Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons Recipe for a Light and Refreshing Treat

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Brandi Oshea
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Why You’ll Love This Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons

Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re like me, always on the hunt for treats that bring a touch of springtime magic to your kitchen, then Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons are about to become your new favorite. These delightful macarons blend a refreshing mix of lavender and lemon flavors in a vegan twist that’s both simple to make and full of charm. Picture soft, gluten-free shells sandwiching creamy fillings that make every bite feel like a sunny day. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea.

One of the best parts is how easy these macarons come together, using everyday ingredients that you might already have on hand. You’ll appreciate the health perks too, like getting antioxidants from lavender and vitamin C from lemon, all while sticking to a plant-based diet. Whether you’re a busy parent whipping up a quick dessert or a baking enthusiast experimenting with flavors, these macarons adapt to fit your lifestyle and taste buds.

Plus, their light and airy texture makes them a hit for any occasion, from casual snacking to elegant parties. Imagine impressing your friends with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Pair them with a simple vanilla ice cream for an even more delightful treat that elevates your dessert game without the fuss.

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Essential Ingredients for Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these wonderful Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons. Each one plays a key role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the macaron shells to the fillings, I’ll walk you through what you need to make this recipe shine. Let’s keep it straightforward so you can focus on the fun of baking.

Vegan Macaron Shells Ingredients

  • 200 ml aquafaba (chickpea water)
  • 133 grams almond flour
  • 133 grams powdered sugar
  • 133 grams white sugar
  • 40 ml water
  • Yellow food coloring (optional)

Vegan Lemon Curd Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 1/2 lemons)
  • Zest of the juiced lemons (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (66 grams)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Pinch turmeric for color
  • 1 tablespoon coconut butter or vegan margarine

Vegan Lavender Buttercream Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon culinary grade dried lavender
  • 2 tablespoons coconut cream
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
  • 4 tablespoons vegan margarine (softened)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

This list pulls together all the essentials for a spring-inspired vegan dessert with gluten-free French-style macaron shells filled with vegan lavender buttercream and vegan lemon curd. For those with specific dietary needs, remember this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free using these ingredients.

How to Prepare the Perfect Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to dive into making these Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons? It’s easier than you might think, and I’ll guide you through each part with simple steps. Start by setting up your kitchen so everything flows smoothly from prep to baking. This way, you can enjoy the process and end up with macarons that look and taste amazing.

First, heat the aquafaba in a saucepan to reduce it by half, stirring occasionally until it thickens, then cool it to room temperature and measure out 100 ml. Next, sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together to ensure a smooth mixture. Mix half of the aquafaba (50 ml) with this almond flour blend to form a thick paste, and add yellow food coloring if you want that extra pop.

Whip the remaining 50 ml of aquafaba in a mixer until it reaches medium to stiff peaks for that perfect meringue base. At the same time, prepare a sugar syrup by boiling 40 ml water and 133 grams white sugar to 245°F without stirring. Slowly pour this hot syrup into the whipped aquafaba while mixing on medium-low, then crank up to high and whisk for 10 minutes until it’s glossy and fluffy.

Fold the meringue into the almond paste using a J-fold technique until the batter is glossy, thick, but still flowing nicely. Pipe 1 1/2 inch circles onto parchment paper, tap the trays to release air bubbles, and let the shells dry for 30 to 60 minutes until the surface feels dry. Preheat your oven to 210°F and bake one tray at a time, rotating every 6 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, then leave them in the turned-off oven for another 20 minutes before cooling.

Making the Vegan Lemon Curd

For the lemon curd, combine lemon juice, zest, and granulated sugar in a small saucepan and bring it to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Mix the cornstarch with cold water and add it to the boiling mixture, cooking while stirring until it thickens and becomes smooth add a pinch of turmeric for color if desired. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut butter until it’s fully melted, then cool and refrigerate.

Creating the Vegan Lavender Buttercream

To make the buttercream, heat the coconut cream with dried lavender briefly in the microwave and let it infuse before straining out the lavender. Cream the vegan margarine in a mixer, then add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and the infused coconut cream, mixing until fluffy. Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix well for that perfect filling.

