Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Boston Creme Pie Macarons combine the elegance of French patisserie with the beloved flavors of the classic American dessert. These delicate almond meringue shells are filled with rich pastry cream and a decadent chocolate ganache, perfectly mimicking the taste of a Boston creme pie in a bite-sized, refined form. Ideal for special occasions or as a luxurious treat, they offer both visual appeal and indulgent flavor.

ingredients

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

For the Macaron Shells

almond flour
confectioners’ sugar
egg whites (room temperature)
granulated sugar
cream of tartar (optional, for stabilizing meringue)
vanilla extract
yellow food coloring (optional, for a classic custard-like hue)

For the Pastry Cream Filling

whole milk
granulated sugar
egg yolks
cornstarch
unsalted butter
vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache

semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
heavy cream
unsalted butter (optional, for extra shine)

directions

Sift together almond flour and confectioners’ sugar. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.

Gradually add granulated sugar and continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form. Fold in vanilla extract and yellow food coloring if using.

Gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients until the batter flows like lava and forms ribbons.

Pipe small, even circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Tap the sheet to release air bubbles and let the shells rest for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms.

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 15-17 minutes. Let cool completely before filling.

To make pastry cream, heat milk until steaming. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly temper the hot milk into the egg mixture, then return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, and chill until set.

To make ganache, heat cream until steaming and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Stir in butter if desired.

Pipe a ring of ganache on one macaron shell, fill the center with pastry cream, and sandwich with another shell.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20 filled macarons.
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Resting time: 30-60 minutes
Baking time: 15-17 minutes
Chilling time for fillings: 1 hour
Total time: ~2.5 hours

Variations

Use dark chocolate for a richer ganache contrast.
Add a touch of espresso powder to the ganache for depth.
Infuse the pastry cream with a splash of rum or bourbon.
Try using white chocolate ganache for a twist on the classic flavor.

storage/reheating

Store filled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For best texture, allow macarons to come to room temperature before serving.
Unfilled shells can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Avoid reheating filled macarons to preserve their delicate texture.

FAQs

What makes these macarons taste like Boston creme pie?
The combination of vanilla pastry cream and chocolate ganache mirrors the custard and chocolate topping of the original dessert.

Can I use store-bought custard or pudding?
Yes, but homemade pastry cream provides the best texture and flavor.

Do I have to color the shells?
No, it’s optional and only for aesthetic purposes.

Why are my macaron shells hollow or cracked?
Incorrect macaronage technique, under-resting, or oven temperature issues can cause this.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, they’re even better after maturing in the fridge for 24 hours.

Can I skip the ganache?
You can, but it adds an essential chocolate element to replicate the Boston creme pie.

Can I freeze the filled macarons?
Yes, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge.

Do I need a stand mixer?
A hand mixer works fine, but a stand mixer makes the process easier.

Are these good for gifting?
Absolutely, they look elegant and taste indulgent—perfect for special treats.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure even mixing and proper baking sheet spacing.

Conclusion

Boston Creme Pie Macarons bring together the charm of French confections and the comfort of a classic American dessert in one refined bite. With silky pastry cream, rich ganache, and crisp-yet-chewy shells, they’re sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether for gifting, entertaining, or simply indulging, these macarons are a standout creation.