Vegan Whipped Cream

Name: Vegan Whipped Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup of aquafaba (from 19 oz can of chickpeas); 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (icing sugar)*; Pinch or two of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon or so of orange zest (optional)

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This Vegan Whipped Cream recipe is ultra-fluffy, light, and coconut free! It’s easy to make using aquafaba and whips up in about 10 minutes. Perfect for holidays, special events, or whenever you want to turn vegan desserts into irresistible treats!

vegan whipped cream ready to serve in a mixing bowl

You may have thought that making vegan whipped cream without coconut would be impossible. This aquafaba whipped cream proves otherwise! It’s a creamy, light, and fluffy topping you’ll love on vegan angel food cake, pudding, hot chocolate, pumpkin pie, and more.

Making vegan whipped cream with aquafaba is so much easier than with coconut milk. Simply pour the aquafaba into the bowl and whip! There’s almost no prep or wait time.

A standing mixer or handheld mixer will give your elbow a break when making this recipe. Just like meringue, aquafaba can take up to 10 minutes to whip into stiff and sturdy peaks. Save yourself the trouble and invest in an electric mixer!

This sweetened, fluffy whipped cream is a must-have in any vegan home baker's repertoire. The well-balanced and creamy flavors. Use it during the holidays, on all kinds of vegan desserts, or as a topping on smoothies and coffee drinks year-round!

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What is aquafaba?
What is aquafaba whipped cream made of?
How to make vegan whipped cream
Serving suggestions
Frequently asked questions
To store the vegan whipped cream
Looking for more vegan dessert staples?
Vegan Whipped Cream

What is aquafaba?

Aquafaba is another name for the liquid or brine in a can of chickpeas. This “bean juice”, when whipped, becomes an airy mixture that’s almost the same as real meringue. The flavor isn’t very appetizing on its own but when it’s whipped with sugar and vanilla, the aquafaba whip is just as delicious as traditional whipped cream.

What is aquafaba whipped cream made of?

Aquafaba - Most vegan whipped cream recipes are made with whipped coconut milk but this recipe uses the brine from a can of chickpeas (AKA aquafaba). Strain the chickpeas over a bowl to collect the aquafaba. You can either do this right before making the whipped cream or days ahead of time. Just bottle the aquafaba and store it in the fridge for later.
Cream of tartar - This is what helps stabilize the whipped cream. Cream of tartar isn’t always necessary but can speed up the whipping process. Lemon juice should work as an easy substitute.
Vanilla extract - For flavor and balance. Feel free to experiment with different flavored extracts (like lemon extract or almond extract) when you want the whipped cream to match the dessert you’re serving it with.
Powdered sugar - AKA icing sugar. Granulated white sugar could work as a substitute but it may not dissolve as well.

Pro tip: I like to add a pinch or two of cinnamon and orange zest for extra flavor. Feel free to do the same!

aquafaba in a bowl being whipped into cream with electric hand mixer

How to make vegan whipped cream

This aquafaba whipped cream recipe makes about 4 cups of whipped cream. Turn to it during the holidays or whenever your vegan desserts could use a little extra sweetness. Here’s how you make it:

Strain the chickpeas: Place the chickpeas in a mesh strainer over a bowl to drain the aquafaba. You should end up with about 1 cup of aquafaba. Store the chickpeas for later or use them up in a quinoa salad or homemade hummus.
Whip: Pour the aquafaba into the bowl of a stand mixer along with the cream of tartar. Whip until soft peaks form.
Add the flavor: Add the vanilla and sugar now. Whip again until stiff peaks form and the whipped cream is fluffy and cloud-like. Use the finished whipped cream on all of your favorite vegan desserts and enjoy! For full ingredients and instructions see printable recipe card below.

step by step photos how to make vegan whipped cream

vegan whipped cream in a bowl with a spatula

Serving suggestions

Use your vegan whipped cream on all kinds of delicious treats! These are just a few ways to use it:

On vegan angel food cake.
As a delectable dip for strawberries or fruit.
On pumpkin pie or apple pie.
Add a dollop to a mug of vegan hot chocolate.
Make your coffee treats more fun with whipped cream on top.
With cheesecake.
On a brownie.

And so much more!

Frequently asked questions

What does aquafaba taste like?

This “bean water” tastes pretty much how you would expect… like beans. That flavor, however, is well hidden when it’s whipped with sugar and vanilla, meaning your whipped cream will not taste like beans in the end.

Can I use aquafaba from cooked chickpeas instead?

If you prefer to cook dried chickpeas instead, save the cooking water from the batch and use it in this recipe instead.

Why isn’t my aquafaba whipping into stiff peaks?

Just keep whipping! Aquafaba can take up to 10 minutes to form stiff peaks with an electric mixer. Cream of tartar will speed up the process.

To store the vegan whipped cream

I recommend using the aquafaba whip as soon as it’s ready. You can pop it in the fridge for a few hours if you don’t need it right away, but any longer and it will start to deflate.

If you really need to save time, try freezing the whipped cream. The texture will be thicker and creamier when it comes out of the freezer similar to frozen Cool Whip topping. Perfect for dipping strawberries or serving on top of a warm slice of pie! So delicious!

Looking for more vegan dessert staples?

Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

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