Cruella De Vil Macarons (101 Dalmatians) Recipe

If you’re a fan of whimsical desserts with a dash of character, you’re going to absolutely adore these Cruella De Vil Macarons (101 Dalmatians). Inspired by the iconic and mischievously stylish villain from 101 Dalmatians, these macarons combine delicate, crisp shells patterned like Dalmatian spots with a luscious red velvet cake filling and beautifully piped buttercream roses. They’re not only a feast for the eyes but a dreamy indulgence for your taste buds, perfect for celebrations or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Cruella De Vil Macarons (101 Dalmatians) plays a crucial role, from creating that perfect shiny shell to the rich red velvet filling and the smooth buttercream topping. The essence of this recipe lies in the balance of simple components that come together beautifully to deliver on flavor, texture, and eye-catching design.

• Egg whites (100 grams): Essential for creating that airy, meringue base for the macaron shells, providing structure and lightness.
• White granulated sugar (100 grams for shells, 150 grams for cake): Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue while making the red velvet cake moist and flavorful.
• Almond flour (105 grams): Gives the macarons their characteristic nutty flavor and chewy, delicate texture.
• Powdered sugar (105 grams for macarons, 500-625 grams for buttercream): Adds sweetness and smoothness, helping to create the perfect shell surface and silky frosting.
• Food coloring: White powder food coloring for the shells to enhance brightness; black powder and gel food coloring to create authentic Dalmatian spots.
• Unsalted butter (56 grams for cake, 339 grams for buttercream): Brings richness and smoothness to both red velvet cake and buttercream.
• Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the red velvet cake moist and tender.
• Large egg (1): Acts as a binder in the red velvet cake for structure and moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp for cake, 1/2 tsp for buttercream): Adds warm, aromatic flavor to cake and frosting.
• Red gel food coloring (1 tbsp): Provides that signature red velvet hue in the cake layer.
• All-purpose flour (167 grams): Forms the body of the red velvet cake, giving it structure.
• Cocoa powder (2 tbsp): Balances the sweetness with subtle chocolate undertones in the cake.
• Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the red velvet cake rise and become airy.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the cake and frosting.
• Buttermilk (2/3 cup): Adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake, making it tender.
• Milk (2-4 tbsp for buttercream): Adjusts buttercream consistency to silky smooth perfection.

How to Make Cruella De Vil Macarons (101 Dalmatians)

Step 1: Preparing the Macaron Shells

Start by carefully measuring and sifting the powdered sugar and almond flour together – this ensures your shells come out super smooth. Then, gently whisk egg whites and sugar over barely simmering water until the sugar dissolves completely, setting the stage for a perfect meringue. Whip this mixture until stiff peaks form; this is the backbone of your macarons, giving them their signature rise and airy texture.

Step 2: Folding and Coloring the Batter

Once your meringue is glossy and stiff, fold in the sifted dry ingredients just until combined – overmixing can lead to disastrous results, so be gentle but thorough. Split the batter into two portions: one larger for the white macaron shells and one smaller for adding the striking black spots. The white batter gets white powder coloring, while the black portion gets a mix of black powder and gel colors. Make sure both batters flow slowly off your spatula to nail that ideal macaron consistency.

Step 3: Piping the Macarons and Adding Spots

Pipe perfect white circles onto lined baking sheets, using a round tip to create smooth shells. Then, carefully pipe tiny black spots with a small tip to mimic the unmistakable Dalmatian pattern. It’s important to keep these spots small to avoid turning your design into a cow pattern – precision is key! Tap the trays to settle the batter and pop any air bubbles with a toothpick to ensure even baking.

Step 4: Drying and Baking the Shells

Allow the piped shells to rest for 20 to 40 minutes until they form a dry ‘skin’ – poke gently to check dryness. This crucial step helps develop the delicate “feet” during baking. Preheat your oven to 310ºF and bake the macarons one tray at a time for consistent heat distribution. Patience here pays off as these shells transform into the crisp yet tender vessels that hold the indulgent filling.

Step 5: Preparing the Red Velvet Cake Filling

While your shells bake, whip up that luscious red velvet cake batter with butter, oil, sugar, and egg, then fold in flour, cocoa, and baking soda. Bake the cake separately, cool completely, and once ready, crumble it finely to blend into a creamy, thick filling. This unexpected twist in a macaron filling brings a fruity, chocolaty richness that perfectly complements the almond shells.

Step 6: Whipping the Buttercream Roses

Finish by making a silky, sweet buttercream with an abundance of unsalted butter and powdered sugar, flavored with vanilla. Adjust milk for the perfect piping consistency and load your piping bag with a small round tip. You’ll be creating charming little roses that add elegance and a pop of color atop the finished macarons – a fitting homage to Cruella’s flamboyant style.

How to Serve Cruella De Vil Macarons (101 Dalmatians)

Garnishes

To elevate these wonderfully themed treats, consider adding edible silver beads or a light dusting of pearl shimmer on top of the buttercream roses to capture Cruella’s glamorous, playful essence. Fresh tiny rose petals or scattered black and white chocolate shavings around your serving platter can also bring extra flair and charm.

Side Dishes

Serve these Cruella De Vil Macarons (101 Dalmatians) with a delicate cup of Earl Grey or jasmine tea for a refined afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a glass of chilled champagne or a smooth coffee latte, making the indulgence all the more special and memorable for your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not display your macarons on a tiered stand shaped like a dog bone or spotted tray to stay on theme? Arranging them alongside black and white cupcakes or red velvet cake slices will amp up the 101 Dalmatians vibe for parties. You could even place them in small pet-themed boxes as charming party favors or personal gifts to delight friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and it’s hard not to!), store your assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to five days, allowing the flavors to meld wonderfully while preserving the shells’ crunch and buttercream’s softness.

Freezing

For longer storage, these Cruella De Vil Macarons (101 Dalmatians) freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer into a sealed container or freezer bag. Enjoy within one month for best flavor and texture. Thaw covered in the fridge before serving to prevent moisture buildup.

Reheating

Avoid reheating macarons in a microwave or oven as it can ruin their delicate texture. Simply bring frozen or refrigerated macarons to room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying to experience their full flavor and ideal mouthfeel.

FAQs

Can I use other colors instead of black and white for the macaron shells?

Absolutely! While the black and white keep with the Dalmatian theme, feel free to get creative with your colors. Just remember to use gel or powder food coloring for the best results without altering the batter’s consistency.

Is it okay to skip the red velvet filling and use a different flavor?

Of course! The red velvet cake filling is deliciously thematic, but you can swap it for chocolate ganache, raspberry jam, or any flavor you love. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold the macarons together.

My macaron shells cracked during baking. What went wrong?

Cracking usually happens if the batter is overmixed or if the shells were not rested long enough before baking. Ensure you fold gently and test the batter consistency carefully, and let the shells dry until they’re no longer sticky to touch.

How do I achieve those perfect Dalmatian spots?

Use a small piping tip and pipe small, irregular black dots on the white shells before baking. Remember to keep them small so they resemble Dalmatian fur and avoid making them too large to prevent looking like a different animal pattern.

Can these macarons be made vegan or gluten-free?

Traditional macarons require egg whites and almond flour, so making them vegan is tricky. They are naturally gluten-free thanks to almond flour, but consult specific substitutions and recipes if you need vegan alternatives for macarons filling or flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the elegance and playfulness of the Cruella De Vil Macarons (101 Dalmatians). They’re an eye-catching, delicious treat that’s surprisingly approachable once you understand the steps, and perfect for any Disney or macaron lover. Don’t hesitate to give these a try—you might just discover this decadent dessert becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen, too.