An egg wash is a necessary when baking particular breads and pastries for that wonderful golden brown and lustrous finish. What if you run out of eggs? Or do you have an egg allergy that makes an egg wash a no-no?

If you don’t have any eggs on hand, there are plenty of other options. Milk is a popular choice since it is generally mixed with the egg to make a conventional egg wash. You may also spread butter, flavorless oils like vegetable oil, or honey on top.

Hey! My name is Shea, and baking is one of my favorite hobbies. I’ve spent the past 10 years honing my culinary talents. And, although I’d like to believe I always keep eggs on hand, I sometimes forget about them on supermarket visits (oops).

Having said that, I’ve had to discover several egg substitutes for one dish or another. And now I’m going to offer a couple of my favorite egg wash replacements.

Egg Wash Substitute: Top 5 Picks

While an egg wash is named that for a reason, it doesn’t mean you can’t skip the main component. These top five substitutions will work well and may even add some more taste to your delicious bread and pastries.

1. Butter (Top Pick)

There are just a few items that I like more than butter. I simply can’t get enough of its tempting richness, whether on toast or mashed into a baked potato.

It’s also my go-to for egg washes (and occasionally I’ll use butter instead of an egg wash entirely, even if I have eggs in the fridge!).

Butter will provide an indisputable richness and a wonderfully golden-brown crust to your baked goods, enhancing the entire taste.

While using butter, though, use caution. If you use too much of it, it may seep into your bread or pastry, resulting in an oily mess. Hence, be sparing with your application.

2. Milk (Runner-Up)

In traditional egg washes, an egg is mixed with milk or butter. Nevertheless, you may omit the egg entirely and use plain milk.

It makes little difference what kind of milk you use. I’ve had great success with both ordinary milk and almond milk. The advantage of using almond milk is that it adds a nutty flavor to your dessert, which may greatly enhance the entire flavor. It’s also a fantastic vegan choice!

3. Oil (Vegan-Friendly)

While oil is a good choice for vegans, it may also be an amazing choice for anybody. This is due to the fact that oil produces a brilliantly crispy texture. Thus, if you want your baked items with a little extra crunch, try brushing oil upon them.

What sort of oil, you may wonder? Any oil will do the trick. To prevent changing the final taste, I suggest using a flavorless alternative, such as vegetable oil. But, for a healthier and more powerful taste, use olive oil, or use coconut oil for a sweet twist.

4. Honey (Sweet Pick)

I highly suggest using honey as an egg wash substitution to increase the sweetness of your baked delight (or maple syrup). Honey will provide a rich brown color as well as a caramelized crust filled with delicious taste.

Keep in mind that honey may burn rapidly, so this is the best choice for recipes that need a quick bake. The alternative is to brush honey over the tops of your baked goods during the last minutes of baking to get the ideal texture and flavor without scorching the tops.

5. Flaxseed (Healthiest Option)

Are you looking for a nutrient-dense egg wash substitute? Then there’s flaxseed, which is a nutritional powerhouse. Flaxseeds are high in nutrients and simple to prepare. It’s a no-lose scenario!

To utilize flaxseeds as a substitute for egg wash, first make a fake egg. Don’t be concerned; it’s simpler than you think. Just do the following:

• Combine one tablespoon of ground flaxseed and three tablespoons of water in a mixing dish.
• Stir until well blended.
• Let the mixture to rest for 10 minutes.
• Brush the mixture over your snacks.

See? It’s quite easy, and it’s even suitable for vegan diets.

FAQs

Who knew making an egg wash alternative could be so simple? If you still want to learn more about this subject, have a look at these frequently asked questions.

Can I use olive oil instead of egg wash on puff pastry?

Pastries may benefit greatly from the use of olive oil! It not only creates a nice flaky texture, but it also enhances the tastes. If you are concerned with the olive oil dominating the pastry, you may simply substitute another kind of oil.

Does puff pastry need egg wash?

Puff pastry may technically be made without an egg wash. Puff pastries have enough fat in them to get golden and flaky on their own. However, in my opinion, why settle for less? I usually suggest adding an egg wash to increase the flakiness and taste of your cookies.

What happens if you don’t egg wash pastry?

Although your fluffy pastries will still taste delicious, there will be a significant difference, particularly in appearance. The egg wash is responsible for the golden-brown gleam on top of the pastries. Pastries without it might seem bland, dry, and unpleasant.

Can I use Aquafaba as egg wash?

Aquafaba (chickpea water) is a good substitute for egg wash. It will provide the necessary shine and brown look while remaining flavorless, so it will not interfere with the taste of your dessert.

Final Words

An egg wash is required for some breads and pastries to get the desired brown and glossy look. Don’t worry if you don’t have any eggs on hand! You may get the similar effects by slathering butter, milk (any sort), oil, honey, or a fake flaxseed egg on top.

Have you tried any of these egg substitutes? Which one is your personal favorite? