Whether you can’t eat eggs for health reasons, have an egg allergy, or have run out of eggs and can’t go to the store to get more, you may have wondered if it’s possible to make brownies without eggs.
The good news is that you can! There are many substitutes for eggs that can work well in a brownie recipe (see also ‘Can You Freeze Brownies‘). You might have the ingredients sitting in your kitchen already, but may have never thought to use them as a substitute.
You’ll find some effective egg substitutes to use in brownies in this post, as well as why eggs are so important in baking.
If you’re ready to start making some tasty egg-free brownies, keep reading!
Why Are Eggs Used In Baking?
Whether your recipes are old or new, eggs are a common sight, as have many significant purposes that are important in baking.
Eggs are often used to bind different ingredients to each other. This helps the mix become a whole, cohesive element, instead of a bowl with pieces of different ingredients.
Many recipes, including brownies, need eggs to keep a recipe nice and moist. Recipes that lack moisture can make the end product dry and crumbly.
Eggs also act as a leavening agent. In the case of brownies, the eggs supply air throughout the mix, giving texture to the brownies and helping them rise in the oven.
Egg Substitutes To Use In Brownie Recipes
You can find some products sold in grocery stores that are labeled as egg replacers, but there are lots of household ingredients that work just as well if you are making egg-free brownies.
If You Need A Leavening Agent
The following ingredients work well if you need an egg substitute that acts as a leavening agent.
Buttermilk Or Yogurt
Use a quarter cup of buttermilk or yogurt in place of each egg in your brownie recipe. This will ensure the brownies stay light, airy, and moist.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of either apple cider vinegar or white distilled vinegar. You can replace each egg in your brownie recipe with this solution.
If You Need Extra Moisture
The following solutions work if you need an egg substitute that adds moisture to your bakes.
Fruit Puree
Use a quarter cup of fruit puree in place of every egg. Examples include mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, pureed prunes, and softened dates.
If you use fruit puree, your brownies may need a little longer in the oven.
Carbonated Water
Add a quarter cup of carbonated water in place of each egg in your brownie recipe. This will keep your brownies moist, but it also works well as a leavening agent.
Baking Powder And Oil
Mix two tablespoons of water, two teaspoons of baking powder, and a single teaspoon of oil. Replace each egg in your recipe with this mixture.
Corn oil or vegetable oil is best for this option.
Nut Butter
Peanut, almond, and cashew butter can all be used to replace each egg in your brownie recipe. Each egg will need three tablespoons of nut butter, but check to ensure that the butter is creamy instead of lumpy.
If You Need To Bind The Ingredients
The following ingredients will work well if you need an egg substitute that binds ingredients together.
Fruit Puree
Use a quarter cup of fruit puree in place of every egg. You can use pureed prunes, canned pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce, mashed avocado, and mashed bananas.
Aquafaba
This liquid is present in canned chickpeas. You can extract the liquid from chickpea or bean cans you have already, or purchase it straight from the store.
Aquafaba and egg whites have a similar consistency. Three tablespoons of aquafaba can be used in exchange for one egg.
Silken Tofu
A quarter cup of whipped silken tofu can be used in exchange for each egg. Tofu also gives your brownies a pleasant texture.
Arrowroot
Arrowroot powder and cornstarch have a similar consistency. Mix three tablespoons of water with two tablespoons of arrowroot powder. Use this substance in place of every egg.
Other Egg Substitutes To Use In Brownies
Here are some more egg substitutes that work well in brownie recipes.
Vegetable Oil
This method only works if you need to replace one egg. If you use the oil to replace more than one, you will end up with oily, greasy brownies.
Use a quarter cup of vegetable oil in place of one egg in your brownie recipe.
Flaxseed
This is a good vegan substitute option for eggs. Replace every egg with a mix of three tablespoons of water and a tablespoon of ground flax seed powder.
The Bottom Line
Now you know some egg alternatives that will work well when making brownies (see also ‘How to Know When Brownies Are Done‘)! All of the above egg alternatives can be used in both home recipes and brownie box mixes.
Remember to double-check the ingredients as you may need specific amounts of each one in place of each egg.
It’s also a good idea to practice these recipes beforehand, as you may need to adjust the cooking time to compensate for leaving the eggs out.
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