If you’re a fan of macarons, you’re probably wondering how long they last.
After all, these delicate French cookies can be quite expensive, so you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your recipe (or purchase).
The good news is that macarons can last for quite a while if you store them properly.
We’ll discuss some of the factors that can affect their shelf life, such as the ingredients used, the humidity levels in your home and much more.
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to enjoy your macarons for as long as possible!
Factors Affecting Macaron Shelf Life
Ingredients
The ingredients used to make macarons can greatly affect their shelf life.
For example, using fresh egg whites instead of carton egg whites can make a difference in how long the macarons last.
Additionally, using almond flour that is not too oily or too old can also improve the macarons’ shelf life.
Adding flavorings, such as extracts or food coloring, can also affect the macarons’ shelf life.
Storage Temperature
The temperature at which macarons are stored can greatly affect their shelf life.
Macarons should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Storing macarons in a warm or humid environment can cause them to become soft and lose their texture.
Humidity
As previously mentioned, humidity can also affect the shelf life of macarons.
High humidity can cause macarons to absorb moisture from the air, causing them to become soft and sticky.
To prevent this, macarons should be stored in an airtight container to keep them dry.
| Factors Affecting Macaron Shelf Life | Impact on Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Ingredients (Fresh Egg Whites vs Carton Egg Whites) | Fresh egg whites can extend the shelf life |
| Ingredients (Quality of Almond Flour) | Good quality almond flour can improve shelf life |
| Ingredients (Flavorings) | Flavorings can affect shelf life |
| Storage Temperature | Cool and dry storage environment is optimal for shelf life |
| Storage Temperature (Humidity) | High humidity can cause macarons to absorb moisture and spoil |
| Storage (Airtight Container) | Storing macarons in an airtight container can prevent moisture absorption and spoilage |
How Long Do Macarons Last At Room Temperature?
Macarons are a delectable treat, but if you’re not careful, they can go bad faster than you can say “bon appétit”. Leaving them out at room temperature is a big no-no, as they’ll only last for a few hours before becoming inedible.
If you’re living in a hot and humid climate, your macarons’ shelf life can be even shorter. It’s worth noting that the shelf life of most macaron fillings is limited, particularly those that contain dairy products like heavy cream.
If you’re planning to store your macarons for any length of time, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help keep them fresh and prevent spoilage. Remember, a spoiled macaron is a sad macaron, so don’t take any chances!
| Factors Affecting Macaron Shelf Life | Impact on Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature (Room Temperature) | Macarons left at room temperature will only last for a few hours |
| Storage Temperature (Hot and Humid Climate) | Macarons stored in hot and humid climates have an even shorter shelf life |
| Ingredients (Dairy Products) | Macaron fillings that contain dairy products like heavy cream have a limited shelf life |
| Storage (Airtight Container) | Storing macarons in an airtight container in the fridge can keep them fresh and prevent spoilage |
How Long Do Macarons Last In the Refrigerator?
If you want your macarons to last longer, you should store them in the refrigerator.
Doing so, macarons can last up to a week in the refrigerator. However, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh.
You should keep them in an airtight container, like a sealed Ziplock bag or a sealed container, to prevent moisture from getting in.
Further, how long your macarons will last in the fridge depends on the type of filling you choose. As you’ll soon discover, certain macaron fillings have a longer shelf life than others as this outstanding reference from Home Body Eats lays out.
Buttercream is a popular filling choice for macarons, and if stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can last up to 7 days.
- On the first two days, the macarons are at their best – the shell remains crispy and the flavors are very bold.
- By day 3-4, the shell begins to soften and the flavor of the shell and filling start to blend together.
- By day 5-7, the shell continues to soften and it’s best to eat the macarons straight from the fridge.
Ganache is another great option for macaron filling, and can also last up to 7 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- On day 1, the shell is crispy and the flavors blend together nicely.
- By day 2-4, the shell softens but not to the point of being soggy.
- By day 5-6, the shell is noticeably softer, but still edible.
- By day 7, the macarons are past their prime and are best avoided.
Macarons filled with jam or marmalade don’t last as long as other fillings and will only last up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
To extend their lifespan, you can pipe a ring of buttercream around the edge of the macaron shell and fill just the center with jam or marmalade.
By day 1, the shell is already noticeably softer, and by day 2-3, it’s difficult to detect the almond flavor in the shell.
Curd-filled macarons have the shortest lifespan and will only last up to 24 hours in the fridge, even if stored in an airtight container.
It’s best to only pipe the number of macarons you plan to eat since this filling doesn’t hold up well to storage.
If you want to extend their lifespan, you can pipe a ring of buttercream around the edge of the macaron shell and fill just the center with curd.
- By day 1, the shell is very soft and curd’s flavor will tend to dominate.
- By day 2, the shell is completely soggy and inedible.
Finally, if you want to store macarons for longer periods of time, unfilled macaron shells can last longer than 7 days in the fridge while still holding their flavor.
Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.
In summary, the type of filling you choose for your macarons will determine how long they’ll last in the fridge.
Buttercream and ganache are the best options for longer storage, while jam/marmalade and curd should be eaten within a day or two.
Unfilled macaron shells can last for up to a week.
| Macaron Filling | Shelf Life in Fridge | Best Time to Consume |
|---|---|---|
| Buttercream | Up to 7 days | Day 1-2 (crispy shell, bold flavors), Day 3-4 (softened shell, blended flavors), Day 5-7 (soft shell, best eaten straight from the fridge) |
| Ganache | Up to 7 days | Day 1 (crispy shell, well-flavored), Day 2-4 (softened shell, still edible), Day 5-6 (softer shell, but still edible), Day 7 (past prime, best avoided) |
| Jam/Marmalade | Up to 3 days | Day 1 (softened shell), Day 2-3 (difficult to detect almond flavor) |
| Curd | Up to 24 hours | Day 1 (very soft shell, curd flavor dominates), Day 2 (completely soggy and inedible) |
| Unfilled Macaron Shells | Up to 7+ days | Still maintain almond-flour flavor if stored in airtight container |
How Long Do Macarons Last In the Freezer?
To extend the longevity of your macarons even further, freezing is a viable option.
We’ve got an entire article dedicated to freezing macarons so if you think you’ll be doing that, check it out here.
Hey there, I’m Melody! I’m a lifelong foodie and love talking about it to anyone who’s willing to listen (or read!) about my opinions. My favorite pastimes include cooking, eating my cooking and thinking about what I’m going to make next!
