Research Article

POTENTIAL OF USING PULSES FLOURS AND AQUAFABA IN GLUTEN-FREE AND VEGAN CAKES

Volume: 29 Number: 1 March 3, 2026
TR EN

POTENTIAL OF USING PULSES FLOURS AND AQUAFABA IN GLUTEN-FREE AND VEGAN CAKES

Abstract

Aquafaba, the viscous liquid obtained from cooking legumes, has gained popularity as a vegan egg substitute due to its foaming and moisture-retention properties. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of chickpea and lentil aquafaba, along with their respective flours, as egg and wheat-flour substitutes in gluten-free, vegan cakes. The foaming capacity of egg white, chickpea aquafaba, and lentil aquafaba was determined as 666.67%, 133.33%, and 116.67%, respectively, indicating superior foaming performance of chickpea aquafaba compared to lentil aquafaba. Physicochemical analyses revealed that cakes prepared with chickpea aquafaba had significantly higher moisture content (31.39–30.92%) and lower hardness than lentil-based formulations (p < 0.05). Lentil flour incorporation resulted in increased gumminess and lower overall sensory acceptability scores (2.71) compared to chickpea-based cakes and the control group (>3.50). Chickpea aquafaba and chickpea flour demonstrated sensory and textural attributes comparable to the control group, with no significant differences in texture perception (p > 0.05). The darker colours and unique texture associated with legume-based flours, particularly lentil flour, were linked to Maillard and caramelization reactions during baking. These results indicate that chickpea aquafaba and chickpea flour can successfully replicate the functional and sensory properties of traditional ingredients, providing a sustainable solution for gluten-free and vegan cake production.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research project was financially supported by the Cappadocia University Scientific Research Projects Unit under project number KÜN.2024-BAGP-010.

Project Number

KÜN.2024-BAGP-010

Ethical Statement

No ethics committee approval was required for this study.

Thanks

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Cappadocia University Scientific Research Projects Unit for the financial support under project number KÜN.2024-BAGP-010.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Food Engineering

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

March 3, 2026

Submission Date

September 9, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 17, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 29 Number: 1

APA
Sarı Gençağ, B., Demir Özer, E., Özer, C. O., & Kütahneci, E. (2026). POTENTIAL OF USING PULSES FLOURS AND AQUAFABA IN GLUTEN-FREE AND VEGAN CAKES. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 29(1), 159-170. https://doi.org/10.17780/ksujes.1780561