5 Egg Substitutes Every Baker Should Know: Replacing Eggs in Bread, Pasta, and More

Eggs are a staple in many baking recipes, acting as binders, leaveners, and moisture providers. But whether you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, dealing with allergies, or simply out of eggs, there are plenty of creative substitutes to keep your baking on track. As a baker, mastering egg replacements can open up new possibilities and make your recipes more inclusive. Below, we’ll explore five common baked goods—bread, homemade pasta, cakes, cookies, and muffins—and how to replace eggs in each without sacrificing texture or flavor.

1. Bread: Flaxseed Meal

Bread relies on eggs (when used) for structure and moisture, especially in enriched doughs like brioche. A flax “egg” is an excellent vegan substitute that mimics these properties.

• How to Replace: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency.

• Why It Works: Flaxseed provides binding power and adds a subtle nutty flavor, while the water keeps the dough hydrated.

• Best For: Whole wheat loaves, artisan breads, or rolls. Note that it may slightly darken the crumb.

• Pro Tip: Use warm water to speed up the gelling process, and adjust liquid in your recipe if the dough feels too wet.

2. Homemade Pasta: Aquafaba

Eggs in fresh pasta dough contribute to elasticity and richness. Aquafaba—the liquid from canned chickpeas—steps in as a surprisingly effective alternative.

• How to Replace: Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba per egg. Whip it lightly with a fork to break up its viscosity before mixing into your flour.

• Why It Works: Aquafaba mimics the protein structure of egg whites, helping the dough hold together and stay pliable for rolling.

• Best For: Classic fettuccine, ravioli, or lasagna sheets.

• Pro Tip: Add a pinch of turmeric for that golden egg-yolk hue if appearance matters.

3. Cakes: Applesauce

Cakes often use eggs for moisture and lift, but unsweetened applesauce can take over with ease, especially in denser recipes.

• How to Replace: Substitute ¼ cup of applesauce per egg. Reduce other liquids (like milk or water) by 1-2 tablespoons to avoid a soggy batter.

• Why It Works: Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture, while its pectin helps with binding.

• Best For: Spiced cakes, chocolate cakes, or fruit-based recipes like carrot cake.

• Pro Tip: Pair with an extra ½ teaspoon of baking powder if you need more lift, as applesauce won’t provide the same leavening as eggs.

4. Cookies: Silken Tofu

Cookies depend on eggs for chewiness and structure, and silken tofu delivers a smooth, creamy substitute that blends seamlessly into dough.

• How to Replace: Blend ¼ cup of silken tofu per egg until smooth, then mix into your wet ingredients.

• Why It Works: Tofu’s high water content and protein mimic the egg’s role, keeping cookies soft and tender.

• Best For: Chewy chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, or shortbread.

• Pro Tip: Drain excess liquid from the tofu first, and don’t overmix—cookies can get dense if overworked.

5. Muffins: Mashed Banana

Muffins use eggs for binding and a bit of lift, and mashed banana is a flavorful stand-in that adds its own character to the bake.

• How to Replace: Use ¼ cup of mashed ripe banana per egg. Like with applesauce, reduce other liquids slightly if needed.

• Why It Works: The natural sugars and starch in bananas bind ingredients and keep muffins moist, while adding a hint of sweetness.

• Best For: Breakfast muffins, banana nut muffins, or blueberry muffins.

• Pro Tip: If the banana flavor feels too strong, mix in 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to balance it and boost leavening.

Final Thoughts

Replacing eggs doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. Each of these substitutes brings its own strengths to the table, and with a little experimentation, you can adapt them to your signature recipes. Keep in mind that the success of an egg replacement depends on the role eggs play in the original dish—binding, leavening, or moisture—so tweak as needed. Next time you’re in the kitchen, give one of these a try and watch your baking rise to the occasion, egg-free!

This recipe maintains the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples, all wrapped into bite-sized freeze-dried treats perfect for after-school snacks.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup diced apples

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Equipment Needed:

• Freeze dryer

• Freeze dryer trays

• Parchment paper

• Spoon or small scoop

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oatmeal:

   • Cook the oats according to package instructions. You can use water or milk.

   • Add diced apples, cinnamon, honey (if using), and salt to the cooked oatmeal.

   • Stir well to combine.

   • If using dried cranberries or raisins, fold them into the mixture for added sweetness and chewiness.

2. Portion onto Trays:

   • Line the freeze dryer trays with parchment paper.

   • Use a spoon or small scoop to portion the oatmeal mixture into small dollops on the trays. Leave about 1 inch of space between each dollop.

3. Freeze-Dry:

   • Place the trays in the freeze dryer and set it to the standard cycle.

   • Freeze-drying can take up to 24 hours, depending on the moisture content and the specific freeze dryer model.

4. Packaging:

   • Once the freeze-drying process is complete, remove the treats from the trays.

   • Store them in airtight containers or ziplock bags to maintain freshness.

5. Serving:

   • These treats are perfect for backpacks or lunchboxes. They are lightweight, nutritious, and do not require refrigeration.

Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to add other spices or dried fruits to the oatmeal mixture for different flavors.

• Texture: Freeze-dried treats will be crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can break them into smaller pieces before serving.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Oats: Provide sustained energy and fiber.

• Apples: Rich in antioxidants and fiber.

• Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Dried Cranberries/Raisins: Add natural sweetness and chewiness.

 Each meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes and is packed with nutrients.

Day 1: Hummus and Veggie Wrap

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Ingredients: Whole wheat wrap, hummus, cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, lettuce, and feta cheese (optional).

• Instructions: Spread hummus on the wrap, layer with veggies, and add feta if desired. Roll up and slice in half.

Day 2: Quick Bean and Rice Burrito

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Ingredients: Tortilla, cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and salsa.

• Instructions: Fill the tortilla with rice, beans, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa. Roll up and serve.

Day 3: Apple-White Cheddar Grilled Cheese

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Ingredients: Cinnamon-raisin bread, white cheddar cheese, sliced apple, and red onion.

• Instructions: Butter the bread, layer with cheese, apple, and onion. Grill until golden and crispy.

Day 4: Coconut-Ginger Chickpeas & Tomatoes

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, ginger, and green peppers (optional).

• Instructions: Sauté ginger and green peppers (if using), then add chickpeas, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer until heated through. Serve over rice or with naan.

Day 5: Vegan Soba Noodle Salad

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Ingredients: Soba noodles, mixed veggies (cucumber, bell pepper, carrots), Japanese-inspired dressing.

• Instructions: Cook soba noodles, toss with mixed veggies and dressing. Chill before serving.

Grocery List:

• Produce:

  • Cucumber

  • Bell pepper

  • Tomato

  • Lettuce

  • Apples

  • Red onion

  • Fresh ginger

  • Green peppers (optional)

  • Carrots

• Grains:

  • Whole wheat wraps

  • Tortillas

  • Cinnamon-raisin bread

  • Soba noodles

• Protein/Beans:

  • Black beans

  • Chickpeas

• Dairy/Alternatives:

  • Feta cheese (optional)

  • White cheddar cheese

  • Vegan cheese (optional)

• Pantry:

  • Hummus

  • Salsa

  • Coconut milk

  • Japanese-inspired dressing

  • Olive oil

  • Salt and pepper

• Miscellaneous:

  • Naan or rice (for serving with chickpeas)

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet

Quick-cooking shrimp takes center stage in this vibrant dish. Sauté shrimp with garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Toss with cherry tomatoes and spinach. Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option1.

Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Bowl

Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then quickly stir-fried. Serve over rice with kimchi and a fried egg for a Korean-inspired meal1.

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

Pan-sear chicken breasts and simmer in a sauce of tomatoes, olives, and capers. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs. Serve with a side of quick-cooking couscous12.

Cajun-Spiced Turkey Burgers

Mix ground turkey with Cajun seasoning, form into patties, and grill. Serve on whole grain buns with avocado slices and a spicy mayo. Pair with a simple side salad16.

One-Pot Lentil Dahl

For a vegetarian option, simmer red lentils with aromatic spices, coconut milk, and diced tomatoes. Serve with naan bread and a dollop of yogurt6.

These meals are not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor, making your weeknight dinners exciting and satisfying.

Shopping list for the meals:

Proteins:

• Shrimp (for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet)

• Beef (thinly sliced) (for Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Bowl)

• Chicken breasts (for Mediterranean Chicken Skillet)

• Ground turkey (for Cajun-Spiced Turkey Burgers)

• Red lentils (for One-Pot Lentil Dahl)

Produce:

• Lemons (for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet)

• Garlic (for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet and Mediterranean Chicken Skillet)

• Cherry tomatoes (for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet)

• Spinach (for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet)

• Cauliflower (for cauliflower rice with Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet)

• Kimchi (for Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Bowl)

• Eggs (for Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Bowl)

• Tomatoes (for Mediterranean Chicken Skillet)

• Olives (for Mediterranean Chicken Skillet)

• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil) (for Mediterranean Chicken Skillet)

• Avocados (for Cajun-Spiced Turkey Burgers)

• Lettuce and other salad greens (for Cajun-Spiced Turkey Burgers)

• Onions (for One-Pot Lentil Dahl)

• Carrots (optional for One-Pot Lentil Dahl)

• Celery (optional for One-Pot Lentil Dahl)

Grains:

• Couscous (for Mediterranean Chicken Skillet)

• Whole grain buns (for Cajun-Spiced Turkey Burgers)

• Naan bread (for One-Pot Lentil Dahl)

• Rice (for Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Bowl)

Dairy:

• Feta cheese (for Mediterranean Chicken Skillet)

• Yogurt (for One-Pot Lentil Dahl)

Pantry:

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Pepper

• Red pepper flakes (for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet)

• Lemon zest

• Capers (for Mediterranean Chicken Skillet)

• Cajun seasoning (for Cajun-Spiced Turkey Burgers)

• Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) (for Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Bowl)

• Soy sauce (for Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Bowl)

• Brown sugar (for Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Bowl)

• Garam masala (for One-Pot Lentil Dahl)

• Cumin (for One-Pot Lentil Dahl)

• Turmeric (for One-Pot Lentil Dahl)

• Coconut milk (for One-Pot Lentil Dahl)

• Canned diced tomatoes (for One-Pot Lentil Dahl)

• Spicy mayo (for Cajun-Spiced Turkey Burgers)

Miscellaneous:

• Parchment paper or aluminum foil (for grilling or baking)

• Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)