Aquafaba, which is the liquid from canned or cooked chickpeas, has revolutionized the world of vegan and allergy-friendly baking. It’s a magical ingredient really, and it mimics egg whites, making it a perfect ingredient in many dessert recipes. Whether you’re looking to whip up a light and airy mousse, crispy meringues, or a fluffy cake, aquafaba is the key to achieving incredible textures without using eggs!In this article, we’ll explore a variety of Aquafaba Dessert Recipes, discuss tips for working with this unique ingredient, and share 16 delicious recipes that you can try at home.

Understanding Aquafaba

Aquafaba is the liquid left over from cooking chickpeas (or sometimes other legumes like white beans). So when you use canned chickpeas and you drain them, acquafaba is the liquid left in there.

It’s got a viscous and almost gelatine like texture that is similar to egg whites and it can be used as a substitute for them in different desserts.

It contains proteins, carbohydrates, and starches that create a foamy, stable structure when whipped, much like egg whites.

Some Tips for Using Aquafaba in Desserts

Use the Right Consistency: The best aquafaba comes from canned chickpeas that contain only water and salt (avoid additives).

Chill Before Whipping: Cold aquafaba whips up faster and holds a better structure.

Use Cream of Tartar: Adding a pinch of cream of tartar helps stabilize the foam, just like with egg whites.

Use a stand mixer or electric whisk – Whisking the aquafaba by hand will be exhausting so it’s better to opt for an electric whisk.

Sweeten Wisely: Gradually add sugar or sweetener while whipping to prevent deflating.

Now, let’s dive into some mouth-watering Aquafaba Recipes For Desserts!

16 Aquafaba Dessert Recipes

1. Classic Aquafaba Meringues

When making meringues, aquafaba replaces egg whites, allowing the meringue to whip up into stiff peaks and hold its structure as it bakes. The proteins in aquafaba create the light, airy texture while maintaining the crisp exterior that makes meringues so delightful.

This recipe by Loving It Vegan uses aquafaba, cream of tartar, sugar and vanilla extract to make vegan meringue cookies.

“Light, airy and perfect vegan meringue cookies. Cute and fun and made with chickpea aquafaba resulting in totally perfect meringue!“

2. Vegan Aquafaba Pavlova

For making vegan pavlova, aquafaba provides the base for the meringue-like structure. It forms a crisp outer shell while keeping the center soft and marshmallowy, giving the dessert its signature balance of textures.

This recipe by Addicted to Dates, showcases how you can make a crisp meringue shell with a chewy, soft marshmallow center, topped with strawberries and non-dairy cream

3. Aquafaba Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Aquafaba works as a foaming agent, and it is ideal to make mousses such as this one, that is light and fluffy. When whipped, it traps air, creating a cloud-like consistency that pairs beautifully with rich melted chocolate for a velvety texture.

Unlike traditional mousse that relies on eggs or dairy, aquafaba allows you to achieve the same luxurious texture while keeping the dessert completely plant-based.

4. Aquafaba Macarons

Aquafaba is perfect to achieving the delicate, airy shells of macarons. It stabilizes the batter and helps form the crisp outer layer while maintaining a chewy interior, mimicking the effect of egg whites perfectly.

Achieving the right consistency takes practice, but once mastered, aquafaba macarons can be just as impressive as their traditional counterparts.

5. Aquafaba Chocolate Brownies

In brownies, aquafaba helps creating a rich, fudgy texture. It provides structure while keeping the batter moist and dense, delivering the perfect chewiness.

This recipe by Rainbow Planlife is mind blowing. The brownies are fudgy, chewy, chocolatey, and feature the classic crinkle top.

6. Fluffy Aquafaba Cupcakes

When used in cupcakes batter, aquafaba adds lightness and stability, making for a fluffy, tender crumb. It helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a soft and moist texture.

These funfetti vegan cupcakes by Nora Cooks use aquafaba to create moist, soft and fluffy cupcakes. 

7. Aquafaba Chocolate Chip Cookies

In chocolate chip cookies, aquafaba helps bind the cookie dough while contributing to a soft and chewy texture. It also allows for slight leavening, making the cookies light yet rich in flavor.

This recipe by Okonomikitchen showcases how to make the best vegan chocolate chip cookies that are thick and chewy in the middle with perfectly crispy edges.

8. Aquafaba Vegan Vanilla Cake

Aquafaba enhances the light and tender crumb of cakes by acting as an emulsifier and aerating the batter. It helps maintain the moisture balance while giving the cake its signature soft and fluffy texture, making it a perfect egg substitute in this delicious dessert.

9. Vegan Lemon Meringue Pie

Aquafaba is used in the meringue topping of this classic dessert. It creates a stable foam that caramelizes under heat, forming a glossy, slightly crisp meringue topping.

