Delicious Vegan Macaroons Recipe for Your Sweet Cravings
Picture yourself indulging in a sweet and chewy macaroon with a crisp outer layer that tastes nothing short of perfection. Now picture that same delicious treat, but vegan! That’s right, these Vegan Coconut Macaroons bring all the wonderful taste and texture of traditional macaroons, without any animal products.
These vegan macaroons are easy to make and require only a handful of simple ingredients that can be found at any local grocery store. The recipe is foolproof, with simple and easy-to-follow instructions that will yield perfect results every time.
Not only are these macaroons delicious, but they are also gluten-free and healthy! They use almond flour instead of traditional white flour, and pure maple syrup as a natural sweetener instead of refined sugar. Plus, the use of silken tofu instead of egg whites or condensed milk makes them even healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Whether you’re a vegan or simply want to try something new, these macaroons are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them as a snack with your favorite tea or coffee, serve them at your next gathering, or even make them as gifts for your loved ones. Trust us when we say that once you try these Vegan Coconut Macaroons, it’ll be hard to go back to traditional macaroons made with animal products!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear foodie friends,
Today, I have a special treat for you: my vegan macaroons recipe. Yes, you heard that right! Vegan and macaroons together in one recipe. I know what you’re thinking, “How is it possible for a vegan dessert to taste as delicious as traditional macaroons?” Well, let me tell you all about why you’ll love this recipe.
Firstly, these vegan coconut macaroons are chewy and decadent just like their French counterparts. The delicate texture and the flavor of the coconuts will transport you to the beaches of Bali with every bite. Trust me; once you try them, there will be no going back.
But what makes this vegan recipe stand out from other alternatives out there? Three simple things: health, ethics, and taste. Let me break them down:
1) Health: These macaroons are made with wholesome ingredients such as almond flour, applesauce, silken tofu, and maple syrup. So not only they contain fewer calories than traditional macaroons since this recipe has no egg whites nor condensed milk but also they’re high in fiber hence they’re gluten-free and low carb making them perfect for keto dieters.
2) Ethics: We support animal welfare by not using eggs nor condensed milk to make them. Instead of chickpea cooking liquid (aquafaba) works superbly as a substitute binding agent for the right texture instead of egg whites or sweetened condensed milk commonly found in macaroon recipes making them utterly cruelty-free.
3) Taste: The combination of coconut flakes, maple syrup, and finely shredded unsweetened coconut make these mini-morsels a burst of flavor in every bite that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
This foolproof recipe is easy to make even if you’ve never attempted baking before. You can top them with drizzled chocolate or a sprinkle of desiccated coconut for an extra umph or eat them alone since they’re perfect just like that.
In conclusion, these easy-to-make vegan macaroons are the perfect dessert for any occasion! Whether you’re trying to impress your guests at your next dinner party or enjoy a little self-indulgence, this recipe is sure to deliver on both taste and ethics. Try it out today; I guarantee that it will quickly become your new favorite dessert!
Bon appétit,
[Your Name]
Ingredient List
Before we dive into making these vegan coconut macaroons, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry, there aren’t that many, and you might already have some in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:
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3 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut: A key ingredient, this will give our macaroons a chewy and coconuty texture.
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1/2 cup of almond flour: Almond flour is popularly used in gluten-free baking as it adds a nice nutty flavour and protein to this recipe.
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1/4 teaspoon of salt: Always remember to add salt as it enhances the flavour of sweets as well.
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1/2 teaspoon of baking powder: As it helps our macaroons rise and become fluffy.
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1/2 cup of silken tofu: Silken tofu gives our macaroons moisture and richness with its creamy texture.
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1/3 cup of maple syrup: I love using natural sweeteners like maple syrup. It has a distinctive flavour that pairs perfectly with coconut.
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1 tablespoon of applesauce: Applesauce is used as an egg replacement for binding purposes.
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1 tablespoon of coconut oil: Coconut oil is optional, but it helps bind the ingredients together while adding more coconut flavour.
