Best Egg Substitutes For Cooking And Baking

Last Updated on August 28, 2023

Egg substitutes are a great option for people who cannot or choose not to consume eggs due to dietary, ethical, or religious reasons.

Finding replacements for eggs in baking and cooking is an ideal solution for those who follow a vegan lifestyle or have egg allergies.

Here we’ve gathered some of the most popular egg substitute ideas for you.

These alternatives to eggs provide versatility, nutrition, and texture to your favorite dishes, whether you follow a plant-based diet or would like to cut eggs from your diet.

11 Best Substitutes for Eggs (Vegan)

If you are looking for an egg substitute for eggs, plant-based substitutes can be a great option.

Some ingredients that are made from plants actually can be used as a sub for eggs in cooking as well as baking.

They come in a variety of forms and are easy to incorporate into meals. Here are some common options that can be used in place of eggs in recipes:

1. Silken Tofu

Tofu, a type of bean curd, is a versatile plant-based protein that can be used in a variety of recipes, from savory to sweet.

Here are some ways to use tofu to replace eggs:

• Scrambled eggs: Mash up silken tofu and season it with turmeric, black salt, and pepper for a delicious and healthy scrambled egg substitute.
• Quiches and frittatas: Swap out eggs for crumbled firm tofu in quiche and frittata recipes. Add vegetables, herbs, and spices for a flavorful dish.
• Baking: Use soft or silken tofu to add moisture and binding properties to baked goods. Replace one large egg with 1/4 cup of blended tofu.

Tofu is also an excellent source of protein, calcium, and iron, making it a healthy and tasty egg alternative for a plant-based diet.

2. Aquafaba (from Chickpeas)

Aquafaba is the latest trend in the culinary world, consisting of the liquid leftover from cooked chickpeas that substitutes for eggs in cooking and baking.

Here are some of its benefits and uses:

Benefits:

• Aquafaba is vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories and fat.
• It is an excellent egg replacer in recipes such as meringues, cakes, and mayonnaise, where eggs are used for their binding, whipping, and emulsifying properties.

Uses:

• Meringues and Pavlovas: Aquafaba can be used as to substitute for egg whites. It can be whipped into a fluffy and stable foam that can be used as a base for meringues and pavlovas. These desserts are typically made with egg whites.
• Cakes and cookies: Use aquafaba to replace eggs in cakes and cookies, adding moisture and binding the ingredients together.
• Mayonnaise and other emulsions: It can be used as an emulsifying agent in salad dressings, aioli, and other sauces to stabilize the mixture and prevent separation.

Note: Use unsalted canned chickpeas and drain the liquid into a mixing bowl for outstanding results.

3. Chia Seeds

Chia eggs, made from chia seeds, are an excellent plant-based egg alternative for recipes such as baked goods, pancakes, and waffles that call for eggs.

Here’s how to use chia seeds as an egg substitute:

Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. This mixture replaces one egg in a recipe.

Chia seeds provide a rich source of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a nutritious option for vegan and vegetarian diets. 

4. Flax Eggs (Flaxseeds) 

Flax eggs, made from ground flax seeds and water, to replace eggs in baking.

To make flax eggs, you simply use 3 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds, whisk together, and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens to an egg-like consistency.

To use flax eggs in a recipe, replace 1 egg with 1 flax egg. 

Flax eggs work particularly well in recipes that require binding, like vegan blueberry muffins, cookies, or pancakes.

They may not work as well in recipes that require rising, like cakes or soufflés.

It’s important to note that flax eggs don’t have the same binding properties as eggs and may affect the texture or taste of the finished product.

So, experiment with your recipes to see what works for you. For baking, flax eggs are a great egg substitute.

5. Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot powder is a good alternative to eggs as it acts as a binder but also adds moisture to the finished product.

To use arrowroot instead of eggs, you need to mix one tablespoon of arrowroot in two tablespoons of water until it becomes a smooth and homogeneous paste. 

This mixture is equivalent to one egg and you can use it in most recipes that require eggs such as pancakes, muffins, cakes, and cookies.

Always remember to whisk the arrowroot powder paste well right before using it, otherwise, it may clump in your recipe. 

6. Vinegar and Baking Soda

Baking powder and vinegar can be used together as an egg substitute in baking recipes.

This combination creates a chemical reaction that will help your baked goods rise and give them the texture that eggs normally provide.

Here’s how to use it:

For every egg required in the recipe, mix 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl.

The mixture will foam up immediately like a whipped egg.

To maintain the right consistency, adjust the water quantity based on the recipe requirements.

Note – While baking, the mixture should always be used immediately as it can lose its leavening power within minutes of preparation.

Also, keep in mind that the ratio for this mixture may not be 1:1 for all recipes, so be sure to check specific measurements before using.

7. Baking Powder and Oil Mixture

Baking powder and oil mixtures sometimes create egg effects. Here’s how to make it:

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking powder and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a small bowl until well combined.

Use this mixture to replace one egg in your baking recipe.

The baking powder in the mixture acts as a leavening agent. The oil adds some of the fat and moisture eggs provide to baked goods.

This method works best in recipes like quick breads as it helps to retain the texture and moisture of the baked goods.

Fruit and Vegetable Replace Eggs (Perfect for Baking)

Do you know you can use fruit and vegetable puree to replace eggs?

We will look in-depth at which fruits and vegetables are the best egg substitutes for many recipes, how to use them, and the potential benefits.

8. Applesauce 

Applesauce is a healthy and delicious substitute for eggs in dessert recipes. Here’s how to use it:

Replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.

If the recipe calls for baking powder, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon to help the baked goods rise.

If your recipe requires both eggs and oil, you can also use 1/4 cup of applesauce and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil to replace the two eggs.

Additionally, it adds moisture and sweetness to baked goods. 

9. Mashed Banana 

Bananas are a versatile ingredient that can be used as a fruit and vegetable puree and an egg substitute such as vegan brownies and vegan banana bread.

It’s my favorite egg sub and works especially well for baking. Here are some ways to use bananas as eggs:

• Mashed Banana: Use 1/4 cup of mashed ripe banana to replace one egg in sweet baking recipes.
• Banana Puree: Puree one ripe banana in a blender and use it to replace one egg in vegan recipes.
• Banana and Baking Powder: Mix 1/2 purred banana with 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder to replace one egg in vegan baking.

Another benefit of baking with bananas is that it adds moisture, texture, and flavor to the recipe.

It’s also a healthier option as it’s low in calories and high in essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.

Plus, always use ripe bananas with brown spots to get the best results as they are sweeter and easier to mash.

10. Avocado

Avocado is a versatile fruit that can be used as a vegetable puree and egg replacer in various recipes. 

For baking recipes, use 1/4 cup of mashed avocado to replace one egg.

Keep in mind that using ripe avocados as a substitute may change the color and texture of the final product.

However, it adds creaminess, healthy fats, and fiber to your recipe.

11. Commercial Egg Replacers

There are several commercial egg replacers available for those looking for an egg-free alternative to cooking.

This includes products like JUST egg, vegetable gums, Ener-G Egg Replacer, Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer, and Follow Your Heart Vegan Egg.

Each of these products has its own advantages, and they can be used to achieve various textures and flavors in baking recipes.

How to Choose The Right Egg Substitutes For Cooking

Tips for using egg replacements in your recipes

Here are some tips to remember while using egg substitutes in your recipes.

Hope this article helps.

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