Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Boston Creme Pie Macarons are a refined twist on the classic dessert, featuring delicate almond meringue shells filled with rich vanilla pastry cream and topped with a decadent chocolate ganache. These elegant sandwich cookies capture the flavor of the traditional Boston cream pie in a bite-sized, visually stunning treat perfect for special occasions or indulgent moments.

ingredients

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

almond flour
confectioners’ sugar
egg whites
granulated sugar
cream of tartar
vanilla extract
yellow gel food coloring (optional, for a custard-colored shell)
whole milk
egg yolks
cornstarch
unsalted butter
semi-sweet chocolate chips
heavy cream

directions

Prepare the vanilla pastry cream first. In a saucepan, heat milk until just steaming. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.

Gradually temper the hot milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly, then return the mixture to the saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate.

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

In a food processor, pulse almond flour and confectioners’ sugar until well combined. Sift the mixture to remove any lumps.

In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add vanilla and food coloring if using.

Fold the dry ingredients into the meringue in batches using a spatula. Mix until the batter flows like lava and forms a ribbon.

Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto prepared sheets. Tap the trays to release air bubbles. Let sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until tops form a skin.

Bake for 15–18 minutes or until feet are formed and shells are set. Cool completely before removing.

For the ganache, heat cream until just boiling, pour over chocolate chips, let sit 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool slightly.

To assemble, pipe chilled pastry cream onto one macaron shell, top with another. Drizzle or dip tops with ganache.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 macarons.
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 15–18 minutes
Cooling and filling time: 1 hour
Total time: ~2 hours

Variations

Add a bit of espresso powder to the ganache for a mocha twist.
Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer contrast.
Infuse the pastry cream with a vanilla bean for deeper flavor.
Make mini versions for party platters or gifts.

storage/reheating

Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.
Macaron shells can be frozen (unfilled) for up to 1 month.

FAQs

Do I have to use food coloring?
No, but a soft yellow tint helps reflect the custard theme of Boston Creme Pie.

Why are my macaron shells hollow?
This can result from under-mixing the batter or oven temperature inconsistencies.

Can I use store-bought pudding instead of homemade pastry cream?
Yes, but homemade cream gives a more authentic texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to age the egg whites?
Aged egg whites are recommended for better stability and structure.

Can I make the components ahead of time?
Yes, pastry cream and ganache can be made a day in advance and kept chilled.

Why did my macarons crack?
They likely didn’t rest long enough before baking or the oven was too hot.

Are these gluten-free?
Yes, if using gluten-free cornstarch and ensuring no cross-contamination.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to make macarons in single batches to avoid overmixing.

What chocolate works best for the ganache?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or bars are ideal for balanced richness.

Can I use a different filling?
You can try whipped ganache or stabilized whipped cream, but custard is key to Boston Creme flavor.

Conclusion

Boston Creme Pie Macarons bring together the sophistication of French pastry and the comforting flavors of a beloved American dessert. With creamy vanilla filling and smooth chocolate topping nestled between delicate almond shells, these macarons are sure to impress both in taste and presentation. Whether for a celebration or personal treat, they offer a bite-sized moment of decadence.