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1/4 cup of canned full-fat coconut milk: Be sure to mix the contents of the can well before measuring the coconut milk.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t have all the exact ingredients on hand? Here are some possible substitutions:
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Chickpea liquid (aquafaba) instead of silken tofu for those who can’t eat soy-based products.
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For those who don’t want to use maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be used as alternative liquid sweeteners. Fish such as anchovies or other seafood products cannot be substituted since this recipe is vegan-oriented.
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Flavor substitutions are up to you too! Although traditional macaroons use only vanilla extract, feel free to experiment with other extracts or spices such as cinnamon or cardamom.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve talked about the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe itself.
Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of unsweetened coconut flakes and 1 cup of finely shredded coconut flakes. Add in 1 ½ cups of almond flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of maple syrup, ½ cup of applesauce, and ⅓ cup of silken tofu until well combined.
Mix and Shape
Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and mix until well combined. Use a small ice cream scoop to shape the mixture into balls and gently press down onto the lined baking sheet.
Bake Your Macaroons
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer the macaroons into a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in your pantry or at room temperature.
Chocolate Dipped Variation
If you want to add a delicious twist to this recipe, try dipping your macaroons in vegan chocolate. Melt 1 cup of pure dark chocolate chips using a double boiler or your microwave oven then dip the bottom part of each macaroon into the melted chocolate then wait for the chocolate to harden before serving.
Enjoy!
With these simple steps, you can make delicious vegan macaroons easily at home!
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to switch up these vegan macaroons to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a more traditional flavor or something completely unique, there’s a substitution or variation that will suit your taste buds.
For those looking to reduce sugar, you can swap out the maple syrup with agave nectar or stevia. To make these macaroons gluten-free, use almond flour instead of regular flour. For those with allergies to nuts, you can use shredded coconut or oat flour as a substitute.
If you’re a fan of fruit flavors, try adding lemon zest or chopped cherries into the recipe. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate for dipping, such as dark chocolate or vegan white chocolate.
For a healthier twist, you can add in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds. These will add some extra fiber and healthy fats to these sweet treats.
For a unique twist on this recipe, try switching up the classic coconut flavor by using desiccated coconut from the Philippines known as “filipino macaroons.” You can also add in some crushed ram biscuits (an Algerian cookie) for an added crunch.
By mixing in different ingredients and trying out new variations, you can create your own signature vegan macaroons that everyone will love. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your vegan coconut macaroons are freshly baked, it’s time to find the perfect way to serve and pair them. These delightful treats are versatile and go well with various beverages, sauces, fruits, and desserts.
One of the simplest ways to serve your macaroons is to present them on a platter or a decorative tray. If you’re feeling fancy, you can dust some powdered sugar on top or drizzle some melted vegan chocolate for an added touch of sweetness.
If you’re serving guests, consider pairing the macaroons with some refreshing herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, or coffee/latte for those who prefer a stronger kick. For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages, these macaroons can also be served alongside a glass of champagne or fruity rosé wine.
For those who want to incorporate some fruit into the mix, fresh berries like raspberries and strawberries make for great companions when it comes to texture; their tartness pairs well with the sweetness of the macaroons.
If you’re seeking something richer in taste and texture, consider dipping your macaroons in vegan chocolate then pair it with ice cream! In addition- caramel sauce or whipped coconut cream may add an extra layer of flavor!
Whatever way you choose to serve and pair your vegan coconut macaroons, do not hesitate to take a bite right away. These crispy yet chewy delights should be savored slowly – allowing all the flavors to explode on your taste buds – leaving behind memories of their deliciousness long after they’re gone.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These vegan macaroons are not only delicious, but also convenient! They can be made in advance and stored for later use. Once baked and cooled, store the macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, throw them into the freezer where they will keep for up to 2 months.
To reheat your vegan macaroons, simply put them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes or until warmed through. You can also toss them in the microwave on low power for about 20 seconds.
