The 7 Best Egg Substitutes for Baking on a Budget (+ Recipes!)

Eggs are more expensive than ever, but the good news is—you don’t need them to bake delicious cookies, cakes, muffins, or pancakes. Whether you’re looking to save money, avoid cholesterol, or make your baking more compassionate, there are plenty of simple and affordable egg substitutes that work just as well.
I haven’t eaten eggs in almost 16 years since going plant-based, and I can tell you from experience—you don’t need them. Baking without eggs is easier than most people think. With the right ingredients, you can get the same moisture, fluffiness, and structure in your favorite recipes, all while keeping it budget-friendly and cruelty-free.
Budget-Friendly Egg Substitutes for Baking
In recipes, eggs act as a binder, leavening agent, or moisture booster. The key to replacing them is knowing what function they serve in a recipe. Here are some of the most affordable and effective egg substitutes for baking:
1. Flax or Chia Egg (Best for Binding)
Flaxseeds and chia seeds are packed with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a nutritious alternative to eggs. Flaxseeds come in whole or ground form—if using whole flaxseeds, grind them in a coffee grinder before mixing. Chia seeds absorb liquid and form a gel-like consistency, making them great for binding.
- Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water. Let it sit for a few minutes until thickened.
- Works well in cookies, muffins, brownies, and pancakes.
2. Applesauce + Baking Powder (Adds Moisture & Lightness)
Applesauce is a great way to add moisture to baked goods without altering the flavor too much. Be sure to use plain, unsweetened applesauce for best results. Adding baking powder helps create a lighter texture.
- Replace one egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce and add an additional ½ teaspoon baking powder (than what’s called for in the recipe) to help with lift.
- Great for cakes, quick breads, and muffins where a light texture is needed.
3. Mashed Banana (Adds Moisture & Sweetness)
Mashed bananas work similarly to applesauce but add a mild banana flavor. They help retain moisture and naturally sweeten baked goods.
- Use ½ mashed banana per egg.
- Best for banana bread, muffins, and pancakes.
4. Baking Powder + Vinegar (Adds Lift)
This combination helps provide structure and lightness in recipes that rely on eggs as a leavening agent.
- Combine 1 teaspoon baking powder + 1 tablespoon vinegar per egg.
- Works well in cakes, cupcakes, and light baked goods.
5. Aquafaba (Chickpea Brine)
Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It has a similar consistency to egg whites and can be whipped into a foam or used as a binding agent. Next time you open a can of chickpeas save the brine to use in your favorite baked good recipe that calls for eggs.
- Use 3 tablespoons of liquid from canned chickpeas per egg.
- Whip it up for meringues, macarons, fluffy pancakes, or crispy waffles.
6. Seltzer Water (Light & Airy Texture)
Seltzer water, also known as sparkling water or carbonated water, helps add airiness and moisture to baked goods.
- Replace each egg with ¼ cup of seltzer water to add moisture and lightness.
- Ideal for cakes, muffins, and pancakes, including store-bought boxed cakes.
7. Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Egg Replacer (Convenient Commercial Option)
Bob’s Red Mill offers a Gluten Free Vegan Egg Replacer made from simple ingredients like potato starch, tapioca flour, baking soda, and psyllium husk fiber. It’s free from grains, soy, gluten, and beans, making it suitable for various dietary needs. You can find it in the baking section of most major grocery stores.
- To replace one whole egg, mix 1 tablespoon of the egg replacer with 2 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a minute to thicken before adding to your recipe.
- Great for cakes, cookies, muffins, pancakes, and quick breads.
These swaps are affordable and easy to find, making egg-free baking accessible to everyone!
Three Budget-Friendly Egg-Free Baking Recipes
1. Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies come out perfectly chewy every time, thanks to flax eggs.
Ingredients:
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- ½ cup vegan butter or coconut oil
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flax egg and set aside.
- In a bowl, cream together butter, sugars, and vanilla. Stir in the flax egg.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before enjoying!
2. Fluffy Egg-Free Pancakes
No eggs, no problem—these pancakes use baking powder and vinegar for the perfect rise!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix non-dairy milk with vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Pour batter into rounds.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve with maple syrup.
3. Easy Banana Bread
Bananas add moisture and natural sweetness, making this an easy, no-fail, egg-free recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix bananas, sugar, oil, and vanilla.
- Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until combined.
- Pour into a loaf pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.
- Let cool before slicing.
Egg-Free Baking is Easy, Delicious, and Budget-Friendly
Cutting out eggs doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or texture. With these simple, budget-friendly egg substitutes, you can bake everything from cookies to cakes without the need for expensive or cruelty-based ingredients.
Which egg-free baking swap is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
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