If you’ve ever dreamed of creating delicate, golden puffs filled with luscious cream but thought choux pastry was off-limits due to your vegan lifestyle, think again! This vegan choux pastry recipe will open a whole new world of baking possibilities for you.
Light, airy, and perfectly crisp on the outside, this pastry is incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from éclairs and profiteroles to savory bites. The best part?
It’s completely plant-based, using simple ingredients that you likely already have at home. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or new to dairy-free desserts, this recipe is approachable yet impressive, promising a delightful bake every time.
Choux pastry traditionally relies on eggs for structure and lift, but our vegan version uses clever alternatives to achieve that same puff and texture. Ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills?
Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will make your vegan desserts truly shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan choux pastry is a game-changer for anyone who thought dairy or eggs were essential to classic baking. It’s light and airy, yet sturdy enough to hold any filling you desire.
Perfect for both sweet and savory applications, this dough is incredibly versatile. Plus, it comes together quickly with pantry staples and requires minimal hands-on time.
You’ll appreciate how this recipe balances flavor and texture without compromising on your dietary choices. And if you’re looking for a recipe that will elevate your vegan baking repertoire, this is it.
Paired with your favorite fillings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup vegan butter or margarine (113 g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g), sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Piping bag with a round tip
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to an egg-like consistency.
- Heat the water and vegan butter: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, vegan butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add the flour: Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool the dough: Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes so it doesn’t cook the aquafaba or flax egg when added.
- Mix in aquafaba and flax egg: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the dough while gradually adding the aquafaba and flax egg until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth, shiny, and slightly sticky.
- Add baking powder: Stir in the baking powder gently, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Pipe the pastry: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small mounds or logs about 1.5 inches in diameter, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for expansion.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and prick each puff with a toothpick or skewer to release steam. Let cool completely on a wire rack before filling or serving.
Tips & Variations
For extra puffiness, avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking.
Experiment with different fillings such as vegan pastry cream, chocolate ganache, or savory mixtures like herbed tofu or mushroom pâté. You can also add herbs or spices to the dough for a unique twist.
If you want a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend but expect a slightly different texture. For a sweeter pastry, add vanilla extract or cinnamon to the dough.
Don’t have aquafaba on hand? You can try using commercial egg replacers, but aquafaba tends to give the best lift and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 puff) |
---|---|
Calories | 80 |
Fat | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 9g |
Protein | 1g |
Fiber | 0.5g |
Sugar | 0.3g |
Sodium | 110mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegan choux pastry is incredibly versatile. For a classic dessert, fill your puffs with vegan whipped cream and fresh berries or a rich chocolate ganache like in our Peanut Butter Ganache Recipe.
For a savory option, stuff them with herbed vegan cheese or a mushroom ragout for an elegant appetizer. They also pair wonderfully with homemade vegan custards or fruit compotes.
Want more ideas? Check out our Pecan Crackers Recipe for crunchy snacks or the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a hearty vegan side dish.
Conclusion
Mastering vegan choux pastry opens up a world of delightful baking opportunities. With just a few simple swaps, you can enjoy the classic puffed pastry experience without any animal products.
This recipe is not only approachable for beginners but also versatile enough to impress seasoned bakers. Whether you’re creating elegant vegan éclairs or savory bites for your next gathering, this dough provides a fantastic base that’s both light and flavorful.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings and flavors to make it your own. And remember, great vegan baking is all about creativity and using quality ingredients.
We hope this recipe inspires you to explore more plant-based desserts and treats—happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Choux Pastry
Description: A light and airy vegan choux pastry perfect for éclairs and cream puffs. This recipe uses plant-based ingredients without compromising texture or flavor.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 12 pastries
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup aquafaba (chickpea brine)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a saucepan, bring water, vegan butter, and salt to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour and baking powder until a dough forms.
- Return to low heat and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to dry the dough slightly.
- Transfer dough to a bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Whisk aquafaba until foamy and fold into the dough with the flax egg.
- Pipe dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Turn off oven and leave pastries inside for 10 minutes to dry out.
- Remove and cool completely before filling.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 20g
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