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Macaron Cento – All You Need to Know About Size, Price, and Towers

If you’ve ever seen ‘macaron cento’ on a recipe or a bakery menu, you might wonder what it really means. In plain English it simply points to a batch of one hundred macarons – a handy number for parties, weddings, or a home‑baking marathon. Knowing how to plan a cento saves time, money, and surprise‑cracks in your dessert display.

How Big Should Each Macaron Be?

The classic French macaron measures about 3‑4 cm in diameter. That size balances a crisp shell with a soft interior and works well in most towers. If you go smaller, you can fit more layers; larger shells give a more indulgent bite but need stronger structural support. Our Macaron Size Guide breaks down the pros and cons of each diameter so you can pick the perfect one for your cento.

Pricing a Hundred Macarons – What to Expect

Buying a box of macaron‑grade ingredients for a cento usually costs between £30 and £50, depending on flavor and quality. Premium almond flour, fine sugar, and real fruit purées push the price up, while bulk purchases bring it down. If you’re budgeting, aim for a cost of £0.35‑£0.45 per piece. Our Macaron Cost Guide shows where you can save – like swapping exotic fillings for seasonal fruit jams.

When you order from a bakery, a cento often comes with a small discount compared to buying ten separate dozen trays. Ask for a price‑breakdown and see if they can include a simple tower stand in the package. Some shops even throw in a free decorative tip for a 5‑tier macaron tower, which is a neat way to showcase the entire batch.

Speaking of towers, building a 5‑tier macaron tower with a cento is easier than you think. Start with a sturdy base – a cake board or a metal ring – and stack each layer using a thin layer of buttercream or ganache as glue. Space the shells evenly, and keep the tower upright by placing a dowel in the center. Our 5‑Tier Macaron Tower Guide gives step‑by‑step pictures and common mistakes to avoid.

If you’re a first‑time tower builder, try a three‑tier version first. It lets you practice the balance and gives you a decent visual impact without the risk of a wobble. Once you’re comfortable, add the extra layers for that wow factor.

Don’t forget storage. Macarons keep their texture best in a single‑layer container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to stretch freshness, a sealed zip bag in the fridge works for a week, but bring them back to room temperature before serving so the shells stay crisp.

Lastly, think about flavors. A cento gives you room to experiment – you can mix classic vanilla, raspberry, pistachio, and chocolate in equal parts, or go bold with matcha, lavender, or salted caramel. Mixing colors and flavors adds visual drama to any tower and keeps guests guessing.

With the right size, price plan, and stacking tips, your macaron cento will be the star of any event. Grab your ingredients, set a budget, and start building – the perfect hundred‑piece masterpiece is just a few steps away.