There are many egg substitutes available when a recipe calls for eggs. All these egg substitutes can be easily purchased from your grocery stores and health food stores.
Jump to:
- Flour/Powder Egg Substitute For 1 Egg
- Nuts/Seeds Egg Substitute For 1 Egg
- Fruits/Veg Egg Substitute For 1 Egg
- Dairy & Non-Dairy Egg Substitute For 1 Egg
- Other Egg Substitute For 1 Egg
- Purpose of Eggs In Baking
- Common Egg Substitutes In Baking
- Other Egg Substitutes In Baking
- Substitute for Eggs in Meatballs/Burgers
- Substitute for Egg Wash
- Substitute for Egg Whites
- Substitute for Egg Yolks
- Egg Substitute in Brownies
- Egg Substitute for Cookies
- Egg Substitute in Cakes
- Egg Substitute for Pancakes
- Note
Flour/Powder Egg Substitute For 1 Egg
The following flour/powder egg substitutes are best for Cookies, Burgers, and Meatballs.
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| ENERG Powder | 1.5 Tbs + 2 Tbs Water |
| Cornstarch | 2 Tbs + 2 Tbs Water |
| Arrowroot Powder | 2 Tbs + 2 Tbs Water |
| Soy Protein Powder | 1 Tbs + 2 Tbs Water |
| Baking Powder | 2 Tbs + 3 Tbs Water + 1 Tbs Oil |
| Chickpea Flour | 3 Tbs + 3 Tbs Water |
| All-purpose Flour | 3 Tbs + 3 Tbs Water |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 3 Tbs + 3 Tbs Water |
Nuts/Seeds Egg Substitute For 1 Egg
The nuts/seeds egg substitutes listed below are best for Waffles, Pancakes, & Muffins.
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Flaxseed Meal | 1 Tbs + 3 Tbs Water |
| Chiaseed (Ground) | 1 Tbs + 3 Tbs Water |
| Peanut Butter | 3 Tbs |
| Almond Butter | 3 Tbs |
| Any Other Seed Butter | 3 Tbs |
Fruits/Veg Egg Substitute For 1 Egg
The below fruits/veg egg substitutes are best for Quick Bread, Brownies & Muffins:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Unsweetened Applesauce | ¼ Cup |
| Mashed Banana | ¼ Cup |
| Mashed Avocado | ¼ Cup |
| Pureed Pumpkin | ¼ Cup |
| Prune (Baby Food) | ¼ Cup |
Dairy & Non-Dairy Egg Substitute For 1 Egg
The following dairy and non-dairy egg substitutes are best for Cakes, Cupcakes, Muffins & Bars/Brownies:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Pureed Silken Tofu | ¼ Cup |
| Dairy Milk | ¼ Cup |
| Soy Milk | ¼ Cup |
| Coconut Milk | ¼ Cup |
| Yogurt | ¼ Cup |
| Buttermilk | ¼ Cup |
| Condensed Milk | ¼ Cup |
| Kefir | ¼ Cup |
Other Egg Substitute For 1 Egg
The following egg substitutes can be used depending upon the recipes and they are usually best for Gelatin Puddings, Macaroons, Cupcakes & Quick Breads.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Agar Agar | 1 Tbs + 1 Tbs Water | |
| Soy Lecithin | 1 Tbs | To Replace 1 Large Egg Yolk |
| Aquafaba | 3 Tbs | To Replace 1 Egg / Egg Whites |
| Vinegar | 1 Tbs + 1 teaspoon Baking Soda | Cupcakes / Quick Breads |
| Lemon Juice | 2 Tbs + 1 teaspoon Baking Soda | Cupcakes / Quick Breads |
Purpose of Eggs In Baking
- Eggs as Binders: If eggs are binders in a recipe, they can be replaced with Arrowroot, Soy Lecithin, Flax-seed Mix, Pureed Fruits or Vegetables, Silken Tofu, or Unflavored Vegetarian Gelatin Powder (agar agar). The ratio is that for every egg replaced, ¼ cup of the substitute is used.
- Eggs as Leavening Agents: If eggs are leavening agents, Buttermilk, Yogurt, Baking Soda, and Commercial Egg Replacement Powder such as Ener-G can be used.
- Eggs for Moisture: If eggs are added for moisture, Fruit Juice, Milk, Water, or Pureed Fruit can be used.
