Vegan Macarons

Indulge in these soft, chewy, and sweet French vegan macarons—a delightful eggless alternative to the traditional treat. Filled with soft buttercream that can be flavored or colored to your preference, these macarons make for a charming afternoon snack or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eggless and Dairy-Free: Using aquafaba—the liquid from canned chickpeas—these macarons are entirely plant-based, making them suitable for vegans and those with egg allergies.

• Authentic Texture and Flavor: Achieving the signature 'feet' and chewy interior, these macarons closely resemble their traditional counterparts in both texture and taste.

• Customizable Fillings: The soft buttercream filling serves as a versatile base for various flavors and colors, allowing you to tailor the macarons to your liking.

Ingredients

For the macaron shells:

• Liquid from 2 x 400g cans of chickpeas

• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

• 100g caster sugar (superfine sugar)

• 100g ground almonds

• 100g icing sugar

For the buttercream filling:

• 250g icing sugar

• 75g vegan margarine

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• A splash of plant-based milk (to adjust consistency if needed)

Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

1. Prepare the Aquafaba (at least 12 hours in advance):

   • Pour the liquid from the chickpea cans into a medium saucepan.

   • Simmer over medium heat, periodically weighing the liquid until it reduces by half (approximately 125g remaining).

   • Allow the reduced aquafaba to cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container overnight.

2. Prepare the Macaron Shells:

   • Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) or 130°C (275°F) for fan ovens.

   • Weigh 100g of the chilled aquafaba and place it in a clean bowl with the cream of tartar.

   • Using an electric mixer, whip on high speed until frothy and pale.

   • Gradually add the caster sugar, continuing to whip until stiff, glossy peaks form.

   • Sift the ground almonds and icing sugar into a separate bowl, discarding any lumps.

   • Gently fold the almond-sugar mixture into the aquafaba meringue in two additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

   • The batter is ready when it flows slowly off the spatula and forms a figure-eight without breaking.

3. Pipe and Rest:

   • Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

   • On a baking tray lined with parchment paper, pipe 2.5cm (1-inch) rounds, spacing them about 3cm (1.2 inches) apart.

   • Tap the tray firmly on the counter to release air bubbles.

   • Let the piped shells rest at room temperature until they form a matte surface and no batter sticks to your finger when touched (20-30 minutes).

4. Bake:

   • Bake one tray at a time for 18 minutes, rotating halfway through.

   • The shells are done when they have risen with 'feet' and feel firm to the touch.

5. Cool and Assemble:

   • Allow the shells to cool completely on the tray.

   • Pair similar-sized shells.

   • Pipe a small amount of buttercream onto the flat side of one shell and sandwich it with its pair, twisting gently to spread the filling evenly.

6. Storage:

   • Place the assembled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to allow flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Yields approximately 20 macarons.

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (excluding aquafaba reduction and resting times).

• Cooking Time: 18 minutes per tray.

• Resting Time: 20-30 minutes before baking.

• Storage: Up to 2 days refrigerated.

Variations

• Flavored Buttercream: Incorporate fruit purees, matcha powder, or melted vegan chocolate into the buttercream for diverse flavors.

• Colored Shells: Use gel food coloring to tint the macaron shells before piping.

• Festive Touch: For special occasions, decorate with edible glitter or themed sprinkles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness, consuming them within 2 days.

• Reheating: Macarons are best enjoyed at room temperature; allow them to sit out for about 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

How do I make aquafaba?

Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas. To reduce it, simmer the liquid until it decreases by half, then cool and refrigerate overnight.

Can I use store-bought aquafaba substitutes?

Yes, store-bought aquafaba substitutes can be used as long as they replicate the texture and functionality of the chickpea liquid.

Why are my macaron shells cracked?

Cracked shells may be the result of too much moisture in the batter or insufficient resting time. Ensure the batter is properly folded and that the piped shells rest long enough before baking.

Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?

Yes, almond flour works well as a substitute for ground almonds in this recipe.

How do I know if the macaron batter is ready?

The batter should flow slowly off the spatula and form a figure-eight without breaking.

Can I freeze the macaron shells?

Yes, you can freeze the baked macaron shells before filling them. Store them in an airtight container for up to a month.

How can I adjust the texture of my buttercream?

If the buttercream is too thick, add a small amount of plant-based milk to reach the desired consistency.

Can I flavor the buttercream?

Absolutely! You can add extracts, fruit purees, or even cocoa powder to flavor the buttercream to your liking.

Why didn’t my macarons form feet?

The lack of feet can be due to overmixing or undermixing the batter, or insufficient resting time before baking. Ensure the batter is smooth and rested before baking.

How do I prevent hollow macarons?

Hollow macarons can result from overbaking or overmixing the batter. Monitor the baking time carefully and ensure the batter is not deflated during mixing.

Conclusion

These vegan macarons are a delightful treat that combines the elegance of French pastry with plant-based ingredients. They offer the perfect balance of crisp shell and chewy interior, with endless possibilities for customization. Whether you're a vegan or simply looking for a delicious alternative, this recipe delivers authentic, flavorful macarons you'll love sharing with family and friends.