There are a lot of reasons to go vegan, from the health and environmental benefits to the ethical considerations. But for many people, the biggest barrier is giving up eggs.
Chicken eggs are a staple protein source, and they are also an essential ingredient in baking. For these reasons, it can be hard to find a good vegan replacement at first. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best egg substitutes for baking, as well as some tips and tricks for using them.
Why Eggs Are Such A Staple In Baking
Eggs are just one of the many staples in baking. Eggs not just provide protein, but also act as a binder and emulsifier for other ingredients such as fats and water. This explains why eggs are such a staple ingredient in baking because they help create the perfect textures most bakes need.
Eggs work well with fat-based doughs like cakes or biscuits since they help hold everything together while providing moisture to keep the baked good moist. Eggs act as a binder by trapping pockets of air to help things rise.
When baked eggs form protein chains just like other substances. They’re also a source of Vitamin D just like milk is, and they help baked goods rise like yeast or other leavening agents do.
The Best Egg Substitutes For Baking
Luckily, there are plenty of egg substitutes to choose from depending on your needs and preferences. Eggs can be replaced with a few different ingredients to make vegan baking possible by using a simple substitution method.
There are lots of different options you can choose from when it comes to egg substitutes. Here are just a few examples.
- Flaxseeds and chia seeds: You can mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water to replace 1 egg. The best part is that these ingredients are just as nutrient-dense as eggs, so a flax egg is a great way to give your baked goods an extra health boost all while staying vegan.
- Applesauce: It may sound strange, but unsweetened applesauce is just as good as eggs in baked goods. It adds moisture just like eggs do, so you can use 1/4 cup of applesauce to replace one egg to keep your recipes vegan.
- Bananas: While not the best recipe choice for things like cookies or brownies, bananas can be a great replacement for eggs in cake baking recipes. Try using 1/4 cup mashed banana per egg in your recipe. This method works especially well with vegan carrot cake.
- Silken tofu: Silken tofu is just like the regular kind except it has a creamy and smooth texture perfect for making vegan desserts. Do be careful not to use too much because the tofu flavor will come through.
- Vegan cheese: Cheese is just made from milk, so it makes sense that there are cheeses for vegans. Vegan cheeses are usually made from soy beans, nuts, or vegetable oils and are best used when making sweet desserts like vegan cheesecakes.
BONUS TIP
Some ingredients may not work for particular allergies or dietary restrictions. Always make sure to check the labels of whatever foods you buy.
Tips And Tricks For Using The Different Types Of Egg Replacements
When it comes to baking, there are many different types of egg replacements that you can use. Here are a few tips for using some of the most common replacements:
- For recipes that call for one egg, you can use Just Egg. Just Egg is an egg replacer made from mung beans that can be used in egg-focused recipes like scrambled eggs or frittatas.
- If a recipe needs more than one egg, it might be better to use a different vegan egg substitute. Flaxseed meal and chia seeds work best in flour-based recipes like pancakes.
- If you’re looking for an omelet or scrambled eggs, you can use an egg replacement made from tofu or chickpeas. These replacements give dishes a fluffy or chewy texture.
- For cookies, cakes, cupcakes, or other sweet treats, you can use most vegan substitutes. Use Just Egg if you want a more dense baked good. Or, if you are looking for something that’s lighter and fluffier but still contains no animal products, a flaxseed meal or chia might be more suitable.
Experiment With Egg Alternatives To Perfect Your Baking
Plant-based eggs like Just Egg are one of the many egg substitutes available to those starting their vegan journey. There are plenty of other plant-based options that can be used as a substitute for eggs when baking, including bananas and applesauce. If you’re in the early days of your vegan exploration, it can be helpful to explore some other alternatives such as flaxseed or chia seeds which also work well in baked goods.