No more dry, crumbly vegan baked goods! It’s time to master the art of baking with these vegan egg substitutes. Say goodbye to chalky cakes and hello to fluffy, moist treats that will fool even the biggest omnivores.
The Secret to Perfect Vegan Baking
Eggs play a critical role in baking and cooking, especially when it comes to texture. They act as binders, holding recipes together. They also provide structure and leavening, allowing baked goods to rise and become light and airy.
When going vegan, many people turn to plant-based milks like soy, almond, or oat as a dairy-free alternative. However, these beverages do not work as direct egg replacements due to their liquid nature. That’s where vegan egg substitutes come in.
Common Vegan Egg Substitute Ingredients
Here are some common vegan-friendly ingredients that can be used as egg replacements. Experiment with them to find the best vegan egg substitute for your needs.
- Flax and chia seeds
- Aquafaba (chickpea liquid)
- Silken tofu
- Mashed banana or applesauce
- Commercial egg replacers
Now, let’s dive deeper into each of these vegan egg substitutes so you can crack the code to delicious vegan baking and cooking.
Flax and Chia Seed Eggs
Flaxseeds and chia seeds are popular plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They also make great vegan egg substitutes.
To make a flax or chia “egg,” simply mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water for each egg you want to replace. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes to thicken before using it in your recipe.
In baking, use about half the amount of flax or chia seed eggs compared to chicken eggs. For example, if a recipe calls for three eggs, use 1.5 tablespoons ground flaxseeds or chia seeds mixed with 4.5 tablespoons water. This mixture will replace the binding and moistening properties of the eggs.
Flax and chia seed eggs work best in quick breads, cakes, muffins, and brownies. They add a subtle nutty flavor and a slight chewy texture, so they may not be the best choice for savory baked goods or dishes where you want a more neutral egg substitute.
Aquafaba: The Magical Egg Replacer
Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It has gained popularity as a vegan egg substitute due to its impressive ability to mimic the properties of chicken eggs in various recipes.
To use aquafaba as an egg replacer, you’ll need to whip it. Place about 1/2 cup of aquafaba in a bowl and whisk it until it becomes frothy, similar to the consistency of egg whites. This will help it provide structure and volume in your recipes, making it ideal for meringues, soufflés, and other dishes where you want a light and airy texture.
For baking, you can use aquafaba as a direct replacement for whole eggs. You may need to adjust the liquid content of your recipe if using aquafaba instead of eggs, so keep an eye on the batter’s consistency.
Experiment with different amounts of aquafaba to find the perfect ratio for your favorite recipes. A general rule of thumb is to use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for every egg called for in a recipe. However, this can vary depending on the recipe, so start with smaller amounts and adjust as needed.
Silken Tofu: The Versatile Egg Alternative
Silken tofu is a soft, smooth type of tofu with a high water content. It can be used as a neutral-tasting egg replacer in both sweet and savory recipes.
To use silken tofu as an egg replacer, blend it until it’s completely smooth. You can use about 1/4 cup of blended silken tofu to replace one egg in baking recipes. For custards and quiches, you can use a 1:1 ratio of blended silken tofu to eggs.
When using silken tofu as an egg replacer, the consistency is important. If the batter or mixture is too thin, you may need to add some plant-based milk or flour to adjust the texture. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, you can add a bit more water to thin it out.
Silken tofu works well in recipes where the texture is not overly dependent on eggs, such as pancakes, waffles, baked goods, and savory dishes like frittatas and quiches.
Fruit-Based Egg Replacers
Mashed banana and unsweetened applesauce can be used as simple egg substitutes in baking recipes. These fruit-based options add moisture and help bind ingredients together.
Use 1/4 cup mashed banana or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce to replace one egg. However, keep in mind that these fruit-based egg substitutes will add flavor and sweetness to your recipe, so they may not be the best choice for savory dishes.
Banana works well in baked goods like banana bread, cakes, and quick breads. Applesauce is a better option for recipes where you want to mask the banana flavor, such as muffins or cakes.
Fruit-based egg replacers can make baked goods moister, so you may need to reduce the liquid content of your recipe to compensate. Start by reducing the liquid ingredients by 1/4 cup and adjust as needed for optimal results.
Commercial Egg Replacers
There are several store-bought options for vegan egg replacers. These products are designed to mimic the binding, leavening, and moistening properties of eggs, making them a convenient choice for baking and cooking.
Some popular brands include:
- Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer
- NutriMost Egg Replacer
- Ener-G Foods Egg Replacer
These products are typically made from a combination of starches, leavening agents, and binding agents. They are easy to use and can be stored in your pantry for long-term use.
To use these commercial egg replacers, follow the instructions on the package. Generally, you will mix the powder with water, but the exact ratios and steps can vary, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
While commercial egg replacers can be convenient, they may not always yield the best results, especially when it comes to baking. That’s because they don’t always perfectly replicate the structure and texture of eggs. Homemade alternatives like flax and chia seeds, silken tofu, mashed banana, and applesauce may work better in certain recipes.
So, which is better: homemade or store-bought egg replacers? The answer is: it depends on the recipe and your personal preference. For simple baking recipes, the homemade options may be enough. However, for more complex recipes or when you want consistent results, a commercial egg replacer may be a better choice.
Remember, the best vegan egg substitute is the one that works best for your specific recipe and dietary needs. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect egg replacement for you.
Now that you know how to crack the code to delicious vegan baking and cooking with these egg substitutes, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to the test. Try these favorite vegan recipes using your favorite egg substitute:
- Chocolate Cake with Aquafaba Frosting
- Vegan Banana Bread with Silken Tofu
- Vegan Chia Seed Pudding
- Vegan Meringue Cookies with Flax Eggs
Happy baking!