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Baking without eggs can be SUPER tricky because the purpose of eggs is to act as a binding agent.
There are some pretty awesome ways to substitute for eggs in baking, and I wanted to share that with you today!
You may be wondering, WHY would I want to substitute for eggs in baking? It’s not bad for you like butter and does so many good things in a baked treat like cookies, cakes, or donuts.
There are a few reasons not to bake with eggs. One being you run out of eggs! The other being you are allergic to them. I never realized how many people have an egg allergy until I started creating allergy friendly recipes through chemistry. I have done all the gluten-free experiments and dozens of dairy-free alternatives, but didn’t pay much attention to eggless options.
The past few months many readers have sent me emails saying that want to try all these recipes or have more options, but are allergic to eggs, help!
I have tried each of these five methods that I want to share with you today and each one does a good job of creating that sticky, binding texture you need from eggs.
As you read this today, I am working on creating a totally allergy friendly summer brunch (join me behind the scenes on snapchat! (username alexisroch) ,and I needed to really make sure everything was free from dairy, gluten, AND EGGS! It was tricky thinking of a good protein to use for the main course, but we have some fun stuff to share soon, so stay tuned!
So, back to this egg allergy. I found it interesting that the human body would have a problem with eggs, but after studying some of the chemical properties of egg yolks and egg whites, it makes sense. Basically, the body doesn’t recognize the egg protein and rejects it! This can do multiple things as far as side effects. Most people I know will experience upset stomachs or digestive issues.
So, here is a graphic you can pin for reference on ways to substitute eggs in baking! And I will go into detail on each one!
1. Smashed Banana
Banana is so versatile when it comes to substituting it for other things in baking. It has a great texture and some moisture, so it does well replacing eggs in many things. If your eggs aren’t all the way ripe (brown) 1/3 cup equals an egg. Now, if your eggs are really brown, they will have more moisture, so use a little less than that.
This works great for cakes, pancakes, waffles, or anything similar. Do not use on cookies unless the recipe calls for it! The chemistry of a cookie is a pretty exact, but don’t worry there are good replacements for that coming up!
2. Applesauce
One of my all-time favorite replacements for eggs in applesauce. Always go for a natural, unsweetened version. I do video tutorials on snapchat (find me with username alexisroch) for some of my recipes, and someone asked me if I always use applesauce when I bake (since it is always in my recipes lol). I said I do! Especially in allergy friendly recipes. This is also good for cakes, pancakes, savory dishes, etc. Again, not good for intricate dishes like cookies or puddings!
3. Baking Oil
Baking oils like vegetable oil and coconut oil are another great alternative. This can even work for some cookie recipes, but definitely test it out. It works great for most other dishes.
4. Ener-G Egg Replacer
If you have an egg allergy, you definitely need to have this stuff on hand. It is a complete substitute for eggs and has a conversion chart on the back for you to know exactly how much to use! I have talked with some people who can’t eat eggs and they really like this product!
5. Flax Egg
This is my number one solution for egg replacement! I have great luck in cookie recipes using this too! All you have to do is mix 1 tbsp of ground flax with 3 tbsp of water. The key is to allow this to sit for awhile until it forms a jelly like texture. Usually 2 minutes or up to 10 minutes.
I always keep ground flax on hand for egg-free baking!
The reason these methods work, is they all firm up when they are baked, just like an egg. They will definitely not be the exact texture that an original recipe was, but they are such a great alternative!
[Tweet “5 ways to substitute eggs in baking from @chemistrycachet #eggfree #allergyfriendly”]
If you need gluten-free baking tips, stop by this post too! And follow Chemistry Cachet for a really fun summer brunch that will debut soon!
Happy baking!
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Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
Hi very interesting and timely post, as I am experiencing problems with eggs. Could share the science/source of the problem of the body accepting the egg protein. I need to investigate further. Love your Chemistry angle on nutrition. Thx so much. Barb
Thanks Barb! It is so interesting how the body rejects this form of protein, it is more common than I thought. I appreciate that!! Have a great day!
Alexis this is a much needed and great post! I cannot tell you how many times I have started making something (generally, spur of the moment) only to get to eggs and realize I’m out! I have used mashed banana and it is a good option but the taste sticks around. Thank you soooooo much for this post! I’ll share it over on my FB page too! xo Amanda
Thanks Amanda! That is the WORST! I have been in the middle of making cookies and have been totally out of eggs…such a bummer. That is true about bananas, you can always taste it. I love using them in pancakes and waffles as a substitute! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Love this!! I often don’t have eggs on hand but I almost always have apple sauce or coconut oil so good to know I can use that instead! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
They are both great substitutes! I always run out of eggs…and then I always forget to buy more lol
Great tips! I always wonder about this! Thanks!
Thanks Rachel!!
Awesome ideas! I’m one of those people who start baking and realize there’s always something I forgot to pick up *womp womp*. My husband would be super excited about the smashed banana trick 🙂
Green Fashionista
I am the same way!! That is just the worst! Smashed banana is such a fun trick, and great to use up bananas too 🙂
AWESOME info!!! Love MOM
Thank you! I know this will come in handy if you run out of eggs 🙂
O and I must ADD: what a pleasant BLOG page to look at! Love , MOM again!
Thanks Mom, you are always so sweet! 🙂
I’ve done both applesauce and banana. Work great!
elle
Southern Elle Style
They do work great!! 🙂
Definitely bookmarking this! I’ve run out of eggs so many times while banking and had to pause for a store run D: This will really help put an end to that!
