If you’ve ever thought macarons were off-limits without eggs and dairy, think again! This Vegan Macarons Recipe brings all the charm and delicate crunch of the classic French treat without compromising on plant-based ingredients. Using aquafaba, the magical chickpea liquid that whips up just like egg whites, combined with finely ground almond flour and a luscious vegan buttercream filling, these macarons are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with a batch of irresistibly airy, tender, and beautifully smooth vegan macarons perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating perfect vegan macarons is surprisingly simple once you have the essentials lined up. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that signature texture, sweetness, and flavor these treats are famous for.
- Aquafaba (1/2 cup): This aquafaba, the chickpea brine, whips into fluffy peaks that replace egg whites beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds necessary sweetness and helps stabilize the aquafaba meringue for that delicate crunch.
- Almond flour, finely sifted (3/4 cup): Provides the nutty foundation and chewy interior that make macarons uniquely delicious.
- Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Blends with almond flour for a smooth batter and balances out texture and sweetness.
- Vegan butter (1/4 cup): Creates a creamy, rich filling that complements the shells perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup for filling): Sweetens and thickens the filling to a luscious consistency.
- Plant-based milk (1–2 teaspoons): Adjusts the filling’s texture to spread just right.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, familiar flavor that enhances the overall taste of the macarons.
How to Make Vegan Macarons Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Aquafaba Meringue
Begin by pouring the aquafaba into your mixing bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer on high speed, whip the aquafaba until soft peaks form, about 5 to 7 minutes. Slowly add granulated sugar as you continue to whip until stiff peaks form, another 3 to 5 minutes. This step is the heart of the Vegan Macarons Recipe because the right meringue texture gives the shells their iconic lift and crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
While your meringue is whipping, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar into a separate bowl. Sifting is key for an airy batter—make sure to remove any large pieces so your macarons turn out smooth and uniform. The combination of these two ingredients forms the delicate structure of your shells.
Step 3: Fold Dry Ingredients into Meringue
Gently fold your dry mixture into the whipped aquafaba in three batches. Use a spatula to carefully combine the ingredients until the batter flows like thick lava and forms ribbons when lifted. This perfect consistency ensures your Vegan Macarons Recipe yields shells that are crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Step 4: Pipe and Rest the Macarons
Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small rounds evenly spaced on a parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheet. To prevent air bubbles, firmly tap the tray against the counter. This resting stage is vital—allow the macarons to sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until they develop a skin and are no longer sticky to the touch.
Step 5: Bake the Macarons
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to ensure even baking. After baking, let them cool completely on the tray before attempting to remove. Patience here pays off with perfectly baked shells that won’t crack or stick.
Step 6: Prepare and Assemble the Filling
Beat the vegan butter until smooth and creamy, then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and plant-based milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency. Pipe a small dollop onto one macaron shell and gently sandwich with another. Your Vegan Macarons Recipe is now ready for sharing and savoring.
How to Serve Vegan Macarons Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of edible glitter, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few crushed nuts on top of the macarons to elevate their presentation. These simple touches make your Vegan Macarons Recipe feel festive and even more enjoyable to your guests’ eyes and taste buds.
Side Dishes
Vegan macarons pair extravagantly well with a cup of rich, plant-based coffee or tea. You might even serve them alongside fresh berries or a vegan whipped cream to bring a balance of lightness and fresh fruitiness to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your vegan macarons in a colorful tower or placing them in beautiful little boxes for gifting. For a party, present them on a tiered stand interspersed with fresh edible flowers for a whimsical and elegant touch that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover vegan macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the shells crisp and the filling fresh. They will maintain their delightful texture for up to 5 days, making them perfect for preparing in advance.
Freezing
You can freeze vegan macarons by arranging them in a single layer in an airtight container, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you want to enjoy them later, thaw them gently in the fridge overnight to maintain their perfect consistency.
Reheating
To bring your macarons back to life, allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving because it may soften the delicate shells too much. Enjoy them as fresh and as crisp as when you first made them!
FAQs
Can I use fresh chickpea cooking water instead of canned aquafaba?
While fresh chickpea aquafaba can work, the canned variety tends to have a more consistent texture and flavor, making it the preferred option for the best results in this Vegan Macarons Recipe.
Can I add color or flavor to the shells?
Absolutely! Natural food coloring or flavor extracts can be added to the batter before piping to create a personalized twist on classic vegan macarons.
What if my macaron shells crack?
Cracking usually happens if the shells haven’t rested long enough to form a skin or if the oven temperature is too high. Be sure to rest the piped batter thoroughly and use an accurate oven thermometer.
Why do my macarons stick to the baking sheet?
Make sure you’re using parchment paper or a silicone mat, and let the macarons cool completely before removing. Cooling allows them to release easily without breaking.
Can I store filled macarons in the fridge?
Yes, storing filled macarons in the fridge overnight helps them mature and develop better texture and flavor, which is a secret tip in the Vegan Macarons Recipe world.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about mastering a recipe that looks complicated but tastes like pure bliss. This Vegan Macarons Recipe brings that magic into your kitchen with accessible ingredients and step-by-step guidance. Give it a try—you might just surprise yourself with a stunning batch of vegan macarons that are deliciously charming and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Print
Vegan Macarons Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 macarons
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Macarons are delicate, egg-free French-style cookies made with aquafaba and almond flour, filled with a creamy vegan butter frosting. Perfect for a dairy-free, plant-based dessert that retains the classic macaron texture and flavor without the use of eggs or dairy.
Ingredients
For the shells:
- 1/2 cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup almond flour (finely sifted)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
For the filling:
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons plant-based milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whip Aquafaba: Pour aquafaba into a mixing bowl and use a hand or stand mixer to whip it on high speed until soft peaks form, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to whip the aquafaba until stiff peaks form, approximately another 3 to 5 minutes, ensuring the meringue is glossy and firm.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar, discarding any large clumps for a smooth batter.
- Fold Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted dry mixture into the aquafaba meringue in three parts using a spatula, mixing until the batter flows like thick lava and forms ribbons when lifted.
- Pipe Macarons: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe small rounds onto a parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Tap the baking tray firmly on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles for a smooth shell surface.
- Rest the Shells: Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours or until a skin forms and they are no longer sticky to the touch, which helps develop their classic smooth tops and feet.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through if necessary to ensure even baking.
- Cool Shells: Allow the macarons to cool completely on the baking sheet before carefully removing them to avoid cracking.
- Prepare Filling: Beat vegan butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and plant-based milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency for the filling.
- Assemble Macarons: Pipe a small amount of the filling onto one macaron shell and sandwich it with another, gently pressing together.
Notes
- Use canned aquafaba without added salt for best results with the meringue consistency.
- Let the finished macarons mature in the fridge for 24 hours to enhance texture and flavor before serving.
- You can incorporate natural food coloring or flavor extracts into the shell batter during mixing to customize your macarons.