10. Light and Airy Vegan Pancakes

When added to pancake batter, aquafaba helps create a fluffy texture by incorporating air, making each bite light and pillowy without the need for eggs.

11. Aquafaba Whipped Cream

Aquafaba is great to make whipped cream that is light and fluffy as well as gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free!

“You will be shocked by how amazingly delicious it tastes!  Made without coconut milk, this whipped cream is light and fluffy and stays creamy for days in the fridge or months in the freezer as a vegan cool whip.”

12. Aquafaba Vegan Marshmallows

You can also use aquafaba to make vegan marshmallows. If you thought by being plant based, you could never have marshmallows again, you can actually even make them at home yourself!

This vegan marshmallow recipe by PlantYou uses aquafaba together with other ingredients to replicate the function of eggs and agar agar as the thickening agent.

13. Aquafaba Vegan Tiramisu

Aquafaba works great in desserts like vegan tiramisu. It can be used to make ladyfingers but also for the vegan mascarpone cream.

This recipe by The Vegan Italian Kitchen uses aquafaba to make the cream together with other ingredients like soymilk, cornflour and vegan cream cheese.

This recipe by The Plant Based School, uses aquafaba to make ladyfingers.

14. Vegan Carrot Cake With Aquafaba

Aquafaba brings moisture and structure to cakes, helping to bind the ingredients together while maintaining a light and tender crumb. It enhances the cake’s fluffiness, ensuring a soft texture without the need for eggs.

Carrot cake benefits greatly from aquafaba’s properties, as it helps lift the cake while also keeping it rich and moist. Combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, grated carrots, and crunchy walnuts, aquafaba makes for a beautifully balanced cake that is fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly moist.

15. Banana Bread

Banana bread is known for its moist and dense texture, and aquafaba plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect consistency. It works as an egg replacement to bind the ingredients together, ensuring a light yet rich loaf.

The texture of this banana bread by Rainbow Plantlife is tender, light, and fluffy, and it’s all thanks to two ingredients: aquafaba and vegan buttermilk.

16. Vegan Ladyfingers

Aquafaba is the secret to making light and crispy vegan ladyfingers, an essential component in desserts like tiramisu. It replaces egg whites to create a foamy, airy batter that results in the classic spongy texture of traditional ladyfingers.

When whipped to stiff peaks, aquafaba provides the necessary lift and stability, allowing the cookies to hold their shape while baking.

The end result is a delicate, crisp-on-the-outside yet slightly soft-on-the-inside cookie that perfectly absorbs espresso or other liquids without falling apart. Whether you’re assembling a vegan tiramisu or enjoying them as a light snack, aquafaba ensures that these ladyfingers achieve the perfect texture and structure.

Aquafaba Dessert Recipes – Final Thoughts

As the variety of recipes shown in this article shows, aquafaba is quite the versatile ingredient! It can really elevate your desserts in ways you might not have expected.

From fluffy meringues to rich mousses and delicate cakes, its ability to mimic egg whites opens up a world of possibilities for vegan baking.

By incorporating aquafaba into recipes, you not only create indulgent, dairy-free treats but also reduce waste by using the leftover liquid from canned beans or homemade chickpeas. So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet creation, don’t forget to give aquafaba a try—it might just become your new secret ingredient!

FAQs – Aquafaba Dessert Recipes

What is aquafaba?

Aquafaba is the liquid from canned beans, most commonly chickpeas, or the cooking liquid from beans. It has a similar texture and consistency to egg whites and can be used as a substitute in various vegan dessert recipes.

Can I use aquafaba from any type of beans?

While chickpea aquafaba is the most commonly used, you can also use aquafaba from other beans like white beans or lentils. However, chickpea aquafaba is often preferred for its neutral flavor and stronger whipping ability.

How do I use aquafaba in baking?

Aquafaba can be used as a replacement for egg whites in recipes like meringues, macarons, or mousse. You can whip it up until stiff peaks form, just as you would with egg whites, or use it as a binder in cakes and cookies.

How much aquafaba should I use to replace one egg?

Typically, 3 tablespoons of aquafaba replaces one egg white, and about 2 tablespoons of aquafaba can replace a whole egg in many recipes.

Can I flavor aquafaba?

Yes, you can flavor aquafaba with vanilla extract, almond extract, or any other flavoring to complement the dessert you’re making.

Do I need to whip aquafaba before using it in recipes?

Yes, the majority of recipes use aquafaba that is been previous whipped.

Can I make my own aquafaba at home?

Yes! To make aquafaba at home, you need soak dry chickpeas overnight, rinse them and cook with double the amount of water until soft. Then let it cool completely and once cooled you can drain the liquid, 1hich should be light brown and viscous.

Can aquafaba be frozen?

Yes, aquafaba freezes well. You can store it in ice cube trays and freeze it for later use, making it easy to thaw exactly what you need.