The delicate crunch of a beautifully crafted macaron can transport you to a quaint Parisian café, and today, I’m excited to share my take on this classic treat—Vegan Macarons! Made without any eggs, these soft and chewy delights are not only an eggless wonder but also an impressive showstopper for any gathering. Using aquafaba as a magical substitute for egg whites, these macarons are a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy, whether vegan or not. You’ll love how quick and fun they are to make, and they provide a guilt-free indulgence that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. Ready to impress your friends or treat yourself to a comforting afternoon snack? Let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!
Why Are These Macarons So Special?
Delightful flavors: Each vegan macaron is a canvas for creativity, allowing you to introduce various flavors with different extracts or vibrant food coloring. Easy to make: Using aquafaba simplifies the traditional macaron-making process, opening up a world of egg-free baking. Crowd-pleasing treat: Impress your family and friends with these beautiful, airy desserts – they won’t believe they’re vegan! Plus, indulge without guilt, as each macaron fits perfectly into a balanced diet. For more recipes catering to your sweet tooth, check out my dairy-free desserts.
Vegan Macaron Ingredients
• Note: Gather these Vegan Macaron ingredients for a delightful eggless treat!
For the Macaron Shells
- Aquafaba (Liquid from 2 x 400g cans of chickpeas) – Acts as the perfect egg substitute, giving your macarons the necessary structure and stability.
- Cream of Tartar (¼ teaspoon) – Essential for stabilizing aquafaba; if you’re out, a splash of vinegar will do in a pinch.
- Caster Sugar (100g) – Sweetens the shells and helps achieve that crisp texture; be sure to add it gradually while whisking.
- Ground Almonds (100g) – Provides the main texture of the shells; swap with almond flour if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
- Icing Sugar (100g) – Adds sweetness and a fine texture to the macarons; no substitutes here for best results.
For the Buttercream Filling
- Icing Sugar for Buttercream (250g) – Sweetens the delicious filling that brings your macarons to life.
- Vegan Margarine (75g) – Adds creaminess to the buttercream; consider using coconut cream for a tropical twist!
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Infuses a lovely flavor into your filling; try almond or lemon extract for something different.
- Plant-Based Milk (splash, as needed) – Used to adjust the consistency of the buttercream to your liking.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Macarons
Step 1: Prepare Aquafaba
Begin by measuring the liquid from two cans of chickpeas and transfer it to a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about half its volume, approximately 10-15 minutes. Allow the aquafaba to cool, then refrigerate it overnight. This step ensures your aquafaba has the right consistency to create those beautiful vegan macarons.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 150°C (or 130°C for fan-assisted ovens). While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring they’re clean and dry for optimal macaron formation. A preheated oven helps achieve the perfect crisp shell, which is essential for your delightful vegan macarons.
Step 3: Whip Aquafaba
Once your aquafaba is cold, take it out of the fridge and place it in a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, whip the aquafaba with cream of tartar on high speed until it becomes frothy. Gradually add the caster sugar while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form, approximately 5-7 minutes. This aeration creates the light texture typical of vegan macarons.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the ground almonds and icing sugar to ensure a fine texture. Gently fold half of this almond mixture into the whipped aquafaba using a spatula to maintain the fluffiness. Once incorporated, add the remaining almond mixture and carefully fold until combined without overmixing. This step is crucial to keep your macaron batter airy and light.
Step 5: Pipe Macarons
Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On your prepared baking sheets, pipe 2-inch circles, leaving space between each to allow for spreading. After piping, let the macarons rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes until they form a matte skin. This drying process helps achieve the coveted “foot” on your vegan macarons.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them, ensuring they don’t brown too much; the shells should lift easily from the parchment paper without sticking. Once baked, allow the macarons to cool completely on the sheets before gently removing them.
Step 7: Make Buttercream
In a mixing bowl, beat together the icing sugar, vegan margarine, and vanilla extract until fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. If needed, add a splash of plant-based milk until the mixture reaches a spreadable consistency. This buttercream filling will provide a rich contrast to your light vegan macaron shells.
Step 8: Assemble Macarons
Pair your macaron shells by size, then pipe a small amount of the buttercream filling onto the flat side of one shell. Gently press another shell on top, creating a delightful sandwich. Repeat this process until all the shells are filled. The assembly should be done skillfully to maintain the beautiful aesthetics of your vegan macarons.
Step 9: Store
Once assembled, place your vegan macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving, as this enhances their flavor and texture. Enjoy these beautifully crafted vegan macarons as a truly delightful treat!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Macarons
Fridge: Keep assembled vegan macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfilled macaron shells in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling.
Reheating: While vegan macarons are best enjoyed fresh, if needed, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes after refrigeration before serving to enhance the flavor and texture.
Expert Tips for Vegan Macarons
- Measure Accurately: Use a digital scale for precise measurements to ensure your vegan macarons turn out perfectly every time.
