Chickpea aquafaba has taken the vegan dessert world by storm, offering a surprising and versatile ingredient that whips up just like egg whites! Derived from the liquid of cooked chickpeas, aquafaba is a fantastic plant-based alternative that can create fluffy meringues, creamy mousses, and delectable frostings without any animal products.
Whether you’re allergic to eggs, vegan, or simply curious about new culinary techniques, chickpea aquafaba opens up a world of guilt-free, airy desserts that impress both in texture and taste.
In this post, we’ll explore several delightful chickpea aquafaba vegan dessert recipes that are easy to make and absolutely scrumptious. From light-as-air meringue kisses to rich chocolate mousse, these recipes will show you how aquafaba can revolutionize your dessert game.
Plus, we’ll share tips and variations to customize your treats and make the most of this magical ingredient.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chickpea aquafaba is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy vegan desserts without compromising texture or flavor. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these recipes:
- Egg-free and vegan: Perfect for plant-based diets and those with egg allergies.
- Low calorie: Aquafaba is mostly water, making desserts lighter and less fattening.
- Versatile: Whips up into meringues, mousses, frostings, and more with ease.
- Cost-effective: Use the liquid from canned chickpeas you already have in your pantry.
- Deliciously airy texture: Creates fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth desserts that rival traditional recipes.
Ingredients
- Chickpea aquafaba: 3/4 cup (about the liquid from one 15 oz can of chickpeas)
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (for sweetening meringues and mousses)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (for flavor)
- Cream of tartar: 1/4 teaspoon (helps stabilize the aquafaba foam)
- Dark vegan chocolate: 100 grams (for mousse)
- Maple syrup or agave nectar: 2 tablespoons (optional sweetener)
- Coconut cream: 1/2 cup (for mousse or creamy desserts)
- Almond extract or other flavorings: optional, 1/2 teaspoon
- Food coloring: optional, for decorative meringues
Equipment
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (essential for whipping aquafaba)
- Mixing bowls (preferably metal or glass to avoid fat contamination)
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for meringues)
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Serving glasses or ramekins (for mousse)
Instructions
- Separate the aquafaba: Drain the liquid from a can of unsalted chickpeas into a clean bowl. Measure out 3/4 cup of this liquid. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour for better whipping results.
- Whip the aquafaba: Using an electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat the chilled aquafaba with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add sugar gradually: Slowly add 3/4 cup granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to whip until glossy, stiff peaks form. This may take 10-12 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract near the end.
- Make meringue kisses (optional): Preheat the oven to 200°F (90°C). Pipe or spoon the whipped aquafaba onto the parchment-lined baking sheet in small dollops. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until dry and crisp. Let cool completely before serving.
- Prepare chocolate mousse: Melt 100 grams of dark vegan chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Whip coconut cream: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight. Scoop out the solid cream and whip until fluffy.
- Fold ingredients: Gently fold the melted chocolate into whipped aquafaba and coconut cream. Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar if you want it sweeter.
- Chill mousse: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh berries, shaved chocolate, or mint leaves before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For the best aquafaba results, use unsalted canned chickpeas and ensure all your mixing bowls and utensils are grease-free.”
- Flavor twists: Add citrus zest, espresso powder, or almond extract to the aquafaba for unique flavor profiles.
- Colored meringues: Use natural food coloring or beet juice to tint your meringues for festive treats.
- Chocolate ganache topping: Drizzle vegan chocolate ganache over meringues or mousse for extra decadence.
- Other aquafaba desserts: Try aquafaba-based pancakes or waffles for fluffy vegan breakfasts.
- Storage: Store meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Mousse keeps well refrigerated for 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (Mousse) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 9 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Sugars | 15 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
These chickpea aquafaba desserts are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve the meringue kisses alongside fresh fruit or vegan whipped cream for a light snack.
The chocolate mousse pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or chopped toasted nuts for contrast in texture.
For an elegant presentation, layer the mousse with vegan cookie crumbs and berries in parfait glasses. These desserts also make delightful additions to holiday dessert tables and birthday celebrations, especially when paired with other vegan treats like Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe or a slice of Pareve Cake Recipe.
Conclusion
Chickpea aquafaba is truly a revelation in vegan dessert making. Its ability to mimic egg whites while remaining plant-based allows anyone to enjoy light, fluffy, and delicious desserts without compromise.
The recipes shared here demonstrate just how versatile and rewarding aquafaba can be in the kitchen.
Whether you’re new to aquafaba or looking to expand your vegan dessert repertoire, these recipes are sure to become favorites. Experiment with flavors, shapes, and textures to create stunning, crowd-pleasing sweets that everyone will love.
And while you’re exploring dairy-free delights, don’t forget to check out other amazing recipes like the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a complete culinary adventure.
📖 Recipe Card: Chickpea Aquafaba Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Description: A light and fluffy vegan chocolate mousse made using chickpea aquafaba as a natural egg white substitute. This dessert is rich, dairy-free, and perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chickpea aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 100g dark vegan chocolate, melted
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Pour chickpea aquafaba into the chilled bowl and add cream of tartar.
- Whip aquafaba on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5-7 minutes.
- Slowly add powdered sugar while continuing to whip.
- Gently fold in melted chocolate, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Spoon mousse into serving dishes and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 18g
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