I hope this can come in handy for the next time! I have done the same thing and it is such a pain running to the store lol
This is fantastic! I had no idea that you could use all of those things instead of eggs. And if I run out of eggs, I usually have bananas or applesauce around. Thanks!
It can really be a great substitution! Especially for things like pancakes, waffles or cakes!! Thanks girl!
Great info, Alexis! I like your chart! I’ve used applesauce as a substitute for oil, but never tried bananas in a substitute capacity. I’ve heard of the “flax egg”, sometime in my past ventures. These are great ideas in case I run out/short of eggs… (although the dog would never forgive me if I did…)
Thanks Laurie!! These can really help you out when you can’t use eggs or don’t have any! 🙂
I’ve been wanting to try a recipe with apple sauce instead of eggs but I rarely bake anything. i like the idea though as it seems to add the moisture needed.
I use a lot of applesauce when I bake. It works great for oil and eggs! So sometimes I eliminate both 🙂
This is brilliant! Running out of eggs is the worst. Totally saving this!
It is the worst!! I hope this comes in handy for you the next time 🙂
I had no idea about these – apple sauce? Wow! As a vegan these will come in handy!
These are great options for vegans! I actually have some applesauce featured recipes coming up next week that are vegan and delicious! You definitely can’t tell they don’t have eggs 🙂
Love the infographic! I always forget about the flax egg substitute when I’m baking. I’ve been running out of eggs like crazy once I get started in the kitchen. I hate to run to the store in the middle of a recipe. So, I will definitely have to refer back to this the next time I find myself in a jam.
Thanks Gina! That flax substitute is so great! I keep a huge bag of it in the pantry and it keeps forever too!
Passing this on to a friend I work with who is allergic to eggs.. Great subs here Alexis. Thank you for taking out the hard part for us.
I hope your friend finds this helpful!! NOt getting to eat eggs can be so hard sometimes, especially when you bake!! Thanks Michelle 🙂
This is super helpful! Turns out I’m allergic to eggs and so is my three year old niece so I’ll be sure to try some of these out. Thank you!
Thanks Nicole! I hope this can help you out 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Great post. I did a similar post a couple of years ago, because my son is allergic to eggs, but some of these are new to me! I have tried the banana and the Energ egg replacer. (The banana worked with one of my cookie recipes pretty well, but not so well with other cookies.) Stopped by from Friday Feature at OMHG. Have a great day!
That is so true about the banana! They worked okay in my peanut butter cookies, but all the others it didn’t do too good on. Thanks so much Pam!! Have a great day!
I have a new one for you! Aquafaba, or the liquid from garbanzo beans, makes a great egg substitute. They say, though I haven’t tried this yet, that you can even make meringue with it! I’ve also used bananas, the Ener-G, and most frequently the flax egg. Thanks for this resource and for sharing at the Blogger’s Pit Stop.
That sounds really interesting! I love baking with beans in general, they form such a great texture. I will have to try that out!! Thanks Debbie!
It seems like I’m always running out of eggs, so this is great! Thanks! Visiting from SITSGirls!
Thanks Teresa! I always run out too!! This really helps out when I am baking 🙂
Thank you, this is great information I really like the Flax seed one, I am going to try that tomorrow.
Kathleen
Bloggers Pit Stop
Thanks Kathleen!! Thanks for hosting your party too! Have a great week!
I’ve heard Chia seeds mixed with water can be used as egg replacements. I don’t know as I have not tried them.
I have used chia seeds before, they are a great for making things firm up! I have used them in baked goods before and they do fairly well. The texture is the only thing I don’t like for certain things. They make really awesome puddings though!! Have a great day 🙂
Alexis, congratulations this post was among the most clicked on the Bloggers Pit Stop, be looking for a feature on Friday.
Yesterday I made two recipes using the flaxseed egg replacement. Both recipes required 4 eggs so I did 2 eggs and 2 flaxseed substitute. Both recipes turned out great with the added benefits that flaxseeds give.
That is wonderful Kathleen, thank you! I am so happy to hear that you had good luck with them. That is by far my favorite substitute option 🙂 I will be linking up with you Friday!
What a great post, always good to know. Thanks for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop.
Thank you!! It is so nice to have this on hand when you are baking 🙂
Hi Alexis! This is really good info. We don’t have egg allergies, but sooo many times we’ve run out of them. Now I know what we can do! Thanks for sharing and linking up at DI & DI 🙂
Thanks Lori! This is so helpful if you run out of eggs…I always seem to underestimate how many I have 🙂
Great post! I use flax eggs all of the time!
Thanks Anne! They are such a great substitute!
Great post! I have always wanted to know this!! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
Thanks Sherry!!
What great info! My husband just starting having really bad problems when eating eggs, so this post came at the perfect time – thanks!! Thank you for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty
Thanks Jamie!! I hope this will come in handy for you and your husband. It is so hard when eggs cause you problems, they are in so many things!! Have a great day!
We’re featuring your article at this week’s Funtastic Friday link party.
That is great Sherry, thanks so much! I am heading over to link up now 🙂
This needs to be 7.
mayo – both eggs and oil replaced. Lots of old fashioned cake recipes use them and cupcakes.
aquafaba – liquid from can beans unless homemade then liquid from cooked beans can replace eggs. Can also be whipped to make frosting/merangues.
Not magic but Gods Majestic Wisdom. Stay away from magic kids
Mayo contains eggs, so many people who can’t have eggs aren’t able to use it. But it can come in handy for substitute 🙂 Thanks for sharing!