Bake your cake and eat it too with these best egg substitutes. Vegan, gluten-free, or just out of eggs — we’ve got the perfect ingredient to save your baking day!
Whether you’re vegan, allergic to eggs, or simply ran out of them, there’s no need to abandon your baking project.
Eggs play several roles in baking — they add moisture, structure, and leavening, and help bind ingredients together. However, there are a multitude of ingredients that can perform these same functions.
Here are the best egg substitutes that you can use in your baking, ordered by their suitability and availability.
1. Applesauce
Applesauce is a well-known substitute for eggs in baking.
This fruit puree adds moisture to baked goods without affecting the taste significantly. It’s an excellent choice for sweet bread and muffins.
How to make it work: To substitute for one egg, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
2. Mashed Bananas
Mashed bananas can replace eggs in your baking recipes.
Like applesauce, bananas add moisture to your baked goods. However, they do impart a mild banana flavor, making them ideal for banana bread or pancakes.
How to make it work: For one egg, use 1/4 cup of mashed bananas.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt can serve as an egg substitute in your baking recipes.
With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, yogurt can help retain moisture in your baked goods. It’s a great option for cakes and muffins.
How to make it work: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup of yogurt.
4. Buttermilk
Buttermilk can replace eggs in certain baking recipes.
Buttermilk’s acidity and creamy texture make it a suitable alternative for eggs in cakes and muffins. Note that it may alter the taste slightly.
How to make it work: Substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of buttermilk.
5. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu can be used as an egg substitute in baking.
Thanks to its high protein content and smooth texture, silken tofu can add structure to your baked goods without adding a distinct flavor. It works well in dense cakes and brownies.
How to make it work: For each egg, use 1/4 cup of pureed silken tofu.
6. Vinegar and Baking Powder
A combination of vinegar and baking powder can substitute for eggs in baking.
This duo creates a leavening effect in baked goods, making them rise and become fluffy. It’s an ideal egg substitute in cakes and cupcakes.
How to make it work: For each egg, use 1 tablespoon of vinegar mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
7. Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree
Unsweetened pumpkin puree is a fantastic substitute for eggs in baking.
Like other fruit purees, pumpkin puree can add moisture to your baked goods. It’s a wonderful choice for fall recipes.
How to make it work: To replace one egg, use 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree.
8. Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder can replace eggs in your baking recipes.
This fine powder acts as a binder and helps give baked goods structure. It’s a great choice for cookies and other crispy treats.
How to make it work: For each egg, combine 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder with 3 tablespoons of water.
9. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a popular vegan substitute for eggs in baking.
When mixed with water, flaxseeds create a gel-like mixture that can bind ingredients together. It’s an excellent choice for bread and pancakes.
How to make it work: To substitute one egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens.
10. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds can serve as an egg substitute in your baking recipes.
Like flaxseeds, chia seeds create a gel when combined with water, acting as a binder in your recipes. They work well in muffins and cookies.
How to make it work: For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it forms a gel.
11. Nut Butters
Nut butters, such as almond, cashew, or peanut butter, can replace eggs in your baking recipes.
While they don’t provide the same structure as eggs, nut butters can add fat, flavor, and moisture to your baked goods. They’re an excellent choice for brownies and cookies.
How to make it work: For one egg, use 3 tablespoons of nut butter.
12. Aquafaba
Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, is a unique substitute for eggs in baking.
When whipped, aquafaba resembles egg whites, making it perfect for meringues and fluffy cakes.
How to make it work: Replace each egg with 3 tablespoons of whipped aquafaba.
13. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil can be used as an egg substitute in baking.
As a source of fat, vegetable oil can add moisture to your baked goods. It works best in recipes that call for a small number of eggs.
How to make it work: To substitute for one egg, use 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
14. Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk can replace eggs in your baking recipes.
This dairy product adds sweetness and a creamy texture to your baked goods. It works well in desserts like pies and custards.
How to make it work: For each egg, use 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk.
15. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise can serve as an egg substitute in your baking recipes.
Made from eggs and oil, mayonnaise can add fat and moisture to your baked goods. It’s an excellent option for cakes and cupcakes.
How to make it work: To replace one egg, use 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise.
16. Club Soda
Club soda can replace eggs in your baking recipes.
The carbonation in club soda can help your baked goods rise, similar to the way eggs do. It’s a great choice for pancakes and quick bread.
How to make it work: For each egg, use 1/4 cup of club soda.
17. Sour Cream
Sour cream can serve as an egg substitute in your baking recipes.
With its tangy flavor and creamy texture, sour cream can add moisture and richness to your baked goods. It’s a great option for cakes and scones.
How to make it work: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup of sour cream.
18. Agar Agar
Agar agar can replace eggs in your baking recipes.
This plant-based gelatin substitute can act as a binder in your baked goods. It’s an ideal choice for vegan recipes.
How to make it work: For one egg, dissolve 1 tablespoon of agar agar in 1 tablespoon of water.
19. Unsweetened Soy Milk
Unsweetened soy milk can serve as an egg substitute in your baking recipes.
Soy milk can add moisture to your baked goods and help them rise. It’s a versatile substitute suitable for various recipes.
How to make it work: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened soy milk.
20. Avocado
Avocado can replace eggs in your baking recipes.
This fruit can add creaminess and moisture to your baked goods. It’s an excellent choice for cakes and brownies, but note that it may impart a green hue.
How to make it work: For one egg, use 1/4 cup of pureed avocado.
21. Instant Mashed Potatoes
Instant mashed potatoes can replace eggs in your baking recipes.
This might sound surprising, but the starchy content in instant mashed potatoes acts as a binding agent and adds moisture to your baked goods. This makes it an excellent choice for savory breads or muffins.
How to make it work: For each egg, use 2 tablespoons of instant mashed potato flakes mixed with enough water to make a paste.
The Takeaways
The world of baking is filled with endless possibilities, and this list of the best egg substitutes is a testament to that.
From readily available kitchen staples like applesauce and mashed bananas, to more unique options like aquafaba and instant mashed potatoes, each substitute brings something different to the table.
Fruit purees add moisture and a touch of sweetness to your baked goods, making them an excellent choice for sweet bread and muffins.
Dairy products like yogurt, buttermilk, and sour cream, on the other hand, can contribute both moisture and richness, making them ideal for cakes and muffins.
If you’re looking for a substitute that can provide leavening, vinegar and baking powder, or carbonated substitutes like club soda are worth considering.
Seed gels, made from flaxseeds or chia seeds, are a fantastic vegan option, binding ingredients together while also adding a slight nutty flavor.
For a more unique substitute, consider trying aquafaba or instant mashed potatoes, which offer unique textures and flavors to your baked goods.
The best substitute will depend on the specific recipe and personal preference. It’s worth experimenting with a few options to find what works best for you.
Happy baking!
