Eggs are a key ingredient in many baking recipes. They help your cake rise, bind other ingredients together, thicken your batter and make your cake moist and tender.
If you’re vegan, have dietary restrictions or don’t want to buy eggs in the supermarket, there are a number of alternative egg substitutes available for your next bake.
1. Applesauce
Eggs add moisture and structure to cakes, and they can be tricky to replace. The right egg substitute can stabilize your cake and make it soft, tender, and light, without changing its flavor.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to replace eggs in baking. One of my favorite options is applesauce.
Applesauce is a natural water-soluble fiber that is also a great fat-replacer in many baked recipes. It also helps keep baked goods fresh longer because of its high water content.
In addition to its many uses, applesauce is also a healthy way to get your daily dose of vitamins A and C. It’s important to note, however, that the nutritional content of applesauce can differ based on its processing and ingredients.
2. Bananas
Bananas are a natural egg substitute and can be used safely by vegans or those who suffer from egg allergies. They are a great addition to any cake recipe and will provide moisture, binding and leavening properties.
To use bananas as an egg substitute, simply mash up one medium ripe banana per egg in the recipe. This will add a slight banana flavor to the final product, but it can also be diluted with other flavors in the cake such as chocolate or vanilla.
When baking cakes with bananas, be sure to use room temperature eggs. This will ensure that they whisk together easily and create a light, fluffy result.
3. Plain Yogurt
If you have an egg allergy or just don’t want to use eggs in your cakes, plain yogurt can be a good substitute. Yogurt is high in protein and helps to moisten the dough and bind the ingredients together.
To use this egg substitute, simply add 1/4 cup of yogurt to replace each egg called for in the recipe. Be sure to mix well before baking.
Another popular egg substitute is applesauce, which can be used in almost any cake. However, be aware that this option can change the flavor of your cake, so it’s best to experiment before attempting this substitution.
4. Vinegar & Baking Soda
If you’re out of eggs or need to avoid them for health reasons, there are plenty of egg substitutes that can help your baking go smoothly. Here are 5 of the best to try:
Vinegar & Baking Soda
As its name suggests, vinegar is an acid that reacts with baking soda to make baked goods rise and add flavor. This is a great substitute for cakes, especially those that need leavening.
Mix one tablespoon of vinegar and one teaspoon of baking soda per egg called for in your recipe. Whisk it together until it’s well mixed and get your cake into the oven!
5. Oil
Eggs are a key ingredient in most cake recipes as they contribute to the overall structure, colour, flavour and consistency of your baked goods.
They also provide a wide variety of other functions in baking such as providing moisture, helping your cake to rise and bind other ingredients together.
You can substitute eggs in many different ways, but it’s important to choose wisely.
Oil is a common replacement for eggs because it’s moist and can help prevent your cake from becoming too dry. However, be sure to use a light-tasting oil, such as vegetable oil, for best results.
Applesauce, bananas, pumpkin puree and mashed avocado are also great substitutes for eggs in cakes. You can replace one egg with 1/4 cup of these fruits, but be aware that they will change the flavor and appearance of your cake a little.