Common Egg Substitutes In Baking
#1. Commercial Egg Replacer
The egg replacer is a mix of potato and tapioca starch (no corn) and some leavening agents. Some commercially available egg replacer powders are Ener-G, Bob’s Red Mill, Organ, and others. Learn more about egg replacer here.
How do you replace eggs using an egg replacer?
Whip together in a food processor or blender 1 and a half teaspoons powder and 2 tablespoons water. Sometimes, 2-3 times as much powder in the same amount of water gives better results.
How's the result?
Flavorless, it won’t affect the taste of baked goods. It is best suitable for all baked goods, especially Cookies.
#2. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is made by curdling soy milk and pressing it into sliceable cakes. It is a boon for those who want to go egg-free. From scrambled eggs to frittatas and cakes to frostings, tofu has its place in many dishes. Learn more about Silken Tofu and recipes using it as a vegan egg substitute.
How to replace eggs using Silken Tofu?
Substitute ¼ cup of whipped silken tofu for each egg.
How's the result?
Baked goods won’t brown as deeply but will be very moist and dense. They are best suitable for Rich, dense & moist Cakes, breads, chocolate chip cookies, and brownies.
#3. Flax Seed
As the name implies, flax seed is a miracle plant-based food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, an important source of essential fat for vegetarians especially. We can make fresh flax seed meal at home by grinding or buying it ready from the store. It is a vegan egg substitute. Learn more about Flax Seed Meal here.
How to replace eggs using Flax Seeds?
Whisk/blend 1 teaspoon of flax seed powder with ¼ cup of water to replace each egg. For step-by-step instructions on how to make flax eggs, see here.
How's the result?
The baked goods are heavier and denser. Flaxseed has a nutty flavor, so it works best in grainier and nuttier foods, such as Waffles, Pancakes, Breads, Brân Muffins, and Oatmeal Cookies.
#4. Pureed Fruits
Pureed fruits can be used as egg substitutes in various ways, including mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, pureed prunes, plumped raisins, and softened dates. Learn more about pureed fruits here.
How do you replace eggs using pureed fruits?
¼ cup for each egg. Increase leavening by 25-50%. Bake items slightly longer, if necessary.
How's the result?
Baked goods will not brown as deeply but will be very moist and heavy. Pureed fruit works well for Cakes, Quick Breads, and brownies.
#5. Vinegar/Baking Soda
Vinegar...Seriously? Yes, Vinegar works very well as an egg substitute in cake, cupcake and muffin recipes, making it light and fluffy. White and apple cider vinegar is used quite often. Learn about vinegar and their types.
How to replace eggs using Vinegar?
1 teaspoon of baking soda along with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Apple cider vinegar and white distilled vinegar can be used.
How's the result?
Baked goods will be light and airy. Suitable for cakes, cupcakes and quick breads.
#6. Yogurt/Buttermilk
Both buttermilk and yogurt are good egg replacements, especially while baking muffins, cakes, and cupcakes. You can buy it in the Refrigerator section of grocery aisles next to the milk.
How to replace eggs using Yogurt/Buttermilk?
¼ cup of buttermilk or yogurt for each egg to be replaced.
How's the result?
The baked goods will be lighter and not as dense as the ones with pureed fruit.
Other Egg Substitutes In Baking
#7. Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk is another good egg substitute in cookies & cakes mostly.
#8. Lemon/Lime Juice
If you don't have vinegar in hand, lemon juice is a very good substitute, yes a substitute for an egg substitute.
#9. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds also work as an egg substitute just like flax seeds. Make chia egg just like flax egg and use it in muffin, quick bread recipes.
#10. Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder resembles cornstarch and used as a thickening agent. It's derived from the root of a South American plant. It is also used as an egg substitute which I haven't tried. I see that somewhere between 2 tablespoons of the powder mixed with 3 tablespoons of water can used to replace egg.
#11. Aquafaba
- Aquafaba is the liquid from cooking legumes, like the liquid from a can of chickpeas, or liquid from beans cooked at home. Since that liquid has a very similar consistency to that of raw egg white, it works as an excellent substitute in recipes which uses egg whites like macaroons, meringues, marshmallow, nougat, cakes, etc.
- 3 tablespoons of aquafaba can be used to replace one egg/egg white.
- The only thing to note is that the consistency should be right. It can't be too thick or too watery. Aquafaba can be used straight from the can, by draining the chickpeas or any legume. Chickpeas, white beans are preferable because the aquafaba will be clear and transparent. You may choose to use the liquid from red kidney beans and black beans in chocolate cakes or brownie recipes.
- If the liquid is thin, heat it up until it reduces and gets a bit thicker. If it gets too thick, heat it up with some water to make it thin. Either way, cool it to room temperature before use.
Substitute for Eggs in Meatballs/Burgers
Substitute for Egg Wash
Simply use oil, dairy/nondairy milk, or dairy/nondairy butter. ¼ cup of light corn syrup thinned with very hot water can also be used for glazing.
Substitute for Egg Whites
Aquafaba is one of the best substitutes available for egg whites. 3 tablespoons of aquafaba can be used to replace one egg, or actually egg whites more specifically. Just make sure that it is of the right consistency. It has to look slimy like egg white, not too thin or not too thick.
Substitute for Egg Yolks
Apparently, soy lecithin is a good substitute for egg yolk, which I am yet to try. It mimics the emulsifying property of eggs. It's a by-product of soy oil so making it vegetarian. I read that 1 tablespoon of soy lecithin is a substitute for 1 large egg yolk.
Egg Substitute in Brownies
- Eggs are mostly used in brownies as a binding agent.
- Some of the best substitutes for eggs in brownies will be ¼th of a cup of pureed fruit (applesauce recipe, mashed bananas, pureed prune), pureed silken tofu, yogurt/buttermilk and flax egg.
- Check here for a list of eggless brownie recipes.
Egg Substitute for Cookies
- The best substitutes for eggs in cookies are Ener-G egg replacer (or any other brand of commercial egg replacer powder), flax egg, sweetened condensed milk.
- In rare cases, vinegar too works as an egg substitute in cookies.
- Unsweetened applesauce will make the cookies very soft.
- My favorite egg substitute for cookies is Ener-G. Follow the directions given in the pack. For each egg to be replaced, you will have to use about a teaspoon of the egg replacer powder whisked with 3 tablespoons of preferably warm water. You can replace up to 4 eggs using this ratio.
- Sometimes I even use about 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of Ener-G as the pack reaches the expiry date.
- Find the list of the best eggless cookies here.
Egg Substitute in Cakes
- The most commonly used egg alternatives for cakes will be silken tofu, yogurt, pureed fruit, vinegar-baking soda (in specific recipes, strictly not for recipes which uses more than 1 egg).
- Personally, I found a winning combination to substitute for eggs in cakes, which is a mix of yogurt and pureed silken tofu. It works out beautifully, especially in plain vanilla sponge cakes.
- Find a huge collection of eggless cake recipes here.
Egg Substitute for Pancakes
- Baking powder is a good egg substitute for pancakes, but it might not work if a recipe calls for more than one egg. I have got the best eggless pancake recipe already on the blog. Do try it.
- If you are looking at a pancake recipe which has eggs and you want to make the pancake without eggs then most probably flax egg, ¼ cup of mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce for each egg to be replaced should work fine.
- Also, you might have to tweak the baking powder/baking soda measurement depending upon the recipe and depending upon the egg substitute that you are planning to use.
- Check here for more eggless pancake and waffle recipes here.
Note
Share your experiences with different egg substitutes that you've used during baking or if you have questions on egg substitutes, share/ask them in the comments section below. Share this page with your friends.
Happy Baking!
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jenny says
Hi! making a korean chestnut bread that calls for one egg TOMORROW. need help ASAP! the ingredients are bread flour, cake flour, ddry instant yeast, sugar, salt, 1 EGG, milk, water, butter. Should i use the buttermilk sub? or aquafaba? or something else? i need help ASAP! below is a picture of how the texture of the finished bread should be. thank you!
http://recipe.ezmember.co.kr/cache/recipe/2015/06/22/f84b6cc933f64e5fdc0be25a15bcded71.jpg
Madhuram says
I'm thinking 1/4 cup of yogurt or buttermilk should be fine. I haven't baked using aquafaba so unable to comment. Hope this helps.
EggieAllergy says
Just an FYI - my son has an egg allergy and "lecithin" is only eggless if it's specifically labeled "soy lecithin." Lecithin without "soy" in front of it may actually be egg yolk. My son is unable to eat anything that includes just "lecithin" in the ingredient list because it may or may not be egg-based, because there's no requirement to specify whether or not the lecithin is egg-based on a product. You might want to update the portion about lecithin to specify that it has to be "soy lecithin" to ensure that it's actually eggless.
Madhuram says
Thank you very much for the information. Will do the needful.
