TIPS for VEGAN BAKING
Replacing Eggs in Vegan Baking Recipes:
3 Tablespoons Aquafaba + 1 teaspoon Distilled White Vinegar = 1 Egg
Whip aquafaba and vinegar on high speed until stiff peaks form. Use to replace eggs in vegan baking recipes.
By far, the hardest thing about vegan baking is replacing eggs. A quick internet search will turn up plenty of suggestions for vegan egg substitutes. However, I have had the best results replacing the eggs in my gluten-free vegan recipes with whipped aquafaba and vinegar. Aquafaba is the liquid from cooked beans. While all bean cooking liquid will work, I prefer chickpea aquafaba. Chickpea aquafaba is similar to egg whites in color and consistency, and it has a mild flavor that is undetectable in baked goods.
It is possible to make aquafaba at home, but I find it easier to use the liquid from canned chickpeas. I shop for all-natural brands made from only chickpeas, water,
and salt. I add distilled white vinegar to help stabilize the whipped aquafaba. Apple cider vinegar will also work, but I prefer the flavor of distilled white vinegar. It gives baked goods a flavor reminiscent of baking with dairy products.
Aquafaba will also make vegan meringue. Replace the vinegar with 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar for every 3 T of aquafaba. Whip aquafaba and cream of tartar to soft peak stage, and whip in 2 T sugar for ever 3 T aquafaba, one tablespoon at a time. Add vanilla extract or other flavoring, if desired. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
Aquafaba freezes well. Freeze tablespoons of leftover chickpea liquid in ice cube trays. When frozen, pop out and store in zip top bag. Thaw in microwave to use.
And don't throw out those canned chickpeas! They are great for making hummus, and they also freeze well. To freeze, rinse well and spread in single layer on baking sheet. Place in freezer for a few hours until frozen. Remove individually frozen chickpeas from pan with spatula and store in zip top bag. Frozen chickpeas are a little on the mushy side when thawed, so they are better for making hummus or for cooking with.
I would love to bake you happy!