Aquafaba pavlova recipe

This aquafaba pavlova can be topped with your favourite seasonal fruits and drizzled with maple syrup for the ultimate vegan dessert. 

If you thought being plant-based meant you’d have to miss out on meringue, you were wrong! This simple recipe is a real show-stopper and the kids will have lots of fun decorating it. Once you’ve baked the meringue, you could set up some topping stations and let them take control. We’ve used a dairy-free whippable cream but in warmer months, spoonfuls of ice cream would make an excellent accompaniment.

Ingredients

• 400g tin chickpeas or 150ml (5fl oz) aquafaba
• 225g (8oz) caster sugar
• 1tbsp cornflour
• 1tsp vanilla bean paste

For the topping:

• 125ml (4oz) Oatly! Whippable Creamy Oat
• 125ml (4oz) Oatly! Whippable Vanilla Custard
• 5 plums, cut into wedges
• 4 figs, quartered
• 100g (31⁄2oz) cherries
• 2 passion fruit
• 20g (3⁄4oz) pistachios, finely chopped

Method 

1. Drain the chickpea water into a bowl and chill for 20 mins, keeping the chickpeas to be used another time. Heat the oven to 130C (110C fan, Gas 3⁄4).
2. Transfer the chickpea water to a stand mixer (or use a mixing bowl with an electric whisk), and whisk for 5 mins to soft peaks, then add the sugar, 1tbsp at a time, whisking until thick and glossy and the sugar has dissolved (about 15 mins). Fold in the cornflour and vanilla bean paste.
3. Spoon into an 18cm (7in) round on a lined baking tray; allow space for spreading. Bake for 2 hrs, turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool for 1 hr 30 mins more.
4. For the topping, whip the Creamy Oat and Custard until thick. Spoon onto the meringue. Mix the fruits with the passion-fruit pulp and arrange on top. Scatter over the pistachios and drizzle with the passion fruit.

Top tips for making an aquafaba pavlova

If you’re using the liquid from a can of chickpeas, use the chickpeas to whizz up a creamy hummus. You can serve it with carrots or toasted pitta or spread it into sandwiches. Alternatively, why not make Joe Wicks vegan chickpea curry? Continue reading for more tips when it comes to making this pavlova.

Jessica Ransom

“If you find the prospect of baking a big pavlova a little daunting to decorate, make mini meringues and let everyone decorate their own dessert. This is a nice activity to do with the kids and is a great stress-free option if you’re hosting a party.”

For this recipe you’ll need an electric hand whisk like this one from Kenwood. 

KENWOOD Handmix Lite Hand Mixer Silver - View at Currys

We like this hand mixer from Kenwood because it comes with two attachments. One will help you whisk the aquafaba in this recipe or cream and eggs in the future. The other set can knead bread!

For more tips on how to make meringue, read our expert guide. Then you can whip up this Maltesers pavlova like a pro, or for something fruity try this peach and passionfruit pavlova instead.