When it comes to decorating cookies, cakes, or even creating intricate designs on baked goods, royal icing is an absolute game-changer. For those who follow a vegetarian diet or simply prefer plant-based alternatives, the standard royal icing recipe that uses egg whites might not always be ideal. But don’t worry – there’s a solution! A vegetarian version of royal icing can be just as stunning and delicious, without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Vegetarian royal icing can be made using a variety of plant-based ingredients, which means you can enjoy the same glossy, hard finish on your cookies without worrying about any animal products. This icing is perfect for any occasion, from decorating gingerbread houses to creating beautiful sugar cookie designs. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore every detail, from the ingredients to expert tips that will help you master this vegan-friendly version of royal icing.
Vegetarian Royal Icing Recipe
This vegetarian royal icing recipe is simple, effective, and perfect for all your decorating needs. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find it easy to whip up this icing and achieve a smooth, glossy finish every time.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and smooth vegetarian royal icing:
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Powdered Sugar (Confectioners Sugar)
The key to making this icing thick and able to hold its shape is powdered sugar. It’s finely ground, which helps achieve that perfect smooth consistency.
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Aquafaba (Chickpea Brine)
Instead of egg whites, we’ll be using aquafaba, the liquid left over after you drain a can of chickpeas. Aquafaba mimics the properties of egg whites, making it the ideal substitute in recipes like royal icing. It’s also an excellent source of protein and helps create the perfect texture for the icing.
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Cream Of Tartar
This ingredient stabilizes the aquafaba and helps the icing firm up as it dries. It’s a crucial part of achieving the signature crisp texture of royal icing.
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Lemon Juice Or Vinegar
A small amount of acid helps stabilize the icing and prevent it from becoming too stiff or breaking down over time. It also adds a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness.
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Vanilla Extract (Optional)
If you like your royal icing with a little flavor beyond the sugar, adding a splash of vanilla extract will do the trick. It’s totally optional but can elevate the taste, especially for cookies or cakes.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s break down how you can bring this vegetarian royal icing to life step by step:
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Prepare Aquafaba
Start by draining a can of chickpeas (or any other beans) and measuring out about 3 tablespoons of the liquid. Make sure to set the chickpeas aside for another recipe – they’re a great addition to soups or salads!
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Beat The Aquafaba
Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the aquafaba on high speed for about 3-5 minutes, until it forms soft peaks. This is when the liquid starts to resemble whipped egg whites. If you notice it’s still too runny, continue mixing for another minute or so.
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Add The Sugar And Cream Of Tartar
Gradually sift in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture. After you’ve added about 2 cups, mix in 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar. This will help the icing achieve its smooth texture and prevent it from separating.
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Incorporate The Acid (Lemon Juice Or Vinegar)
Add about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. This helps stabilize the icing and prevents it from becoming too thin over time.
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Final Whisking
Continue beating the mixture until stiff peaks form. This means the icing should stand up straight when you pull the beaters out. At this point, the icing will have a glossy, thick consistency that holds its shape beautifully.
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Color And Flavor (Optional)
If you’d like to color your icing, now’s the time to add gel food coloring. Gel coloring won’t thin the icing like liquid dyes, so it’s ideal for keeping that perfect consistency. Add a few drops and mix until evenly distributed.
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Storage And Use
You can use the royal icing immediately for decorating. If you need to store it, keep it covered with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the icing to prevent crusting, and refrigerate. It should keep for up to 1-2 days.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s take a deeper dive into why each ingredient works so well in royal icing:
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Aquafaba
Aquafaba is essentially the water-based solution leftover after cooking legumes. When whipped, it mimics the properties of egg whites, trapping air to create a light, airy structure. It’s rich in proteins and starches, giving the icing its firm consistency when combined with sugar. This is why aquafaba is the go-to egg substitute in many baking recipes – it’s incredibly versatile!
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Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is the secret to achieving that ultra-smooth texture. The fine particles dissolve quickly, which prevents any graininess in the icing. It also helps to thicken the mixture to the point where it can hold its shape, making it perfect for detailed piping and decorating.
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Cream Of Tartar
This acidic powder helps stabilize the whipped aquafaba. It ensures that the proteins in the aquafaba don’t break down too quickly, which would cause the icing to lose its structure. It also helps the icing dry quickly and evenly, leaving you with that crisp, hard finish that royal icing is known for.
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Lemon Juice Or Vinegar
The addition of an acid helps balance the pH level of the icing, making it firmer and more stable. Without this step, the icing might remain too soft, or it might dry out unevenly. The acid also prevents the icing from being overly sweet, giving it a slight tang that complements the flavor.