When serving these macaroons after a few days of storage, you may find that they have lost some of their crispiness. You can easily restore their texture by heating them up as instructed above.
If you want to make these vegan coconut macaroons ahead of time for special events or parties, go ahead and do so! You can make the macaroon batter ahead of time and freeze it, unbaked, until ready to use. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Overall, these vegan macaroons are a great option for busy people looking for a delicious and convenient treat. They taste just as good reheated as they do fresh out of the oven!
Tips for Perfect Results
Whether you are an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, there are always tips and tricks that can help you achieve your desired outcome. Making vegan coconut macaroons may seem easy, but it requires precision and attention to detail to get them just right. Here are a few of my favorite tips for achieving perfect results.
First, make sure to use finely shredded coconut flakes. Larger flakes will not stick together as well, leading to crumbly and unappealing macaroons. Also, be sure to measure your ingredients carefully. Baking is a science, and even small deviations from the recipe can have big impacts on the final product.
Next, consider your substitutions carefully. While this recipe allows for some variations, such as using applesauce instead of silken tofu or almond flour instead of regular flour, each substitution will impact the texture and taste of the macaroons. Make sure to use substitutions that are similar in texture and flavor to the original ingredient.
When mixing the batter, be gentle and thorough. You want all ingredients to be fully combined without over-mixing and making the macaroons tough. Use a spatula to fold in the ingredients until just combined.
For even baking and a perfectly crispy exterior, use parchment paper on your baking sheet. This will prevent the macaroons from sticking and ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Finally, don’t be afraid of experimentation! The beauty of vegan cooking is that it allows for creativity and innovation. Try adding different extracts or flavorings to your macaroons, dipping them in vegan chocolate, or even making mini versions for a fun twist on an already delicious recipe.
With these tips in mind, you can achieve perfect results every time you make vegan coconut macaroons. Happy baking!
FAQ
As always, it’s normal to have a few questions when trying out a new recipe. That’s why I’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions and answers to help you make the most out of this vegan macaroons recipe. By the time you’re done reading through them, you’ll be an expert at preparing not only delicious vegan coconut macaroons but also a bunch of neat tips and tricks. Let’s dive in!
What are vegan macarons made of?
Vegan macarons are usually crafted using aquafaba, which is the liquid obtained from cooking chickpeas, in place of egg whites. Additionally, they incorporate almond flour, sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Once made, they will closely resemble traditional macarons.
What makes macarons so hard to make?
The process of crafting macarons is often deemed challenging as it mandates a great deal of precision and delicacy. This is due to the fact that the batter used to create them is meringue-based and necessitates a stiff peak formation, which is then carefully folded into a finely ground almond flour mixture.
What is the difference between a macaron and macaroon?
The ingredients for both cookies consist of egg whites, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. The primary difference between macarons and macaroons is the use of either finely ground blanched almonds or sweetened flaked coconut as a base ingredient.
Why are macaroons not vegan?
Typically, macaroons contain eggs, particularly the egg whites that are essential to achieving its desired texture, thus making it non-vegan.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegan macaroons recipe is a true gem that offers a delectable, cruelty-free option for coconut lovers. With its easy and foolproof recipe tips and tricks, this simple and easiest vegan recipe ensures that your macaroons come out perfect every time. Whether you are looking for a keto or gluten-free dessert option, or simply want to indulge in a delicious and healthy treat, these vegan coconut macaroons are the perfect solution. Moreover, with multiple variations and substitutions available, you can easily tweak the recipe to satisfy your taste buds. So what are you waiting for? Give this vegan macaroons recipe a try and let your taste buds embark on a journey of pure bliss!
Vegan Macaroons Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons silken tofu
- 4 ounces applesauce
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place tofu, applesauce, almond extract and sugar in mixing bowl.
- Whisk together until it's smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, coconut, salt and baking powder.
- Pour in wet ingredients and stir until just blended. Do NOT overwork the dough, because it will make it tough.
- Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.