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Vegan Egg Substitutes – How to Substitute Egg in Your Recipes

Vegan Egg Substitutes – How to Substitute Egg in Your Recipes

Eggs are versatile and generally known as baking essentials. They serve several baking purposes. For instance, it helps hold and bind the ingredients by giving a structure to prevent them from falling apart. 

Also, eggs trap air pockets that cause food to expand during exposure to heat. Because of this, it serves as a leavening agent that helps pastries to rise. 

Likewise, eggs help add moisture to the baked good since the ingredients absorb the egg’s liquid.

Eggs also help improve the taste of baked goods because it carries the flavor of other ingredients.

However, even if you are not vegan, some may want to avoid eggs for reasons like egg allergies, personal health, dietary restrictions, culture, and religion. Also, eggs are a common causes of allergies for infants and children.

vegan egg substitute pin

Substituting eggs in a baking recipe usually requires special considerations, like if the substitute has the same moisture, protein, and fats an egg contains. Even though adding eggs gives a different result, it does not imply that we cannot manage without it. 

There is a slight difference in texture and taste; however, generally, it does not differ that much. Here are some of the best substitutes that you may like to use for cooking and baking.

Best Vegan Egg Substitutes for Baking and How to Use Them

The Ratio of Ingredient Substitution

An egg is approximately 1/4 cup (4tbsp/ 60g/ 2oz). You must replace the recipe’s volume with your egg substitute’s equal amount. 

Banana

1/2 cup mashed banana = an egg

Peanut butter

3tbsp of peanut butter = an egg

Silken Tofu

1/4 cup blended Silken Tofu = 1 egg

Ground Flax

1tbsp ground flax + 3tbsp water (Whisked until gelatinous and creamy.) = an egg

Chia Seed

1tbsp + 3tbsp water (Stir and allow to rest for 15 minutes)

Applesauce

1/4 cup unsweetened Applesauce = 1 egg

Vegan Yogurt

1/4 cup of yogurt = 1 egg

Agar-agar

1tbsp + 1tbsp water (Mix and use immediately) = 1 egg

Aquafaba

1tbsp = 1 large egg yolk

2tbsp = 1 large egg white

3 tbsp = 1 egg

How to Use Banana as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes

If you are using bananas as a vegan egg substitute, you can expect your cake to have a slight banana flavor. However, you can adjust the banana flavor depending on the other ingredients in your cake.

vegan egg substitutes - banana

Bananas are used in vanilla cakes rather than dark chocolate cakes, but they are also appropriate in making brownies or cookies.

Ingredient 

  • A whole banana

Equipment

Step By Step Instructions on How to Use Banana as a Vegan Egg Substitute in Your Recipes 

Step 1 

Peel and cut three bananas into cubes and place into a bowl.

Step 2

You can either use a blender, potato masher, or fork when mashing your bananas. Mash until desired consistency is achieved.

Step 3 

Add the mashed banana as a substitute to the recipe you are baking and proceed with the steps.

How to use Peanut Butter as a Vegan Egg Substitute in Your Recipes 

Nut butter like peanut, cashew, or almond butter can also substitute eggs in most recipes.

Replacing peanut butter may affect your finished product’s flavor; for best results, use in brownies, pancakes, and cookies. (Or try our delicious vegan pancake recipe here.)

vegan egg substitutes - peanut butter

Make sure to use creamy peanut butter, like this one, rather than chunky varieties so that everything incorporates appropriately.

Ingredients 

Equipment

  • Measuring spoon 

Step by Step Instructions on How to Use Peanut Butter as a Vegan Egg Substitute in Your Recipes 

Step 1 

Grab your 1 tbsp measuring spoon and scoop out 3 tbsp of peanut butter.

Step 2

Place it on the baking recipe as a substitution for egg and proceed with the baking process as instructed. 

How to Use Silken Tofu as a Vegan Egg Substitute in Your Recipes 

Silken tofu is condensed soy milk that has been pressed and processed into cubes.

The texture of tofu is different depending on its amount of water. Since the more water that is pressed out, the harder the tofu becomes. Also, silken tofu has high water content and is, therefore, a softer consistency.

vegan egg substitutes - silken tofu

To replace one egg, substitute 1/4 cup of puréed, silken tofu. Silken tofu is flavorless. However, it can make baked goods heavy and dense, so it is best used in brownies, cookies, quick bread, and cakes. It’s also great for making tofu scramble!

Ingredients 

Equipment

Step by Step Instructions on How to Use Silken Tofu as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes 

Step 1 

In a food processor, put your silken tofu.

Step 2

Blend or pulse your silken tofu for 30 seconds.

Step 3 

Add cornstarch and continue blending or pulsing until the tofu is smooth, creamy, and chunks are gone.

Step 4

Place it on the baking recipe as a vegan egg substitute and proceed with the baking process as instructed. 

How to Use Ground Flaxseed as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes 

Flaxseeds are nutritious seeds rich in fiber, which aids in digestion, and has a nutty taste hint. Flaxseeds come in the color brown and golden brown. Flax seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids that help improve cardiovascular health. 

vegan egg substitutes - flax seed

Flaxseed is an excellent vegan egg substitute as a binder for cakes, bars, cookies, and quick bread since it carries a distinct but subtle, seedy flavor.

Ingredients 

Equipment

Step by Step Instructions on How to Use Ground Flaxseed as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes 

Step 1 

In a coffee grinder, add the flaxseeds and ground until it is okay. You can also buy preground flax seeds like these ones. Be sure to store extra ground flax seeds in the fridge or freezer to extend it’s shelf life otherwise it won’t gel up.

