Creating delicious plant-based baked goods can be a delightful and rewarding experience. To achieve great results in vegan baking, here are three secrets to keep in mind:
With the holidays upon us, crafting plant-based baked goods can be a delightful and rewarding experience. To achieve great results in vegan baking, here are three secrets to keep in mind:
High-Quality Ingredients
- Use plant-based substitutes: Replace animal-based ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter with plant-based alternatives. Common substitutes include:
- For eggs: Applesauce, mashed bananas, flax or chia seed gel, silken tofu, or commercial egg replacers.
- For milk: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
- For butter: Vegan margarine, coconut oil, or vegetable shortening.
- Choose quality flours: Use high-quality, unbleached all-purpose flour, or experiment with specialty flours like almond flour, coconut flour, or whole wheat pastry flour.
- Natural sweeteners: Opt for natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar when possible.
Proper Leavening and Binding
- Baking powder and soda: Pay attention to the leavening agents, as some commercial versions may contain additives like aluminium. Choose aluminium-free baking powder for better results.
- Binding agents: Utilise ingredients that provide moisture and binding, such as mashed bananas, applesauce, or silken tofu. These help mimic the structure that eggs provide in traditional baking.
- Xanthan gum or psyllium husk: For recipes that require gluten development and structure (like bread or pizza dough), consider using xanthan gum or psyllium husk to enhance texture.
Flavour and Texture Enhancements
- Flavourings: Boost the taste of your vegan baked goods with vanilla extract, almond extract, citrus zest, or spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
- Fats: Experiment with different plant-based fats for varied textures. For example, coconut oil adds richness and a coconut flavour, while applesauce can make baked goods moist.
- Aquafaba: The liquid from a can of chickpeas (aquafaba) can be whipped into a meringue-like foam and used in recipes like vegan meringues and macarons.
- Vegan chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruits: Incorporate these add-ins for extra flavour, texture, and visual appeal in cookies, muffins, and bread.
Additionally, always read and follow the specific instructions in your vegan baking recipes carefully. Plant-based baking can be slightly different from traditional baking, so understanding the science behind the substitutions and techniques is essential. Don't be afraid to experiment and adapt recipes to your preferences, and remember that practice makes perfect in the world of vegan baking.