- Clean Utensils: Make sure all tools and bowls are completely clean and free of grease to avoid meringue issues, which can hinder the stability of your macarons.
- Folding Technique: Be gentle when folding in the almond flour. Overmixing can deflate your meringue, leading to flat vegan macarons instead of airy delights.
- Resting Period: Never skip the resting step after piping; allowing the macarons to form a skin is essential for achieving that perfect “foot.”
- Cool Completely: Ensure your macarons cool entirely before removing them from the baking sheet. Premature handling can cause them to split or crack.
What to Serve with Vegan Macarons
These whimsical treats are perfect for pairing with delightful accompaniments that elevate your dessert experience.
- Herbal Tea: The gentle warmth and floral notes of herbal tea perfectly balance the sweetness of the macarons, creating a soothing afternoon delight.
- Rich Coffee: A bold cup of coffee offers a contrasting bitterness that cuts through the sweetness, making each bite of macaron shine that much brighter.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy berries add a burst of tartness and freshness that complements the chewy texture of vegan macarons, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
- Vegan Chocolate Mousse: The lush creaminess of chocolate mousse creates a decadent pairing with macarons; the contrast in textures is simply divine.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this dairy-free topping is a delightful addition that mirrors the texture of the macarons while offering subtle coconut flavor.
- Sparkling Water: A refreshing glass of sparkling water cleanses the palate, ensuring that each macaron remains a joy with every bite, making your indulgence even more enjoyable.
- Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of bright, zesty sorbet refreshes the senses—its tartness beautifully offsets the sweetness of the macarons, providing a vibrant twist.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing these Vegan Macarons ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time for busy days! You can make the aquafaba up to 24 hours in advance; simply simmer the liquid until reduced and refrigerate it overnight for optimal texture. Additionally, the macaron shells can be piped and left to rest before baking up to 3 hours in advance; just cover them lightly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven as directed and finish assembling with buttercream filling after they’ve cooled. These steps will ensure your macarons are just as delicious, allowing you to serve a stunning dessert with minimal effort!
Vegan Macarons Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to add a personal twist to your vegan macarons and make them truly your own!
- Flavor Boosts: Incorporate different extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint to infuse exciting flavors into your buttercream.
- Nut Flour Swap: Try using ground hazelnuts instead of almonds for a unique nutty taste and a delightful new texture.
- Colorful Macarons: Add a few drops of natural food coloring to your macaron batter before piping to create vibrantly hued treats.
- Fruit Fillings: Swap out the buttercream for a luscious fruit jam or even a silky ganache for a fresh and fruity alternative.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to your buttercream or macaron batter for a warm, comforting flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips to your buttercream for an extra sweet and indulgent surprise with every bite.
- Coconut Macarons: Replace almond flour with finely shredded coconut for a tropical twist that adds delightful chewiness.
- Reduced Sugar: If you’re looking to cut back on sweetness, consider reducing the sugar in the buttercream and replace with mashed ripe bananas for a sweet alternative.
Explore these variations and discover new favorites while enjoying the process! For more vegan inspiration, check out my guide on plant-based desserts.
Vegan Macarons Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my aquafaba is ripe enough?
Absolutely! The aquafaba should be thick and viscous after simmering; it should reduce to about half its volume. A well-prepared aquafaba creates a light and airy meringue, essential for perfect vegan macarons.
What’s the best way to store vegan macarons?
You can store assembled vegan macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain their texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving, which enhances their flavor.
Can I freeze vegan macarons?
Very! For freezing, I recommend only freezing unfilled macaron shells. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw at room temperature, fill with buttercream, and enjoy!
What can I do if my macarons don’t form proper feet?
Common troubleshooting involves ensuring a proper resting period; the shells should dry out slightly to form a skin, which allows them to rise and gather feet while baking. Additionally, check your oven temperature with a thermometer: if it runs cool, your macarons might not develop their signature feet.
Are these vegan macarons safe for those with nut allergies?
While vegan macarons are eggless, they primarily contain ground almonds. If you have nut allergies, I suggest using a nut-free flour alternative, such as sunflower seed meal or a gluten-free flour blend, to create a safe and delicious version of these macarons. Always ensure that all ingredients are clearly labeled as nut-free.
Vegan Macarons: Delightfully Chewy Eggless Treats You'll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the aquafaba by measuring the liquid from two cans of chickpeas, simmer until reduced, and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 150°C and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whip the aquafaba with cream of tartar until frothy, gradually adding caster sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Sift together ground almonds and icing sugar. Fold into whipped aquafaba without overmixing.
- Pipe 2-inch circles of macaron batter on the baking sheets, resting at room temperature until a matte skin forms.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, cool on the sheets before removing.
- Beat together icing sugar, vegan margarine, and vanilla extract until fluffy, adding milk as needed.
- Assemble by pairing macaron shells, piping buttercream between them, and pressing together.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, letting sit at room temperature before serving.
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