Once everything is ready, assemble by piping a ring of lavender buttercream around the edge of one macaron shell, fill the center with lemon curd, and sandwich it with another shell. For a nice touch, drizzle vegan white chocolate on top and sprinkle dried lavender. The total prep time is 45 minutes, baking takes about 2 hours including drying, and the whole process wraps up in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons
Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons Recipe For A Light And Refreshing Treat 9

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons

One of the great things about this Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons recipe is how flexible it is for different dietary needs. You can tweak ingredients to make it just right for you, whether you’re avoiding nuts or cutting calories. Let’s look at some easy swaps that keep the magic intact.

  • Substitute aquafaba with flaxseed egg or chia egg for a different vegan binding option.
  • Replace almond flour with hazelnut or sunflower seed flour for nut-free alternatives.
  • Use powdered erythritol or coconut sugar as sweetener substitutes for lower-calorie versions.
  • Vary lavender buds with chamomile or rose petals for aromatic changes.
  • Incorporate additional citrus zests like orange or grapefruit to mix up the flavor.
  • Adjust the lemon filling by adding natural vanilla extract or turmeric for a subtle twist.

These changes help maintain the core qualities of the macarons while fitting allergen sensitivities and preferences. If you’re into other vegan desserts, this approach works wonders there too.

Mastering Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you get the basics down, it’s time to level up your Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons with some pro tips. These ideas will help you refine your skills and add your own spin. For instance, double-sifting the dry ingredients ensures smoother shells, and folding the batter to a lava-like consistency makes all the difference.

Try flavor variations like adding dried lavender-infused sugar or lemon-thyme for deeper tastes. When it comes to presentation, garnish with edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar to make them pop. You can even prepare the shells and filling ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep things fresh.

Tips CategorySpecific Advice
Pro TechniquesFold batter until it’s glossy and flowing for the best results.
Flavor IdeasExperiment with herbs like thyme for a unique twist.
PresentationUse edible flowers to enhance visual appeal.

These suggestions ensure your macarons stay delicious and dietary-friendly while looking impressive.

How to Store Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons: Best Practices

Keeping your Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons fresh is key to enjoying them at their best. Store them properly to maintain that wonderful texture and flavor. Here’s how to handle storage like a pro.

  • Refrigerate assembled macarons in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze shells and filling separately in sealed bags, then thaw fully before assembly.
  • Avoid reheating to keep the texture intact; serve at room temperature.
  • Batch prepare during free time and assemble as needed for easy meal prep.

Following these steps helps extend the shelf life and quality, making it simple for busy days.

Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons
Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons Recipe For A Light And Refreshing Treat 10

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons

Why does my lavender lemon vegan macaron batter become thick and gritty after mixing?

A thick and gritty macaron batter usually happens if the aquafaba isn’t whipped enough or if the almond flour retains more moisture. Whip the aquafaba longer until it forms stiff peaks, and try using a finely ground, preferably super-fine almond flour. If your almond flour is coarse or moist, it may cause texture issues. Sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar thoroughly before folding them into the meringue can also help create a smoother batter.

How can I fix lemon curd that won’t thicken for my vegan macarons?

To thicken lemon curd, make sure the mixture is brought to a full boil. The cornstarch or thickening agent activates at boiling temperature, allowing the curd to set properly. Stir constantly while heating to avoid lumps or burning. If it still doesn’t thicken after 30 minutes, you can add a teaspoon more cornstarch diluted in cold water and heat again, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

What can I use if fresh lavender is not available for making lavender lemon macarons?

If fresh or dried lavender isn’t accessible, you can use culinary lavender extract or lavender essential oil intended for food use, but use it sparingly as it is concentrated. Alternatively, omit lavender altogether and still enjoy lemon vegan macarons with just the lemon flavor. Both options are common substitutions to accommodate ingredient availability without compromising the macaron’s delicate taste.

How do I know when aquafaba is whipped enough for vegan macarons?

Aquafaba is ready when it forms glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape when you lift your whisk. This can take between 10 to 30 minutes of whipping, depending on your mixer. If peaks bend or collapse, continue whipping. Also, adding sugar gradually during whipping stabilizes the meringue. Properly whipped aquafaba is essential to achieving the light, airy texture of vegan macarons.

