Vegan Macarons

Vegan macarons are a sophisticated treat that can impress anyone. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you create beautiful and delicious vegan macarons.

What You Need

Ingredients

For the Vegan Macaron Shells:

Aquafaba: 75 grams (approximately 1/4 cup) – the liquid from canned chickpeas.
Almond Flour: 110 grams – provides a nutty flavor and texture.
Powdered Sugar: 110 grams – helps achieve a smooth texture.
Cream of Tartar: 1/4 teaspoon – stabilizes the aquafaba.
Granulated Sugar: 66 grams – sweetens the batter and helps with structure.

For the Vegan Vanilla Buttercream Filling:

Vegan Butter: 2 tablespoons (28 grams) – choose a high-quality brand for best flavor.
Shortening: 2 tablespoons (28 grams) – adds creaminess and stability.
Powdered Sugar: 1 1/2 cups, sifted (approximately 187.5 grams) – for sweetness and texture.
Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon – enhances flavor.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (hand or stand)
Sifter
Rubber spatula
Piping bag with a round tip
Baking sheets
Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
Oven thermometer (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F). If you have an oven thermometer, use it to ensure accuracy.

Line Your Baking Sheets:

Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. If using parchment paper, you can trace circles to guide your piping.

Sift Dry Ingredients:

In a bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar to remove any lumps. This step is crucial for achieving smooth shells.

Step 2: Whip the Aquafaba

Combine Ingredients:

In a clean mixing bowl, add aquafaba and cream of tartar.

Whip Until Stiff Peaks:

Using an electric mixer, start whipping on low speed for about 2 minutes. Gradually increase to high speed and add granulated sugar slowly.
Continue whipping until you achieve stiff peaks (about 10 minutes). The mixture should be glossy and hold its shape well.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Fold in Dry Ingredients:

Gently fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the whipped aquafaba using a rubber spatula.
Use a technique called “macaronage” by folding gently but thoroughly until the mixture flows like lava. Be careful not to overmix; it should be smooth but not runny.

Step 4: Pipe the Macarons

Fill the Piping Bag:

Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

Pipe Circles:

Pipe small circles (about 3 cm or 1.5 inches) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each macaron.

Tap to Remove Air Bubbles:

Once piped, tap the baking sheet gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 5: Resting

Let Them Rest:

Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until they form a dry skin on top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in Preheated Oven:

Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until they have formed feet and are firm to touch.

Cooling Process:

After baking, turn off the oven and leave the macarons inside with the door slightly ajar for another hour to dry out completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Buttercream Filling

Cream Together Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, combine vegan butter and shortening. Beat until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).

Add Sugar and Vanilla:

Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

Step 8: Assemble Your Macarons

Pair Shells:

Match macaron shells of similar size together.

Pipe Filling:

Pipe a small dollop of buttercream onto one shell and sandwich it with another shell, pressing gently to spread the filling evenly.

Mature for Best Flavor (Optional):

For enhanced flavor and texture, let assembled macarons mature in the fridge for at least 24 hours before serving.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Aquafaba: Ensure your aquafaba is from fresh canned chickpeas; older aquafaba may not whip well.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation.
Humidity Consideration: Avoid making macarons on humid days as moisture can affect their structure.
Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect; macarons can take some practice!

Enjoy!

Serve your vegan macarons as an elegant dessert or gift them to friends and family. Experiment with different flavors by adding cocoa powder, matcha, or fruit extracts to your batter! Happy baking!