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Egg Alternatives for Baking

By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Created September 11, 2024
A glass bowl with flour and eggs is being mixed with a hand mixer. Nearby items include overripe bananas, eggshells, a measuring cup with sugar, and a red silicone baking mat.
Let's talk about eggs – or the lack of them! If you're looking for a substitute, maybe you're vegan, have an egg allergy, or just want to try something new, we've got you covered! There are plenty of egg alternatives to explore and discover how you can keep your baking adventures going without missing a beat.

Whether you don't like eggs, are vegan, have an allergy to eggs, or just forgot to buy the eggs your recipe calls for, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a list of egg alternatives for the purposes of baking, so you can try new recipes (or old ones) with confidence.

What Do Eggs Do in Baking?

A person hand whisking a mixture in a clear glass bowl with eggs and a clear liquid.

You may be wondering what purpose eggs serve in baking and if they’re even necessary. The truth is that eggs do a lot for the baking process. Here are the most important things they do:

  • Add Moisture: Eggs add moisture, helping to keep ingredients from getting too dry in the baking process.
  • Binding: Eggs help to bind products and keep them together.
  • Leavening: Because they trap air bubbles when beaten, eggs can help mixtures rise as they bake.

Egg Substitutes

Let’s (not) get cracking! You may be worried about the effect of substituting eggs from your recipe, but don't be. There are truly a bunch of great egg alternatives out there, each with its own unique properties that will work for your recipe. Here are some of the most popular options:

Mashed Banana

Mashed bananas are a great option for replacing eggs while adding moisture and sweetness; the riper, the better! They work very well in cakes, muffins, and quick breads. Use ¼ cup of mashed banana for every egg you're replacing. Remember, though, if you’re replacing eggs with mashed bananas that it will add the flavor of banana, which can be fantastic for sweet recipes but may not work as well in savory baked items.

Applesauce

Adding applesauce is another great way to replace eggs while incorporating moisture and sweetness. Like bananas, though, the apple flavor may not work in all dishes. Use ¼ cup of applesauce for every egg you're replacing.

Commercial Egg Substitutes

Most grocery stores sell a variety of commercial egg substitutes in the dairy case. These are often made from a combination of ingredients like tofu, starches (potato starch, tapioca starch, cornstarch, etc.), and vegetable oils. For the best results, follow the instructions on the package. Commercial egg substitutes are suitable for most baked goods and won’t affect taste.

Aquafaba (Chickpea Water)

Aquafaba is the liquid found in cans of chickpeas. It can be used for baked goods that would normally include whipped eggs or egg whites, however we have found in our testing that how much you substitute for each egg will vary by recipe type, the ingredients used, and mixing methods, the other ingredients in the recipe, etc. Aquafaba can lend a chickpea-like flavor to foods, which would mean other ingredients may need to be adjusted to make up for it. For this reason, it’s best to follow recipes specifically developed to use aquafaba...

Ground Flaxseed or Chia Seed

These are classic vegan egg substitutes. Water and ground flaxseed or chia seed are mixed and allowed to sit. After a few minutes, the seeds will form a gel, which is added to baked goods instead of eggs. We have found, however, that finding the right amount to substitute for each egg will be similar to using aquafaba in recipes—it will depend on the recipe type, the ingredients used, mixing method, etc. It’s best to follow recipes specifically developed with chia seed or ground flaxseed in place of eggs.

Egg-Free Recipes: Get Baking!

Ready to try out some egg-free baking recipes? Here are a couple of our favorites:

Remember, baking is all about having fun, so don't be afraid to experiment and see what scrumptious creations you can come up with!