Can I make lavender lemon vegan macarons without reducing aquafaba?

Yes, you can use 100 ml of aquafaba without reducing it, but keep in mind that reduction concentrates the aquafaba and may improve meringue stability and whipping time. If you skip reduction, ensure the aquafaba is freshly drained and free of flavor from canned beans—for best results, use unsalted chickpeas and avoid extra liquid. This adjustment helps maintain the recipe’s balance while keeping it simple.

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Lavender Lemon Vegan Macarons

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🌸 Enjoy a light and refreshing treat with these vegan lavender lemon macarons, combining delicate shells with aromatic buttercream and tangy lemon curd.
🍋 Perfect for springtime or any occasion, this recipe offers a delightful dairy-free and gluten-free dessert option packed with fresh flavors.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: Makes approximately 2024 macarons 1x

Ingredients

Scale

200 ml aquafaba (chickpea water)

133 grams almond flour

133 grams powdered sugar

133 grams white sugar

40 ml water

Yellow food coloring (optional)

1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 1/2 lemons)

Zest of the juiced lemons (about 1 tablespoon)

1/3 cup granulated sugar (66 grams)

1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons cold water

Pinch turmeric for color

1 tablespoon coconut butter or vegan margarine

1/2 teaspoon culinary grade dried lavender

2 tablespoons coconut cream

1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

4 tablespoons vegan margarine (softened)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1-Prepare the aquafaba and dry ingredients: First, heat the aquafaba in a saucepan to reduce it by half, stirring occasionally until it thickens, then cool it to room temperature and measure out 100 ml. Next, sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together to ensure a smooth mixture. Mix half of the aquafaba (50 ml) with this almond flour blend to form a thick paste, and add yellow food coloring if you want that extra pop.

2-Whip the remaining aquafaba and prepare the syrup: Whip the remaining 50 ml of aquafaba in a mixer until it reaches medium to stiff peaks for that perfect meringue base. At the same time, prepare a sugar syrup by boiling 40 ml water and 133 grams white sugar to 245°F without stirring. Slowly pour this hot syrup into the whipped aquafaba while mixing on medium-low, then crank up to high and whisk for 10 minutes until it’s glossy and fluffy.

3-Fold and pipe the macaron batter: Fold the meringue into the almond paste using a J-fold technique until the batter is glossy, thick, but still flowing nicely. Pipe 1 1/2 inch circles onto parchment paper, tap the trays to release air bubbles, and let the shells dry for 30 to 60 minutes until the surface feels dry.

4-Bake the macaron shells: Preheat your oven to 210°F and bake one tray at a time, rotating every 6 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, then leave them in the turned-off oven for another 20 minutes before cooling.

5-Making the Vegan Lemon Curd: For the lemon curd, combine lemon juice, zest, and granulated sugar in a small saucepan and bring it to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Mix the cornstarch with cold water and add it to the boiling mixture, cooking while stirring until it thickens and becomes smooth add a pinch of turmeric for color if desired. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut butter until it’s fully melted, then cool and refrigerate.

6-Creating the Vegan Lavender Buttercream: To make the buttercream, heat the coconut cream with dried lavender briefly in the microwave and let it infuse before straining out the lavender. Cream the vegan margarine in a mixer, then add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and the infused coconut cream, mixing until fluffy. Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix well for that perfect filling.

7-Assemble the macarons: Once everything is ready, assemble by piping a ring of lavender buttercream around the edge of one macaron shell, fill the center with lemon curd, and sandwich it with another shell. For a nice touch, drizzle vegan white chocolate on top and sprinkle dried lavender.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍋 Aquafaba should be reduced to a thick, egg white-like consistency for best results.
🥄 Whip aquafaba thoroughly to develop proper macaron feet.
🌡️ Time sugar syrup to 245°F to coincide with stiff peaks in aquafaba meringue for perfect texture.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Baking and Drying Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Whipping, folding, baking, and assembling
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 macaron
  • Calories: 90

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