7 Egg Substitutes in Recipes (2024)

Written by: Nature's Path Posted under , Nature's Path on

Historically, eggs have been seen as absolute must-haves in the kitchen. They can indeed be huge assets in cooking and baking as they help thicken, bind and volumize, and they help with texture, moisture and strength. But these are the days of finding plant-based and vegan alternatives in the kitchen whether for health, allergy or environmental considerations, and that includes finding healthy food egg substitutes.Experimenting with new ingredients for plant-based recipes is way easier (and more fun!) than you might think. There are many excellent egg replacers we can turn to, and although they do often alter recipes slightly (sometimes you won't even notice!), usually it's for the better.

As you get started, it helps to know the important qualities you want to mimic in your recipe as you look for egg replacers.For example, aquafaba acts as a strengthener, binder and emulsifier, among other attributes, and it is great for people with egg allergies. Here's a look at the top egg substitutes for your next baking or cooking recipe.

1. Aquafaba

Aquafaba is bean juice, that is, the juice you would find in a can of chickpeas. Aim for three tablespoons of aquafaba per egg you replace; to go even healthier, use unsalted aquafaba.Use aquafaba to replace egg whites in recipes for meringue, mousse, pie crust butter, buttercream, mayo and more.

3 tbsp aquafaba = 1 egg

2. Flax Seeds or Chia Seeds

Coffee grinders or spice grinders come in handy when you use flax seeds as egg substitutes. They are great in recipes in which eggs are used for binding and emulsifying. Grind the flax seeds, and use three tablespoons of water and one tablespoon of ground flax seeds for one egg. Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, then you are good to go.This substitution can be especially enjoyable in recipes such as power cookies and whole grain muffins that work well with the nutty flax seed flavor. Cooked rice, mashed potatoes and oatmeal are also good egg replacers that help with binding.

3 tbsp water + 1 tbsp ground flax seeds or chia seeds = 1 egg

3. Tofu

Tofu comes to the rescue when you need a lot of egg substitutes. You get the texture you need, although not as much fluff. Firm tofu can be good in dishes such as breakfast scrambles or huevos rancheros (tofu rancheros!). For soft tofu, use a pureed quarter-cup to replace each egg. Use tofu when the egg is supposed to act as an emulsifier.

1/4 cup pureed tofu = 1 egg

4. Bananas

Use bananas when a recipe calls for eggs due to moisture. Think brownies and cake. And if you enjoy the banana flavor, then you are in for a big treat. Take one ripened banana, mash it and use it as the equivalent of one egg.

1 mashed ripe banana = 1 egg

5. Applesauce

You can do something similar with applesauce if bananas are not your thing; one egg equals one tablespoon of applesauce. Many people also use applesauce to replace oil, and you can use sweetened or unsweetened applesauce to match your preferences. Applesauce is also great for density, and for something different that helps retain moisture, try yet another substitute - 1/3 of a cup of pumpkin.

1 tbsp applesauce = 1 egg

6. Vegetable Oil

Does a recipe only call for one egg when baking? A quarter cup of vegetable oil can substitute for it. If you need more than one egg, try other options to minimize grease and oil.

1/4 cup vegetable oil = 1 egg

7. Baking Powder, Water and Vegetable Oil

If the egg is intended to help with leavening, try this recipe of water (2 tablespoons), vegetable oil (1 tablespoon) and baking powder (2 tablespoons) for each egg called for. This is especially useful in baking.

2 tbsp water + 1 tbsp vegetable oil + 2 tbsp baking powder = 1 egg

As you can see, one trick in having success with egg substitutes is to determine the purpose of the egg(s) in a recipe.
  • For instance, if you notice a recipe is relatively dry, then it is likely that the egg is used for moisture.
  • If the recipe calls for baking powder or baker's yeast, the egg likely helps with rising.
  • For structural dishes such as bread and meatloaf, eggs help with binding.
  • If they are used for glazing, you can probably skip a substitute altogether, as the egg probably only affects appearance. (Or try aquafaba - which can make a great glaze on pastry crusts, for example!)

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7 Egg Substitutes in Recipes (2024)

FAQs

7 Egg Substitutes in Recipes? ›

Chickpea Flour

Win-win. You can find chickpea flour in well-stocked grocery stores and online. To replace one egg, simply mix 3 tablespoons of chickpea flour with 3 tablespoons of water until you have a thick and creamy mixture. If replacing an extra large egg, use 4 tablespoons of each.

What can replace an egg in a recipe? ›

See the list of 11 egg substitutes below to find the right one for the recipe you're whipping up.
  1. MASHED BANANA. ...
  2. APPLESAUCE. ...
  3. SILKEN TOFU. ...
  4. GROUND FLAXSEED OR CHIA SEEDS & WATER. ...
  5. YOGURT. ...
  6. BUTTERMILK. ...
  7. SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK. ...
  8. ARROWROOT POWDER OR CORNSTARCH.