Step 2

Then, please place it in a large mixing bowl, add the ground flaxseed and water.

Step 3 

Whisk and allow to rest for 15 minutes until it looks gelatinous, substitute the mixture to the baking recipe, and then bake as instructed.

How to Use Chia Seeds as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes 

Chia seeds need to be rehydrated before used as a substitute. Chia seeds are highly nutritious and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. You can grind the seeds or buy ground chia seeds in your local supermarkets. 

vegan egg substitutes - chia seed

Chia seeds do not add much flavor but add texture to the baked goods. This substitution works excellent as a binder in quick bread and brownies.

It may also result in a nuttier flavor, so it works best in products like pancakes, waffles, muffins, bread, and cookies. (Or try out some of our vegan muffin and vegan waffle recipes!)

Ingredients 

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wire whisk

Step by Step Instructions on How to Use Chia Seeds as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes 

Step 1  

In a small bowl, add the ground chia seeds and water.

Step 2

Stir and allow to rest for 15 minutes or until it thickens

How to Use Applesauce as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes 

Apple sauce is not a stranger to vegan recipes since it has long been replacing baking products like oil or butter. Unsweetened Applesauce works best as a vegan egg substitute, but if you only have sweetened apple sauce, do not worry cause all you have to do is cut down the sweeteners in your recipe. 

Nevertheless, Applesauce has limited fat, which could affect the taste and appearance of your baked goods. It makes the muffins chewy and moist; it adds a hint of apple taste to the recipe.

Note: If the eggs in the recipe are used to raise as well as bind, add 1 tsp of baking powder per egg replaced in addition to the applesauce.

Ingredients 

Equipment

  • Measuring cup 

Step by Step Instructions on How to Use Applesauce as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes 

Step 1 

Pour in the apple sauce, add it into the baked mixture as a replacement for the egg, and then proceed with the baking steps.

How to Use Vegan Yogurt as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes 

It is ideal to use a plain vegan yogurt, like this one, rather than flavored ones to avoid altering its flavor.

soy greek yogurt

Yogurt works well as a leavening agent but it is used more for binding and moisture. Yogurt substitution is preferable for muffins, cakes, and cupcakes.

Ingredients 

Equipment

  • Measuring cup

How to Use Yogurt as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes 

Step 1 

Scoop out the 1/4 cup of Yogurt for every one piece of egg in the recipe you’re baking. Afterward, proceed with the steps as advised in the recipe.

How to use Agar-agar as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes 

Agar-agar is an excellent egg replacement, especially when egg whites are needed. Agar-agar helps bind the ingredients; however, it will not give a good rise. This substitution is best in making recipes like custards or chocolate mousse.

Using Agar-agar in recipes is a healthy alternative as it is fat-free, low in calories, high in minerals & fibers, and helps regulate & cleanse the bowel.

Ingredients 

  • 1 tbsp of Agar Agar  
  • 1 tbsp of water 
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder (optional)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoon
  • Wire whisk
  • Saucepan

Step by Step Instructions on How to Use Agar-agar as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your recipes 

Step 1 

Add the agar-agar and dissolve by sprinkling powder over the water, then whisk. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2

Afterward, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder per recipe to prevent it from being too dense. 

Step 3 

Heat saucepan with water to 90°C. Stir constantly and remove from heat once thickened.

Step 4 

Refrigerate for 15 minutes and whip again. Add the agar-agar depending on the recipe.

How to use Aquafaba as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes

The holy grail of vegan recipe substitute, Aquafaba or “bean water,” comes from the liquid leftover from legumes, like canned or cooked chickpeas.

Throughout the cooking process, the proteins, carbohydrates, and other water-soluble plant solids move into the cooking water. That results in a thick, slightly viscous liquid that has qualities comparable to egg whites.

vegan egg substitutes - chickpea liquid

The bean water has emulsifying, binding, thickening, and rising properties; that’s why it is considered the jack of all trades for an egg substitute, you can even make meringues and mousses with it.

If you are a beginner, I recommend using canned chickpeas instead of making your own cooked chickpeas.

Looking for ways to use up the leftover chickpeas? Try out our chickpea avocado salad, chickpea tuna, or these roasted bacon flavored chickpeas.

Ingredients 

Equipment

Step by step by Instructions on How to Use Aquafaba as a Vegan Egg Substitute in your Recipes 

Step 1

Grab a strainer and drain a can of chickpeas on a clean mixing bowl. By using a mixing spoon, scoop out the desired ratio per recipe. 

Step 2

If the recipe indicates that the eggs need whipped egg whites, add the cream of tartar and whip on low speed for 1 minute until it becomes foamy.

Step 3

As you continue whipping for at least 3 to 4 minutes, the mixture will begin to thicken, switching to medium-high speed for medium to stiff peaks. Proceed with the recipe steps.

Tips and Tricks on How to Substitute Egg in your Recipes 

Keep in mind that it is necessary to choose the appropriate vegan egg substitute for each recipe. Consider the egg’s function; you replace it for leavening, binding, moisture, and flavor.

About the Author

Karen Rutherford is founder and editor in chief at Cakedecorist. You will often find her in the kitchen creating edible works of art or trying out some new recipes.

As a pâtissière and baking enthusiast, Karen has decided to share her abundant knowledge with the internet audience and provide only the best tips and recipes for baking and decorating your favorite sweets.

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