How to Make Allergy-Friendly Plant-Based Meringue (That Actually Works!)

recipe of the week Jun 23, 2025

If you’ve been avoiding meringue due to egg allergies or are simply embracing a more plant-based lifestyle, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. It's completely egg-free, dairy-free, and naturally gluten-free – yet still delivers that light, crisp, melt-in-your-mouth magic.

Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself, this allergy-friendly meringue recipe proves that inclusive cooking can still be indulgent and delicious.

💡 Why This Egg-Free Meringue Works

The secret? Aquafaba – the protein-rich liquid from a tin of chickpeas. When whipped, it mimics egg whites to perfection, offering a safe and satisfying alternative for anyone with egg intolerance or allergies.

It’s simple, affordable, and often goes to waste – so this is sustainable eating at its finest.

🍋 Allergy-Friendly Plant-Based Meringue Recipe

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Serves: 6 small meringues or 1 large pavlova
Free from: Eggs, dairy, gluten, nuts

Ingredients

100g aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
1 pinch salt
0.25g lemon juice (plus 0.25ml more for pavlova)
120g caster sugar
5g cornflour (for pavlova only)

Method

Prep your tools: Wipe your mixing bowl with a cut lemon to remove any grease – essential for whipping aquafaba properly.
Whip: Combine aquafaba, salt and lemon juice. Beat until stiff peaks form (around 10 minutes).
Add sugar slowly: One tablespoon at a time, beat in the sugar until glossy and thick.
Optional for pavlova: Add cornflour and extra lemon juice, whisk for 5 more minutes.
Shape & bake: Preheat oven to 90ºC fan / Gas Mark 1. Pipe or spoon onto lined baking tray.
Bake: Bake for 3 hours. Leave in the oven to cool for a crisp finish, or remove for a softer pavlova texture.

🍓 Serving Suggestion: Fresh & Fabulous

Serve your meringues with:

Lightly whipped plant-based cream (we love oat or coconut)
A pinch of vanilla seeds
A touch of icing sugar to taste
Fresh strawberries (or thawed frozen berries)
A garnish of mint leaves from the garden

It’s light, summery, and a gorgeous allergy-friendly dessert for any occasion.

🌱 Plant-Based & Allergy-Conscious

This recipe is ideal if you’re cooking for guests with egg allergies, dairy intolerance, or looking for easy gluten-free dessert ideas. It's also a lovely option for kids with food allergies, making sure no one misses out on a sweet treat.

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