Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that is loved by many, but not everyone can enjoy it due to dietary restrictions or preferences. For vegans and those with gluten sensitivities, a traditional tiramisu is often off-limits. But with this vegan sponge recipe, you can have a delicious and healthy alternative to the classic dessert. (Also see Vegan Gluten-Free Tiramisu for a complete recipe. This sponge is also an alternative to Vegan Ladyfingers which are commonly used in Tiramisu for the base)

The traditional sponge used in tiramisu is made with eggs and flour, but this vegan sponge recipe replaces those ingredients with aquafaba and gluten-free flour. Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas, and it can be whipped into a stiff meringue-like consistency, making it an excellent egg substitute in many vegan recipes. By using gluten-free flour, this recipe is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities and eliminates the risk of any gluten-related health issues.

(For some other Vegan Tiramisu recipes or ideas, see:
- Vegan Tiramisu Recipes
- Easy Vegan Tiramisu
- Best Vegan Tiramisu
- Vegan Tiramisu with Coconut Cream
- Vegan Tiramisu Cashew)
To make this vegan sponge, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk the aquafaba and sugar together until stiff peaks form, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Then, add in the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Bake the sponge for 20-25 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the sponge to cool completely in the baking dish.
Once the sponge is cool, you can use it as the base for your tiramisu. Simply cut it into squares and layer it with your favorite vegan tiramisu filling, such as a mixture of coconut cream and cocoa powder. The sponge should be light and airy, with a delicate sweetness from the sugar, and provide a perfect base for your tiramisu.
In addition to being suitable for those who follow a vegan diet, this recipe is also a healthier alternative to traditional sponge. The use of aquafaba instead of eggs in this recipe provides a nutritious and natural alternative, while the use of gluten-free flour blend means that it is also suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Making your own sponge at home is also a great way to customize the flavor and sweetness of your tiramisu. For example, you can add different spices or extracts, such as cinnamon or almond extract, to the batter to add extra flavor. You can also experiment with different sweeteners, such as agave nectar or coconut sugar, in place of sugar.
Overall, this vegan sponge for tiramisu recipe is a light and fluffy alternative that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or have gluten sensitivities, this recipe is easy to make and offers a delicious base for your tiramisu dessert.

Vegan Sponge for Tiramisu
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup aquafaba liquid from a can of chickpeas
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- To start, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk the aquafaba and sugar together until stiff peaks form, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Then, add in the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake the sponge for 20-25 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the sponge to cool completely in the baking dish.
Notes
In conclusion, this vegan sponge for tiramisu recipe is a light and fluffy alternative that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or have gluten sensitivities, this recipe is easy to make and offers a delicious base for your tiramisu dessert.
Lance has been passionate about the plant-based diet and we have been following a whole food plant-based diet for over 5 years. We focus on health, natural healing, weight management, animal rights, and the health of the planet and environment by focusing on whole plant-based foods and sustainable practices.
Learn more at the About Me page and follow on social media at the links below.