This icing recipe has reinvented the way I bake. Before using chickpea water as a replacement for egg white or even meringue powder, I was hesitant to believe that I could work with it successfully. I’ve since learned that vegan baking, in general, is not as difficult as it may seem and this particular recipe has been the one I use for every single cookie decorating class. Watch my Youtube tutorial on how i make this!

* Disclaimer* Chickpea brine has a very pungent smell once you open the can to extract the liquid from the can. This smell goes away once you begin mixing the icing and then is gone completely once you add vanilla.

Tools Needed: Stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand-mixer, spatula, & bowl.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup OR 4 fl oz strained canned chickpeas brine

• 4 1/2-5 cups powdered sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 3 drops white food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Open a can of chickpeas, drain and strain the brine into a separate bowl. Save this brine for the recipe.

2. Measure 1/2 cup of brine into the mixer with the powdered sugar. Add the vanilla and salt.

3. Using a paddle attachment, turn the mixer on low to combine the ingredients.

4. Once combined, increase speed to medium-low and continue beating for a few minutes until thick like toothpaste.

5. Scrape the side of the bowl, add the white food coloring and continue mixing for a few seconds.

6. To thin icing to a “flooding consistency”, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it is at the desired consistency.

7. Place icing in a container fitted with plastic wrap over the icing and a lid and store in fridge for up to 5 days.

Helpful tips

1. To learn more about “flooding consistency” and other icing consistencies for Royal Icing, refer to this handy guide from Semi Sweet Mike https://www.semisweetdesigns.com/blog/illustrated-guide-royal-icing-consistencies

2. Royal icing is best used the day that you need it but can also be placed in the freezer or fridge to preserve it’s life.

3. If the icing appears separated, often times you can mix it with a spatula back to life or massage the icing bag to incorporate it together.

4. Chefmaster food coloring is my choice for coloring icing and can be found on Amazon.