretty so I may need to try these next time.
In lieu of cake, these sound like a perfect birthday treat! Very elegant, too 😀 They sound scrumptious!
Cutest macarons ever!! Love these Naomi!!!
These macarons make me so hungry! ♥
summerdaisy.net
Too cute! I’m loving the sprinkles and festive feel!
I love sprinkles and I love macarons. Perfect combination!
What a great idea to combine cake batter + macaroons! My husband’s name is Cohl and I call him “Cohlie-bear”, too. Some boys (men) will never outgrow the nicknames they get from the women in their lives!
These are incredibly beautiful and so much fun!!
oh my gawd, SO pretty!!!! these are perfection!!!
These are just so pretty and so fun!!
these are darling! you’re channeling my inner middle schooler here with the cake batter, too – I like my food like I like my lip smackers.
Really good and super soft. It’s a delight..
So fun!! Love cake batter anything so with macarons it’s even better!
These are awesome! Did you put the sprinkles before or after they bake?
Hi! Do you know if you can substitute for the almond meal? My boys are allergic to nuts