Have you ran out of eggs? Or perhaps, you’ve recently embraced a vegan lifestyle, and you’re wondering how to satisfy that brownie craving without using eggs.
Well, I’m here to tell you that not only is it possible, but it might just lead to the most delightful brownies you’ve ever tasted. Yes, you read that right! The world of egg-free brownies is rich, unexplored, and full of potential, beckoning with open arms to both the adventurous and the egg-averse.
As we venture into the heart of egg-free brownie territory, we’ll discover the magic of alternative ingredients like bananas, applesauce, and even yogurt, each bringing a unique twist to the classic brownie, adding depth, moisture, and a delightful flavor profile that might just surprise you.
So, grab your favorite apron, and let’s embark on this exciting culinary adventure together, as we redefine what it means to bake a batch of brownies, breaking free from the traditional constraints and diving into a world of creativity and flavor. Everyone deserves a bite of that perfect, fudgy, chocolatey goodness, eggs or no eggs!
What Happens If You Make Brownies Without Eggs?
Think you can just skip the eggs in your next brownie recipe? Not exactly. You’ll have to substitute something else instead. Those eggs are there for a reason!
Eggs have an important role in baking. They give batters structure, act as leavening agents, work as binders and emulsifiers, and most importantly, add moisture to cakes and other baked goods like brownies. Without eggs, brownies will be crumbly, dry, and overall unpleasant to eat.
What Can You Substitute For Eggs in Brownies?
So, what can you use instead of eggs in brownies? You’ll find lots of egg substitutes available on the market, but you likely also already have quite a few sitting in your kitchen. Let’s overview the best egg substitutes for brownies!
1) Yogurt
Yogurt is a common substitute for eggs in baking. Greek yogurt is especially helpful as it is healthy, great for binding ingredients, and adds moisture. Yogurt has a good protein and fat content comparable to eggs so it also adds richness and stability.
To substitute yogurt for eggs use ¼ cup of yogurt (plain yogurt is best) to replace one egg. It is not recommended to use this substitute for more than the equivalent of three eggs.
Looking for a recipe that uses yogurt in lieu of eggs? Try this eggless brownie recipe.
2) Buttermilk
Buttermilk is another fantastic substitute for eggs. Buttermilk is acidic and will react with baking soda and baking powder, helping to make brownies rise. Using buttermilk as an egg substitute will lead to brownies that are airy, moist, and soft.
Use about ¼ a cup of buttermilk to replace every egg called for in your brownie recipe.
No buttermilk in the fridge? No problem! You can make your own buttermilk by mixing a cup of warm milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and allowing the mixture to curdle for 10 minutes.
3) Condensed Milk
Condensed milk can also be used as an egg substitute, but you may wish to adjust your recipe to account for its sweetness. Condensed milk is a good ingredient to provide moisture to brownies. Try adding ¼ a cup for every egg requested.
Looking for a recipe that specifically uses condensed milk? Check out this recipe for eggless, fudge-y condensed milk brownies.
4) Applesauce
Applesauce makes a great vegan substitute for eggs in brownies. Applesauce adds moisture and texture to a brownie mix without altering the texture substantially. Many choose to opt for unsweetened applesauce when using it as an egg substitute to avoid altering the flavor of the final product too much.
Use ¼ a cup of applesauce (preferably unsweetened) to fill in for every egg needed in your brownie recipe. Know you may need to bake your brownies a tad longer than you normally would when using this substitute.
5) Bananas
Bananas are another egg substitute suitable for vegans and non-vegans alike. Ripe bananas are an ideal egg substitute as they are sweet and moist. They will add subtle flavor without overriding that classic brownie taste.
You can add one mashed banana for every egg in a recipe.
6) Pumpkin Puree
Have a leftover can of pumpkin puree sitting in your pantry? Much like applesauce and mashed bananas, this can also be used as an egg substitute. Additionally, it won’t transfer as much of a flavor to the batter as some other fruit purees, such as bananas, can.
Simply use ¼ cup pureed pumpkin to stand in for every egg needed.
7) Arrowroot
Arrowroot is another spectacular egg substitute. Derived from the dried roots of a number of plants, it’s often used as a thickener similar to cornstarch, but without the starch or gluten. Arrowroot powder is also vegan.
Use 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder mixed with 3 tablespoons of water to fill in for every egg needed.
8) Silken Tofu
Yet another egg substitute for baking beautiful brownies is silken tofu. This protein-packed egg substitute is similar in texture to eggs leading to a smooth batter consistency.