Christina says
Up to how many eggs can you replace in a baking recipe?
Madhuram says
That depends upon the recipe and what you want to bake. I have never tried angel food cake or chiffon cake which requires a lot of egg whites to get the desired texture. The maximum I have replaced is 4 eggs.
Neha Budhia says
For replacement of 4 eggs what should I use??
Madhuram says
For cakes I use 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup pureed tofu.
Gloria Barrow says
Can you use that in meat loaf?
Madhuram says
Which one Gloria?
Ansh says
How much condensed milk for one egg??
Madhuram says
I'm assuming 1/4 cup.
Marylaureen says
I have just tried the vinegar and baking soda. (replaced one egg) the taste was terrible in my cake! Bitter and salty! I checked back to make sure of my quantities. Could there have been a reaction to the metal pan?
Madhuram says
Did the cake already have baking soda/baking powder in the recipe?
Allana Clare says
I've been waiting for my comment to appear but it hasn't shown up so I'm trying again
I've found a recipe for pistachio and rose ice cream on the BBC site that I would like to try. I've already found some alternatives for the double cream (I'm lactose-intolerant rather than vegan) and am now looking to replace three of the SIX large eggs in the recipe as my husband is not fond of egg. Any suggestions would be much appreciated
Madhuram says
Sorry Alana, I haven't seen your comment earlier. This is the first one. Maybe it went to spam or something. I haven't tried substituting for 6 eggs so far. That's a lot to be replaced. But I have an egg less pistachio ice cream in the blog. See if you can incorporate the flavours in the recipe you are looking at in this one.
Allana says
I have found a recipe for ice cream that I would like to try. I have some recipes for substituting the double cream (I'm lactose-intolerant rather than vegan). I'm now looking to replace half of the SIX large eggs and would appreciate suggestions
Madhuram says
That's a lot of eggs to be replaced Allana. Also I'm not sure how to do it for an ice cream. Sorry.
Ms Santosh Vinay Bindal says
How can i replace the egg in banana bread?
Madhuram says
It depends upon the recipe. If you are looking for an eggless banana bread you can try this vegan banana bread.
Shammi says
Can I attend classes from you? Where do you live.
Madhuram says
Thanks for showing interest Shammi. I live in Canada. You should be able to follow the recipes and can pretty much start baking yourself. It's really not that difficult.
Amruta says
Thanks for sharing the info.. very useful
Madhuram says
You're welcome Amruta.
Paayel says
Thanks for the info. How do you tweak the quantity of baking powder and baking soda in a cake recipe when there are 3-4 eggs requred.
Madhuram says
It depends upon the ingredients in the recipe and the egg substitute you use.
Amanda says
Brilliant, excellent, to the point, needed an egg for lemon coconut slice, so cooked without and added lemon juice instead. NOW understand why it is still tasty but a cross between a brittle and chewy macaroon flavoured slice vs what substitute could have been used as a binder instead. Thank you!!
Madhuram says
You're very welcome Amanda.
Sue says
Hi. When a recipe calls for 3 eggs and you have 2, what then? Someone told me to add a little vegetable oil in place of an egg. Will this work?
Madhuram says
Depending upon the recipe you can use 1//4 cup plain yogurt or unsweetened applesauce for the 1 egg to be replaced.
Edith says
Michael, thanks for the mustard suggestion for my mayonnaise.
And Madhuram, will check out the Vegg.
Edith
Madhuram says
Great!
Michael says
I have heard, not yet tried it out, that raw (important) buckwheat flour acts as an egg replacer similarly to flax/linseed. Anyone have experience with this? There are even traditional Breton and Quebecois recipes for buckwheat pancakes which are just buckwheat flour and water.
Edith, I read (but haven't yet tried either) a recipe for mayonnaise which used mustard not egg as the emulgator.
Madhuram says
That's news to me Micahel. Let me look into it. Thanks for the information.
Dimpy says
Amazing information.. thank you so much. Its been really helpful 🙂
Even chia seeds are used of egg replacement(have heard of it)..
Madhuram says
Thank Dimpy. Yes chia seeds too.
Kristen says
Hi,
If a cake recipe is asking for four egg whites, one whole egg as well as a cup of yogurt/ milk. What would you personally recommend as a substitute for those ingredients?
Madhuram says
I would probably use 3/4th cup of pureed silken tofu and add additional baking soda.
gertrude says
I love your website... It helps us better understand baking and its substitutions.
Madhuram says
Thanks Gertrude.