6 Handy Egg Substitutes

With the Coronavirus craziness lately, grocery store shelves are sometimes bare and the things we want aren't always available.  Some people in other parts of the world live like this all the time, but in America we are usually lucky to have our shelves full to bursting.  But we are experiencing unprecedented times and it tends to be the basics that people stock up on.  That can mean there aren't enough basics to go around.  Eggs are one of those basics.  With that said, today I'll give you some substitutes for times when you just can't get your hands on a dozen.  

Egg Substitutes

1.  Flax

You know that flax you had on hand because you were going to start a healthy diet?  That flax that has been in the fridge for two months that you haven't touched?  Did you know that you can use it as an egg substitute.  It works best in quickbreads, cakes or cookies.    To make it, you mix 1 tablespoon of flax with 3 tablespoons of very hot water. 

Just a note, it will not be great for things like quiche (flax quiche, yuck!) or things where you need to whip the egg whites.


2.  Egg Beaters
This might seem like too simple a fix, but I noticed egg substitute was more prevalent on store shelves than eggs themselves.  Hopefully with stores implementing limits this won't continue to be a problem, but in the meantime, if you can get your hands on some egg beaters, just use 1/4 cup of egg substitute for every egg.  This can be used in most any recipe, even if eggs are the main ingredient.

3.  Baking Soda and Vinegar
This substitute is popular in the ubiquitous Wacky Cake or Depression Cake (recipe soon to follow!).  We used to eat this quite a bit when I was a kid.  And it wasn't because egg supply was low, it was because it was just delicious.  It was also a helpful recipe because my brother had severe allergic reactions to eggs.  To use this add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in place of one egg.


The three above are substitutes that I have personally used.  Below you can see a list of other viable substitutes that I haven't personally tried.

4.  Banana
1/2 banana for each egg - best for cakes, pancakes, and quick breads

5.  Applesauce
1/4 cup applesauce for each egg - best for cakes, pancakes and quick breads

6.  Yogurt
4 tablespoons of yogurt for each egg - best for cakes, pancakes and quick breads

Let me know if you try any of these egg substitutes or have ideas for ones I haven't mentioned.  I really love eggs myself, so I hope there are no real shortages in the future!

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