Vegan Macarons Recipe (Dairy-Free & Egg-Free)

Delicate, Delicious, and Dairy-Free: Your New Favorite Macaron Recipe

Who says you need eggs to create those perfectly crisp, delicately chewy French macarons? Today, I’m sharing a game-changing vegan macaron recipe that not only rivals its traditional counterpart in taste and texture but also packs some surprising health benefits. Using the magic of aquafaba (yes, that’s chickpea water!) and nutrient-rich almond flour, these plant-based delights prove that indulgence and mindful eating can go hand in hand.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking to expand your vegan repertoire or simply curious about egg-free alternatives, this recipe delivers those signature smooth tops, frilly “feet,” and heavenly filling that macaron lovers crave. Plus, with no cholesterol and a boost of healthy fats from almonds, you can feel a little better about reaching for that second (or third!) macaron.

Ready to master the art of vegan macaron-making? Let’s dive in!

Elegant, Egg-Free, and Easier Than You Think

While macarons are typically considered an indulgent dessert, this vegan version offers surprising health benefits thanks to its carefully selected ingredients. Let’s explore how these components can support your overall wellness.

The Power of Plant-Based Ingredients

Almond Flour: The Foundation of Beauty and Health
The star ingredient in our macarons isn’t just for texture – it’s a powerhouse of nutrients. Almond flour delivers rich vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) content, acting as a powerful antioxidant to protect skin cells. It contains essential biotin for healthy hair growth and maintenance, while providing manganese for collagen production and skin elasticity. The healthy monounsaturated fats help maintain skin moisture and flexibility.

Aquafaba: The Revolutionary Egg Replacer
This innovative ingredient brings more than just structure to our macarons. With natural saponins and proteins that perfectly mimic egg whites, aquafaba is low in calories yet rich in plant compounds. It provides beneficial nutrients including iron for healthy hair growth, folate for cell regeneration, and plant proteins for tissue repair.

Beyond the Basics

Cream of Tartar: A Hidden Health Helper
More than just a stabilizer, cream of tartar serves as a natural potassium source and helps regulate pH balance in the body. It supports collagen synthesis, healthy immune function, and proper nerve signaling.

Plant-Based Milk Benefits
The filling options each bring their own benefits:

Almond Milk brings additional vitamin E for skin health, calcium for bone strength, and maintains creaminess while staying low in calories.

Soy Milk contains isoflavones that support hormone balance, provides complete protein, and is rich in antioxidants that protect skin cells.

Holistic Health Benefits

Hormone Balance
Our ingredient combination supports natural hormone balance through healthy fats from almonds, which are essential for hormone production. The plant-based proteins support endocrine system function, while the absence of dairy hormones helps maintain natural hormone levels.

Collagen Support
While these macarons don’t contain collagen directly, they support its natural production through vitamin E from almonds, manganese content, and antioxidant properties that protect existing collagen.

Immune System Boost
These treats support your body’s defenses with antioxidants from almonds, immune-modulating vitamin E, and beneficial plant compounds from aquafaba.

Skin & Hair Health
Your beauty routine’s sweet companion provides essential fatty acids, antioxidant protection, natural collagen support, and maintains skin hydration through healthy fats. For hair health, the biotin content, protein building blocks, and essential minerals promote strength and growth.

The Science Behind the Sweetness
Research supports these benefits, showing that almonds’ vitamin E content can reduce UV damage to skin, while plant-based proteins support cellular repair. Studies have also demonstrated how antioxidants from nuts can reduce inflammation markers, and healthy fats support hormone production and balance.

This vegan version truly offers the best of both worlds – satisfying your sweet tooth while supporting your wellness journey. Now that’s what we call smart snacking!

Where Plant-Based Magic Meets Classic French Patisserie

Course: Snacks, Breakfast, DessertCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

2

hours 

Cooking time

18

minutes

Calories

150

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour (finely ground)

• 1¾ cups powdered sugar

• 3 tablespoons aquafaba (chickpea liquid), reduced

• ¼ cup caster sugar

• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

• Natural food coloring (optional)

• For the filling:

• 1 cup vegan butter

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1-2 tablespoons plant-based milk (almond or soy)

Directions

• Preparation (1 day before):
• Drain liquid from a can of chickpeas (aquafaba)
• Reduce aquafaba on low heat until it’s reduced by half
• Refrigerate overnight
• Shell Making:
• Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together 2-3 times to remove lumps
• In a clean bowl, whip cold aquafaba with cream of tartar until foamy
• Gradually add caster sugar while whipping until stiff peaks form (about 5-7 minutes)
• Add food coloring if desired
• Fold dry ingredients into whipped aquafaba in three portions using macaronage technique (about 40-50 folds)
• Transfer mixture to piping bag with round tip
• Piping & Baking:
• Pipe 1-inch circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets
• Tap sheets firmly against counter to remove air bubbles
• Let rest for 45-60 minutes until shells form a skin
• Preheat oven to 285°F (140°C)
• Bake for 15-18 minutes
• Cool completely before removing from parchment
• Filling:
• Beat vegan butter until creamy
• Gradually add powdered sugar
• Add vanilla extract and plant milk
• Beat until smooth
• Pipe filling onto one shell and sandwich with another
• Tips:
• Weather affects macarons; avoid making on humid days
• Room temperature ingredients work best
• Let filled macarons mature in fridge for 24 hours
• Store in airtight container for up to 5 days

Note:

• Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect – even experienced bakers need practice to master these delicate treat

VEGAN MACARONS WITH VANILLA BUTTERCREAM A delicate French treat with plant-based benefits

PREP TIME: 2 hours (plus overnight for aquafaba)
COOK TIME: 15-18 minutes
RESTING TIME: 45-60 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 3 hours (plus overnight)
SERVINGS: 20-24 macarons (10-12 pairs)
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Advanced

Active Time Breakdown:

• Aquafaba reduction: 15-20 minutes (day before)
• Sifting dry ingredients: 10 minutes
• Whipping aquafaba: 5-7 minutes
• Macaronage: 5-10 minutes
• Piping: 15-20 minutes
• Making filling: 10-15 minutes
• Assembly: 15-20 minutes

Waiting Periods:

• Reduced aquafaba cooling: Overnight
• Shell resting: 45-60 minutes
• Baking: 15-18 minutes
• Cooling: 30 minutes
• Maturing: 24 hours (recommended)

Storage:

Freezer: Up to 3 months (unfilled shells only)

Room temperature: Up to 2 days

Refrigerated: Up to 5 days