Expert Tips
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Consistency Matters
The beauty of royal icing is in the consistency. For outlining, use a stiffer icing. For flooding (filling in designs), thin it slightly by adding a tiny bit of water or aquafaba. Aim for the "15-second rule," where the icing should take about 15 seconds to settle back into the surface when you draw a line through it.
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Piping Bags
Use piping bags with fine tips for delicate designs. If you don’t have piping bags, a plastic sandwich bag with the tip of one corner cut off can work in a pinch.
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Prevent Crusting
To keep your royal icing from drying out too quickly while you’re working with it, cover your bowl with a damp cloth when not in use. If the icing starts to crust on the surface, simply mix it again to restore its smooth texture.
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Drying Time
Allow your decorated cookies or cakes to sit for at least 8 hours for the icing to completely dry and harden. If you’re in a rush, you can speed up the process by using a fan or placing the cookies in a cool, dry area.
Recipe Variations
While the basic vegetarian royal icing recipe is versatile, here are a few variations to customize your icing:
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Chocolate Royal Icing
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the powdered sugar for a rich, chocolatey flavor. You can also melt some dark chocolate and incorporate it into the icing for a smoother texture and extra depth of flavor.
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Citrus Royal Icing
Add orange, lime, or grapefruit juice instead of lemon for a citrusy twist. The flavor adds a refreshing touch to cookies and cakes, especially around the holidays.
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Flavored Royal Icing
For a flavor-packed icing, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract, mint extract, or even a dash of cinnamon. This is a great way to complement the flavor profile of your baked goods.
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Gluten-Free Royal Icing
Since powdered sugar is naturally gluten-free, this recipe is already suitable for a gluten-free diet. However, if you’re looking for a completely gluten-free version, ensure that all your ingredients, like the food coloring and extracts, are also gluten-free.
Final Words
Vegetarian royal icing is a fantastic option for anyone looking to avoid eggs while still achieving that stunning, glossy, and smooth finish on their baked goods. Whether you’re decorating cookies for a special occasion, creating intricate designs on cakes, or just having fun with a new baking project, this icing recipe delivers on both flavor and performance. Plus, it’s an easy and affordable way to enjoy the perfect icing without worrying about animal products.
FAQs
What Is Vegetarian Royal Icing?
Vegetarian royal icing is a plant-based alternative to traditional royal icing, typically made without egg whites. Instead of eggs, it uses ingredients like aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or meringue powder made from plant-based ingredients.
Can I Make Royal Icing Without Egg Whites?
Yes, you can make royal icing without egg whites by using alternatives like aquafaba or meringue powder. These ingredients provide the necessary structure and texture that egg whites would usually offer.
What Is Aquafaba, And How Is It Used In Royal Icing?
Aquafaba is the viscous liquid found in canned chickpeas or other legumes. It mimics the properties of egg whites and is commonly used in vegan recipes. In royal icing, it is whipped to create a fluffy texture similar to meringue, providing stability and structure to the icing.
Can I Use Powdered Sugar In Vegetarian Royal Icing?
Yes, powdered sugar is a key ingredient in both traditional and vegetarian royal icing recipes. It helps to achieve the smooth, glossy texture required for royal icing.
Is Meringue Powder Suitable For A Vegetarian Royal Icing Recipe?
Yes, meringue powder is suitable for vegetarian royal icing. It is typically made from dried egg whites, but there are vegan versions available that use plant-based ingredients, making it a suitable option for vegetarians.
How Long Does Vegetarian Royal Icing Take To Set?
Vegetarian royal icing typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to set, depending on the thickness of the icing and the environmental conditions like temperature and humidity.
Can I Use Vegetable Shortening In Vegetarian Royal Icing?
Vegetable shortening is not typically used in royal icing as it affects the texture and firmness. Royal icing relies on the structure provided by either egg whites or substitutes like aquafaba or meringue powder, not fats like shortening.
Can I Use Vegetable Glycerin In My Vegetarian Royal Icing Recipe?
Yes, vegetable glycerin can be used to prevent the royal icing from drying out too quickly. It helps to keep the icing moist, which is particularly useful when decorating cookies or cakes that may take time to dry.
How Do I Color Vegetarian Royal Icing?
You can color vegetarian royal icing with gel food coloring or liquid food coloring. Gel food coloring is preferred as it doesn’t alter the consistency of the icing. Simply add a few drops and mix until you achieve the desired color.
Can Vegetarian Royal Icing Be Stored?
Yes, vegetarian royal icing can be stored. If you have leftover icing, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If the icing hardens, you can re-whip it before use.