If you’ve ever thought royal icing was off-limits for vegans, think again! This Vegan Royal Icing Recipe is a game-changer that beautifully mimics traditional royal icing’s glossy, smooth perfection without any eggs. Using aquafaba as the secret ingredient, it whips up into a luscious, pipeable delight perfect for decorating cookies, cupcakes, or any sweet treat that deserves that classic, elegant touch. The best part? It’s incredibly simple yet versatile, letting you customize colors and flavors with ease. Get ready to create stunning vegan-friendly sugary masterpieces that will wow everyone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in getting that perfect texture, shine, and taste in the Vegan Royal Icing Recipe. From aquafaba’s magic foaminess to the tang of fresh lemon juice, it all comes together beautifully.
- Aquafaba (60 g): This is the liquid from canned chickpeas, which whips up just like egg whites for that airy consistency.
- Powdered sugar (400 g): Use organic if you’re in the US to keep it pure; it’s the sweet base that gives the icing structure and sweetness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and a subtle zing to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Optional natural colors and flavors: Think beetroot powder for pinks or vanilla extract for a cozy twist—get creative but keep it natural!
How to Make Vegan Royal Icing Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Aquafaba
Kick things off by whisking the aquafaba in a mixing bowl or stand mixer using the whisk attachment. You want to keep at it for about 2 minutes until it becomes light and foamy, almost like a soft meringue. This step is essential—without that frothy texture, the entire icing won’t hold its characteristic structure.
Step 2: Incorporate Powdered Sugar Gradually
Sift the powdered sugar in four gentle increments, whisking after each addition. This slow introduction helps keep the mixture smooth and prevents lumps from forming, leading to that signature glossy, thick consistency we love in royal icing. This process also builds volume and strength in the icing.
Step 3: Add the Lemon Juice
Now add the tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and whisk it all together. The lemon juice doesn’t just add flavor but also helps the icing set with that slight tang that cuts through the sweetness brilliantly. Your Vegan Royal Icing Recipe is really starting to come together!
Step 4: Adjust the Consistency
Depending on what you’re decorating, you might want thicker icing that holds shape perfectly for outlining cookies or thinner icing to flood surfaces smoothly. If you desire a runnier glaze, simply add a touch more aquafaba or liquid colors—but remember, thinner icing takes longer to dry.
Step 5: Coloring and Flavoring
Divide your icing into bowls to add any natural colors or flavors. This step lets you personalize your creations. Just keep in mind, powdered colors might require you to add a bit of liquid to keep the consistency just right.
Step 6: Pipe and Decorate
Transfer the icing into piping bags and snip the tip to match the line thickness you need. Outline your cookies first with the thicker consistency and allow that to dry for about an hour before flooding the centers with your chosen colors. Patience here pays off—the result is clean, professional-looking decorations that will make you proud!
Step 7: Store Properly Until Use
If you aren’t decorating immediately, keep the piping bag sealed tightly and store it in the fridge. The icing will stay beautifully smooth and pipeable for up to two weeks, as long as it’s protected from air exposure which causes hardening.
How to Serve Vegan Royal Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Once your Vegan Royal Icing Recipe is set, it lends itself perfectly to decorating with edible sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder. These simple garnishes elevate the look and flavor profile of your treats without overwhelming the delicate icing’s beautiful sheen.
Side Dishes
This icing is a star companion to soft, buttery cookies, vegan cupcakes, or even moist fruitcakes. Consider pairing your beautifully iced creations with a warm cup of plant-based milk latte or a refreshing herbal tea to balance sweetness and create a delightful dessert moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Why stop at cookies? Use this Vegan Royal Icing Recipe to decorate vegan gingerbread houses, top off birthday cakes with intricate floral designs, or even drizzle it over fruit tarts for an unexpected finishing touch. You can let your imagination run wild while knowing your icing will hold up beautifully and taste divine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover icing, no worries! Keep it in an airtight container or a sealed piping bag in the fridge. It will maintain its pipeable texture for up to two weeks, perfect for those last-minute decorating sessions or touch-ups.