To use silken tofu as an egg substitute, puree ¼ a cup of soft tofu to replace each egg needed.
9) Aquafaba
Never heard of aquafaba? It’s actually just the cooking liquid from beans, such as chickpeas. This wondrous vegan egg substitute contains both starches and proteins. You can source aquafaba by simply using the liquid from a can of chickpeas and lightly whipping it with a hand or stand mixer.
If you have some time, you can also make your own aquafaba by soaking and cooking dried chickpeas, draining the liquid, and allowing it to cool – although this method will require leaving the chickpeas to soak overnight.
About 3 tablespoons of aquafaba will equal one egg (two tablespoons = an egg white, one tablespoon = an egg yolk).
10) Flaxseed
Flaxseed is another wonderful egg substitute in baking and is another vegan-friendly option. You can make your own flax egg by combining 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and allowing the mixture to stand and fluff up.
After 10 to 20 minutes, this mixture should thicken and gel, resembling a texture akin to an actual egg.
11) Egg Replacement Powders
A tried and tested substitute for eggs in baking is egg replacement powder or commercial egg replacer. These prepackaged powders have many of the same ingredients listed throughout this article. Some popular commercial egg replacers include Ener-G, Bob’s Red Mill, and Neat Egg Mix
Commonly made from leavening agents with potato and tapioca starch (or sometimes chia seeds and other ingredients), these egg substitutes can be used for more than just brownies. Cakes, cookies, quick breads – you name it, these work. Each brand comes with its own instructions for egg ratio replacements.
Ener-G asks for 2 tablespoons of warm water and 1-½ teaspoons of egg replacer to equal 1 egg. Both Neat Egg Mix and Bob’s Red Mill’s egg replacers call for 1 tablespoon of egg replacer and 2 tablespoons of water for the equivalent of a whole egg.
12) Nut Butter
Some have found nut butter to be a viable replacement for eggs in brownie recipes. Many have had success with substituting peanut butter, cashew butter, and almond butter for eggs in a brownie recipe.
Use 3 tablespoons of nut butter to stand in for one egg. Pick a variety that is creamy, not chunky, and be aware it will impart some of its nuttier flavors to your brownie batter.
13) Soda Water
Both soda water and diet soda have been cited as possible egg substitutes, although there isn’t as much research to back this one up as some of the other options listed. The theory is that the carbonation helps to give brownies a light and airy texture ensuring a properly risen result. Couldn’t hurt to try, right?
Substitute ¼ cup soda water or ½ can diet soda for each egg needed.
14) Vegetable Oil
If you have a brownie recipe that only calls for one egg, you can use vegetable oil as a replacement. A ¼ cup will equal 1 egg – use any more than this, however, and your brownies will be much too oily to be enjoyable.
Here’s a good recipe for brownies that makes use of vegetable oil in place of an egg: super soft eggless chocolate brownies.
How to Make Boxed Brownies Without Eggs
Wondering how to make Betty Crocker brownies without eggs? It’s simple and easy to make boxed brownie mixes without eggs. Simply use one of the dozen egg substitutes mentioned above to substitute for the egg(s) called for in the recipe and bake as usual.
Some of the most popular egg substitutes for boxed brownie mixes are flaxseed, applesauce, pumpkin puree, and aquafaba.
Is There a Brownie Mix Without Eggs?
Looking for a brownie mix, with no eggs needed? There are a few brownie mixes without eggs – a good way to discover some is simply to search “vegan brownie mix.” These mixes are designed with eggless baking in mind, so the chances of success are high.
Here are a few highly-rated vegan brownie mixes:
- Snacktivist Gluten-free Brownie Baking Mix says right on the package No Eggs Required!
- Miss Jones Baking Organic Fudge Brownie Mix only contains Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Cocoa Powder, Organic Wheat Starch, Sea Salt, and Baking Powder, so the requested eggs can easily be substituted for another ingredient.
- Annie’s Organic Double Chocolate Brownie Mix is another option that is egg-free and vegan. Just sub out the two eggs called for in the recipe for your preferred substitute.
Time To Make Some Delicious Brownies!
Let’s be honest, nothing will be just as good as using eggs in brownies! But, with more than a dozen substitutes for using eggs in your next brownie batter, you are definitely spoilt for choice.
There are a significant number of substitutes out there from fruit purees to commercial egg replacers, many of which make egg-cellent egg substitutes! I bet you even have a few sitting in your pantry right now gathering dust. Try it!
