Small Batch Strawberry Buttercream Recipe for Macarons

Buttercream is a versatile and delightful frosting that can elevate any dessert, including delicate French macarons. This small-batch strawberry buttercream recipe is perfect for filling macarons, providing just the right amount of rich, fruity flavour to complement the crisp, chewy cookies.

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened, 56 grams)

• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted, 187.5 grams)

• 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberry powder (about 30 grams)

• 2 to 4 tbsp milk or water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

• Sift the confectioners’ sugar to remove any lumps for a smooth buttercream.

2. Make the Buttercream:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy and smooth.

• Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar to the butter, mixing well after each addition.

• Add the freeze-dried strawberry powder to the mixture. This gives the buttercream a vibrant colour and a concentrated strawberry flavour.

• Slowly add milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The buttercream should be smooth and spreadable but not too runny.

3. Add Flavor Variations:

• To create different flavors, replace the freeze-dried strawberry powder with an equivalent amount of other freeze-dried fruit powders, such as raspberry, blueberry, or mango. Each variation will bring a unique flavour and colour to your buttercream.

Tips for Perfect Buttercream

1. Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is properly softened at room temperature. This will help achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

2. Sifting Sugar: Always sift your confectioners’ sugar to avoid any lumps in your buttercream.

3. Consistent Mixing: Mix the buttercream thoroughly at each stage to ensure a consistent and smooth texture.

4. Adjusting Consistency: Add milk or water gradually to control the consistency of your buttercream. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to spread easily.

Using Strawberry Buttercream for Macarons

This small batch of strawberry buttercream is perfect for filling macarons.

Here's how to use it:

1. Pair the Macaron Shells: Match up your macaron shells by size.

2. Fill a Piping Bag: Transfer the strawberry buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

3. Pipe the Filling: Pipe a small amount of buttercream onto the flat side of half of the macaron shells.

4. Sandwich the Macarons: Place another shell on top of the filling and gently press to create a sandwich.

Small Batch Strawberry Buttercream