Freezing
Freezing royal icing isn’t ideal because the texture can suffer once thawed. Instead, prepare fresh batches as needed for the best fluff and spread, especially when you want that flawless finish that this Vegan Royal Icing Recipe offers.
Reheating
If your icing becomes too thick after refrigeration, simply whisk in a hint of aquafaba or lemon juice to loosen it up gently. Always tweak slowly to avoid making it too runny. This easy adjustment brings it right back to perfect piping consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of aquafaba?
Absolutely! While canned chickpea aquafaba is most common due to its reliable consistency, homemade chickpea water works too—just make sure it’s well strained and unsalted for the best results.
How long does the vegan icing take to dry?
Drying time depends on thickness and humidity but expect about 1–2 hours for outlines to set and up to several hours or overnight for fully flooded designs to feel dry to the touch.
Can I add artificial food coloring?
You can, but natural colors are recommended to keep this recipe truly vegan and wholesome. Natural powders and juices offer vibrant hues without harsh chemicals.
Is lemon juice necessary? Can I use something else?
Lemon juice helps with flavor and setting. You can substitute with orange juice or another light citrus juice, but avoid heavy liquids that might alter the icing’s firmness.
What’s the best sugar to use?
Powdered sugar is key for smooth texture; organic versions are best if concerned about strict vegan standards since some sugars aren’t processed without bone char.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a go-to Vegan Royal Icing Recipe that is simple, reliable, and opens the door to countless creative decorating projects, this is it. The balance of sweetness, texture, and ease makes it a kitchen must-have for any vegan baker. Grab your aquafaba, powdered sugar, and lemon juice, and dive into crafting gorgeous, delicious icing that everyone will adore!
Print
Vegan Royal Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan royal icing recipe is a perfect plant-based alternative to traditional royal icing, made with aquafaba instead of eggs. It creates a thick, glossy, and versatile icing ideal for outlining and flooding cookies, cupcakes, and other baked treats. Easy to make, it whips up in minutes and can be colored and flavored naturally for customized decoration.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 60 g aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas)
- 400 g powdered sugar (confectioner’s/icing sugar, organic preferred if US-based)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or orange juice
- Optional natural colors and flavors (such as powdered colors or natural extracts)
Instructions
- Prepare Aquafaba: Whisk the aquafaba in a mixing bowl or stand mixer with a whisk attachment until it becomes foamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar in four increments into the aquafaba, whisking well between each addition until you achieve a glossy, thick mixture.
- Incorporate Lemon Juice: Whisk in the lemon or orange juice to the mixture to balance sweetness and help with setting.
- Adjust Consistency: For outlining cookies, keep the icing thick so it holds its shape. To flood cookies, thin the icing with additional aquafaba or liquid colors to a runnier consistency as needed. Thicker icing can be achieved by adding more powdered sugar.
- Add Colors and Flavors: Divide the icing into separate bowls and incorporate desired natural colors or extracts. Adjust liquid amounts if using powdered colors to maintain consistency.
- Decorate Cookies: Transfer icing to piping bags, snipping the tip to the preferred size depending on line thickness. Pipe outlines first, allow to dry for an hour, then flood inside outlines if desired. Let decorated cookies dry for several hours until icing is firm and dry to the touch before serving.
- Store Icing: Keep unused icing in a sealed piping bag refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. The icing remains liquid unless exposed to air, which causes it to dry and harden.
Notes
- This recipe yields a thick royal icing perfect for outlining cookies; adjust thickness by adding powdered sugar or thinning with aquafaba/liquid color.
- When using powdered colors, add extra liquid to maintain appropriate icing consistency.
- Runnier icing will take significantly longer to dry.
- Do not expose icing to air when storing to prevent hardening.
- Aquafaba is the key vegan substitute for egg whites, providing structure and sheen.
- Use organic powdered sugar if available for best quality and purity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Decoration
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
