Hoppin’ Good Vegan Candy Recipes for Easter

Easter is a time for celebration, family, and of course, plenty of delicious treats. While traditional Easter candy often involves dairy and gelatin, there are countless ways to create vegan-friendly versions that are just as festive and flavorful. Get ready to indulge in a guilt-free Easter feast with these delightful vegan candy recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Dive into Delicious: Vegan Easter Candy Essentials

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s gather our vegan candy-making toolkit. You’ll find these ingredients and tools helpful:

• Vegan Chocolate: Look for high-quality dark chocolate, or opt for vegan milk chocolate alternatives made with coconut milk or rice milk.
• Vegan Sweeteners: Agave nectar, maple syrup, and coconut sugar are excellent choices.
• Agar-Agar: A plant-based gelatin substitute perfect for gummies and marshmallows.
• Natural Food Coloring: Brighten up your creations with vibrant colors extracted from fruits and vegetables.
• Candy Molds: From bunnies to eggs, these will add a festive touch to your homemade candies.

Vegan Easter Candy Ingredients

1. Creamy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs

These rich and decadent eggs are always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Vegan sprinkles, for decorating (optional)

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, maple syrup, and salt.
4. Pour a spoonful of melted chocolate into each mold. Use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly, creating a shell.
5. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
6. Fill each shell with the peanut butter mixture.
7. Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling, ensuring it’s fully covered.
8. Sprinkle with vegan sprinkles, if desired.
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.

“When it comes to vegan chocolate, don’t be afraid to experiment! I find that a blend of dark chocolate and a touch of coconut milk chocolate creates the perfect balance of richness and creaminess.” – Chef Amelia Green, renowned vegan pastry chef.

Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs

2. Fruity and Fun: Rainbow Vegan Gummies

These chewy gummies are bursting with fruity flavor and are surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fruit juice (such as grape, pomegranate, or orange)
• 1/2 cup agave nectar
• 4 tablespoons agar-agar powder
• 1/4 cup water
• Natural food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the agar-agar powder and water until smooth.
2. Add the fruit juice and agave nectar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in a few drops of natural food coloring, if desired.
5. Pour the mixture into silicone candy molds.
6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Tip: For a fun layered effect, divide the gummy mixture into separate bowls and tint each with a different color. Allow each layer to set in the molds before adding the next color.

Vegan Gummies in Silicone Molds

3. Classic Coconut Macaroons: Simple yet Delicious

These chewy and naturally sweet treats are a breeze to whip up and require just a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until well combined.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the macaroons are golden brown.
5. Let cool completely on the baking sheet before enjoying.

Chef Amelia Green’s Pro Tip: “For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted vegan dark chocolate over the cooled macaroons.”

Coconut Macaroons on Baking Sheet

A Sweet Conclusion: Vegan Easter Treats for Everyone

Making vegan Easter candy is not only easy and delicious, but it’s also a fun activity to enjoy with loved ones. With a few simple swaps, you can recreate classic Easter treats that are kind to animals and kind to your taste buds!

FAQ: Your Vegan Easter Candy Questions Answered

1. Can I use a different sweetener besides agave nectar in the gummies?

Absolutely! Maple syrup or even simple syrup (made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over heat) work well too.

2. I don’t have candy molds. Can I still make the chocolate peanut butter eggs?

Certainly! You can pour the peanut butter mixture into small balls, freeze them for easier dipping, then coat them in melted chocolate.

3. How should I store my vegan candy?

Store your vegan candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

4. What are some other vegan-friendly Easter candy ideas?

Get creative! Try making vegan chocolate bark with dried fruits and nuts, vegan rice krispie treats with vegan marshmallows, or even vegan peanut butter cups.

5. Where can I find vegan sprinkles?

Many supermarkets now carry vegan sprinkles. You can also find them at health food stores or online.