For many years, eggs have been used as binding ingredients in baking, working to glue the other ingredients together. However, not everyone can or wants to use eggs.
On top of that, eggs are becoming expensive. In Nigeria, an egg costs between ₦200 and ₦250, depending on where you live. This is a ₦150 – ₦200 difference for the initial price per egg. So, do we give up baking because eggs are becoming scarce? While eggs are known for being great binding ingredients, there are other options to consider. In this article, we will look at various egg alternatives.
Role of Eggs in Baking
- They help to lock in moisture so that the bakes don’t dry out and fall apart.
- They add nutrients like fat and protein to baked goods.
- They help bakes to have a fluffy texture.
Examples of Egg Substitute
If you’re out of eggs or just can’t use them, there are different types of substitutes like liquid and dry based substitutes that work just as well in baking.
Liquid Based Substitutes
- Water or milk: Adds moisture, but won’t help much with binding.
- Applesauce: A great moisturizer and sweetener.
- Mashed bananas: This adds moisture and binds the bakes together, adding a subtle banana flavor to it.
- Flaxseed meal or chia seeds and water: Mix flaxseed meal and water together to form a gel-like substance that mimics eggs.
- Yogurt or buttermilk: This adds moisture and richness to the bakes.
- Vinegar or lemon juice: Combine either of them with baking soda which acts as a leavening agent, helping the bakes to rise.
Dry Based Substitutes
- Baking powder or baking soda: These ingredients help to provide one of the characteristics of baked goods made with eggs, which is fluffy and leavening end products.
- Ground nuts or seeds: Blended nuts and seeds improve the texture of the baking and binds other ingredients together.
Are There Any Factors To Consider When Choosing A Substitute?
When picking an egg substitute, there are a few things that you have to keep in mind. Firstly, what you’re baking matters. If you’re making cakes, keep in mind that cakes are light and fluffy. For that, you’d want to go for a substitute like flaxseeds or chia seeds to give your cake that light and fluffy texture.
Secondly, you need to consider the texture and flavor that you want. If you want a sweeter and moist bake, then you could go with apple sauce and mashed bananas. Lastly, consider your dietary restrictions and preference. You don’t have to eat what doesn’t align with your preference. If you are a vegan, you can choose plant-based options like chia seeds or apple sauce.
Bottom Line
Eggs have been used as a baking staple for years. But let’s be real, sometimes eggs just aren’t an option, especially at the moment where eggs are on the high price. Whatever the case may be, you can use other substitutes to get the same result that eggs would give you.
You can use liquid substitutes like apple sauce or mashed bananas to have a moist and sweet bake. Or you can go for dry options like baking powder and granola to help bind every ingredient together. All you need to consider is the type of recipe you are going for and also the flavor and texture that you want. Then you pick a substitute that suits your needs.
