Looking for an egg substitute in a pinch? Don’t fear, we’ve collected the best egg replacements you can find in your home right now!
Eggs are considered a crucial part of many recipes, and while they are packed with protein, there are a multitude of other options available to you. Read on for my top 12 favorite egg alternatives.
The Purpose of Eggs in Baking
Eggs are one of the most popular ingredients in baking for several reasons. These include:
- Binding – Eggs aid in holding baked goods together, which is necessary to avoid crumbly sweets.
- Leavening – In many recipes, ideal volume and texture is gained from eggs.
- Moisture – Egg whites are high in water content, and provide much needed moisture to some goods.
- Emulsify – The fat found in egg yolks allow ingredients to mix that usually would not (think oil and water).
Why Replace Eggs in Baking
People choose to use substitutes for eggs for many different reasons. Popular motivations are:
- Vegan lifestyle – Vegans abstain from eating any animals or their products, but should still be able to enjoy the pleasures of egg recipes.
- Out of eggs – If you’re like me, you get excited and sometimes dive into making recipes before checking for the ingredients. Nobody wants to go to the store mid-recipe!
- Allergic to eggs – People who have an allergy or intolerance to eggs have no choice but to use egg substitutes.
Whatever your reason, we have 12 spectacular substitutes lined up for you.
The Best Egg Substitutes
1. Mashed Banana
This is my personal favorite for desserts, since the sweetness and fluffiness of the banana adds to the dish. Use one medium, mashed banana for each egg needed.
2. Flaxseed “Egg”
A flax “egg” is made of 1 tbsp of flaxseed meal and 2.5 tbsp of water. It is important to let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, so the mixture can thicken and you get a more accurate egg substitute.
3. Applesauce
Perhaps the most common replacement, applesauce is a quick, easy alternative for egg. Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg.
4. Aquafaba
Aquafaba is the leftover liquid drained from chickpeas or other legumes. It works best as a substitute for egg whites, which some recipes (like meringue) call specifically for.
Aquafaba is the only replacement on the list that will do the job of egg whites. Use 3 tbsp of aquafaba per egg white.
5. Mashed Avocado
The creamy texture of avocado, combined with the high fat content, makes it a wondrous egg substitute. Use ¼ cup of mashed avocado for each egg.
6. Silken Tofu
Tofu is made up of soybeans and water, and because of the high water content in silken tofu, it works splendidly. Use ¼ cup of blended or mashed silken tofu for each egg.
7. Pureed Pumpkin
While pumpkin can do just as good of a job as the others on the list, it is important to note that the flavor will come through for many desserts. Because of this, I like to use it in the fall to enhance my baked goods.
Use ¼ cup of pumpkin puree for each egg.
8. Buttermilk
Even though buttermilk is not an option for vegans, it makes a great egg substitute for those who choose to use it.
It perfectly simulates the moisture, binding, and leavening qualities egg contains. Use ¼ cup of buttermilk for each egg.
9. Yogurt
Again, yogurt is not a vegan or dairy-free alternative, but it does a fabulous job. Use ¼ cup of unflavored yogurt for each egg.
10. Chia seeds
Similar to flax seeds, chia and water can be used to make a great egg replacement that is high in fiber and fatty acids.
Use 1 tbsp of chia seeds and 2.5 tbsp of water, and don’t forget to let it sit for 5 minutes!
11. Almond butter
Just like pumpkin, the flavor of almond butter might come through in your recipes. So, it is best used for baked goods that the flavor would go well with.
Use 3 tbsp of almond (or other nut) butter for each egg.
12. Olive Oil
Olive oil is best used as a replacement in cooking, rather than baking. It is the best substitute for eggs in meatloaf.
Use 1 tbsp of olive oil for every two eggs, but be sure to watch the dish closely, as too much will have an adverse effect.
12 BEST Egg Substitutes
Need an egg substitute because you're out of eggs or have a dietary reason not to use them? No worries!
This list of egg alternatives have something suitable for every need.
Ingredients
- Mashed banana
- Flaxseed "egg"
- Applesauce
- Aquafaba
- Mashed avocado
- Silken tofu
- Pureed pumpkin
- Buttermilk
- Yogurt
- Chia seeds
- Almond butter
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Choose an egg substitute that best meets your needs.
- Replace the eggs in your recipe using the amounts given in the post.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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Are eggs important for bread making?
Depends on the recipe!