Vegan Florentines

Ingredients

The original Florentines are typically made with butter, eggs, and honey, which are all non-vegan ingredients. In this vegan adaptation, we replace the butter with coconut oil, the eggs with a flaxseed mixture, and the honey with maple syrup. These substitutions ensure that the recipe remains completely plant-based while still capturing the essence of the original Florentines. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

• 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 3 tablespoons water 3 tablespoons water
• 1/2 cup (50g) sliced almonds 1/2 cup (50g) sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup (30g) dried cranberries, chopped 1/4 cup (30g) dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) dried apricots, chopped 1/4 cup (30g) dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) dried cherries, chopped 1/4 cup (30g) dried cherries, chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) vegan dark chocolate, melted 1/4 cup (30g) vegan dark chocolate, melted

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken and form a gel-like consistency.
3. 3.
   In a saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup and flaxseed mixture.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the sliced almonds, dried cranberries, dried apricots, and dried cherries. Pour the coconut oil mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well to combine.
5. 5.
   Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading. Flatten each spoonful with the back of a spoon to create thin, lace-like cookies.
6. 6.
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle or dip them in melted vegan dark chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use sliced almonds for the desired texture in the cookies.
• Dried fruit — Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits such as raisins, figs, or dates for a variety of flavors.
• Vegan dark chocolate — Look for high-quality vegan dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich and indulgent taste.
• Coconut oil — Use refined coconut oil if you prefer a more neutral flavor, or unrefined for a subtle coconut taste.
• Flaxseed — Grind whole flaxseeds in a coffee grinder or use pre-ground flaxseed for convenience.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve thin and delicate cookies, spread the mixture thinly on the baking sheet.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before handling to ensure they hold their shape.
• Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies using a fork or a piping bag for an elegant touch.
• Store the Vegan Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Serve these delightful treats alongside a cup of hot herbal tea for a perfect pairing.

Serving advice

Serve the Vegan Florentines on a platter or a decorative plate to showcase their intricate lace-like appearance. They make a delightful addition to afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after a meal. Enjoy them with friends and family, and savor the flavors of Italy in a vegan-friendly way.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Vegan Florentines in a circular pattern, overlapping them slightly to create an appealing visual display. Garnish the platter with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance. The contrast between the golden cookies and the dark chocolate drizzle will make them visually enticing.