• Allergies

Baking Without Eggs: Best Substitutes and Tips

Published: February 24, 2025
Updated: February 24, 2025
4 mins

Eggs are a crucial ingredient to get the right consistency while baking. They help hold cakes, cupcakes, and muffins together for the warm, soft goodness you experience while biting into your favorite treat.

Eggs are leavening agents in many baked goods. Leavening agents affect the shape and texture of the food. While there are alternate options to substitute eggs in a recipe, they may not produce the same consistency in some baked goods. Some egg substitutes may also slightly alter the taste.

Many grocery stores have different options for artificial egg replacements. You can also consider buying a commercial egg substitute product.  

If you have an egg allergy, want to save money, or don’t have eggs at hand for a specific recipe, consider the following home-friendly egg substitutes. 

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10 Egg Substitutes to Consider

The following egg substitutes can be used in most recipes. However, it’s important to consider how the chosen ingredients may affect the flavor. For example, egg substitutes like pumpkin puree may pair better with recipes that have cinnamon or apple-like flavors.

1. Silken tofu

This egg substitute is a great option for people who prefer a vegan-friendly diet. Silken (soft) tofu can be used in cakes and breads. It gives a similar consistency to eggs. You can use a food processor or blender to soften for baking.

2. Applesauce

You can opt for sweetened or unsweetened applesauce for baking. Unsweetened applesauce may provide a flavor closer to using an egg. It can also be a great source of vitamin C. This substitution works great in banana bread, cupcakes, and blueberry muffins. 

3. Chia seeds

Often referred to as a “chia egg,” you can add water to chia seeds as an egg substitute. About a tablespoon of chia seeds and three tablespoons of water create an egg-like consistency. You can use them to bake muffins.

4. Arrowroot powder

Arrowroot is a starch made of different starch plants. As with other substitutions, add water to arrowroot powder to create a softer texture. Arrowroot has a sweetness that can be added to muffin, cake, and bread recipes. However, arrowroot powder may increase the dryness of some recipes.

5. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a food often used in vegan recipes. You can combine one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water to have a consistency similar to that of an egg. 

This substitute is ideal for people who don’t mind a slight nutty flavor. Flaxseed pancakes, brownies, and cookies are good vegan options. It’s not recommended as a substitute for recipes that may require more than three eggs.

6. Carbonated water

This is an egg replacement with a more neutral taste. About ¼ cup of carbonated water can be used in cakes, cupcakes, and breads. This is possibly one of the easiest substitutes to have last-minute access to.

7. Mashed banana

A 1/4 cup of mashed banana can replace one egg in a recipe. The bananas may add a slightly sweet taste to your baked goods. Riper bananas may add more moisture to your muffins, cakes, and pancakes. Bananas also have anti-inflammatory benefits that may help fight infections and illness.

8. Yogurt

It’s recommended to use 1/4 cup of yogurt as a replacement for one egg. For those who are lactose intolerant, you can also use Greek plant-based yogurt. Yogurt is a great alternative for creating a more gooey texture.

9. Pumpkin puree

This unique egg substitute may be ideal for fall baking. About 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree can replace one egg. This can be used in cakes, muffins, and pies. You can also purchase pre-made pumpkin puree.

10. Peanut butter

If you don’t have a nut allergy, different nut kinds of nut butters like peanut butter may also work great as a substitute for eggs. Around three tablespoons of peanut butter can replace one egg. This substitute is often used in pancake, brownie, and cookie recipes.

Where Can I Learn More About Food Allergies?

At LifeMD, you can speak with a licensed healthcare provider about next steps if you develop a food allergy. They can give you tips for keeping yourself safe during an allergic reaction and alternate food options to consider.

Book an appointment today to learn more about living with a food allergy.

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