What is a substitute for 6 eggs? ›

6 egg substitutes and how to use them
  • Ground flax seed.
  • Applesauce.
  • Chia seeds.
  • Aquafaba.
  • Silken tofu.
  • Mashed banana.
Jan 18, 2023

What can I substitute if I run out of eggs? ›

When you're baking and run out of eggs
  • 1 egg = 2 tablespoons water + 2 teaspoons baking powder + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil.
  • 1 egg = 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.
  • 1 egg = 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds and 3 tablespoons of water.
  • 1 egg = 3 tablespoons aquafaba.

What can I use instead of just an egg? ›

Chickpea Flour

Win-win. You can find chickpea flour in well-stocked grocery stores and online. To replace one egg, simply mix 3 tablespoons of chickpea flour with 3 tablespoons of water until you have a thick and creamy mixture. If replacing an extra large egg, use 4 tablespoons of each.

Can I use mayo instead of eggs? ›

Mayonnaise. If you have a jar of mayo in the fridge, you can use 3 tablespoons in place of one egg. "Mayonnaise has been used as an egg substitute because of its moistening properties and is best suited for cakes with strong flavors, like spice cakes and chocolate cakes," Tutunjian says.

What is a substitute for eggs in Betty Crocker? ›

If a quick bread calls for two eggs, try subbing in mashed banana or applesauce for one of the eggs. Quick breads tend to be more forgiving in terms of texture. Cookies usually call for 1 to 2 eggs. Subbing in mashed banana or applesauce will be acceptable, but the overall texture will likely be cakier.

What is a good substitute for 8 eggs? ›

Both yogurt and buttermilk are good substitutes for eggs. It's best to use plain yogurt, as flavored and sweetened varieties may alter the flavor of your recipe. You can use 1/4 cup (60 g) of yogurt or buttermilk for each egg that needs to be replaced. This substitution works best for muffins, cakes, and cupcakes.

Can I use oil instead of eggs? ›

For recipes which use eggs primarily as a leavening agent you can try a commercial egg replacement product (see above) or the following mixture: 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil mixed with 1-1/2 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon baking powder per egg.

Can I use applesauce instead of eggs? ›

Applesauce. Applesauce is a great neutral egg replacement, meaning you won't taste any apple in the final product. When subbing in applesauce for eggs, use ¼ cup for every egg your recipe calls for, and add an additional ½ teaspoon of baking powder to the dry ingredients.

What is a good substitute for eggs in box cake? ›

Condensed milk : Condensed milk can be used in cake in place of egg. 1/4 cup of condensed milk can replace an egg. Curd or yogurt : Curd can be used in cakes in place of egg . One egg can be replaced with 1/2 cup of curd.

What happens if you bake without eggs? ›

You will end up with an edible cake but it will not turn out as the recipe intended because it won't rise so much and the texture will be denser. It's better to add 2oz or 3–4 tablespoons of something wet to replace the missing egg.

What do vegans use instead of eggs? ›

ProVeg presents a range of healthy vegan egg alternatives for cooking and baking.
  • Apple sauce. Using apple sauce is a fat-free way to replace eggs in baked goods. ...
  • Aquafaba. ...
  • Black salt (kala namak) ...
  • Egg substitute powders. ...
  • Flaxseed (aka linseed) ...
  • Ripe bananas. ...
  • Silken tofu & firm tofu. ...
  • Tapioca starch.

What can I substitute for eggs in meatloaf? ›

The 7 Best Egg Substitutes for Meatloaf (That Really Work!)
  • 1 flax egg.
  • 1 chia egg.
  • aquafaba.
  • potato starch.
  • cornstarch.
Feb 10, 2024

How much applesauce equals 1 egg? ›

Applesauce. Use applesauce to add moisture. Replace one egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce in sweet desserts. If you want a lighter texture, add an extra 1/2 teaspoonful of baking powder, as fruit purées tend to make the final product denser than the original recipe.

What can I substitute for eggs in brownies? ›

Best substitutes for eggs in cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and brownies:
  • Ripe Banana- (most common) ¼ cup mashed ripe banana = 1 large egg. However, there is a definite banana flavor.
  • Apple Sauce- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce = 1 large egg. ...
  • Peanut Butter- 3 tablespoons of peanut butter = 1 large egg.
Jan 20, 2023

How much milk to replace 1 egg? ›

Using a 1/4 cup of milk or yogurt in place of eggs is perfect for baked goods where moisture is key, such as cakes or muffins.

Can I use oil instead of egg? ›

For recipes which use eggs primarily as a leavening agent you can try a commercial egg replacement product (see above) or the following mixture: 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil mixed with 1-1/2 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon baking powder per egg.

What is a healthier substitution for one egg? ›

Silken tofu has high water content, provides multiple nutritional benefits and works as a great egg replacement. Only 60 grams of pureed silken tofu furnish the exact same amount of nutritional benefit that 1 egg possesses.

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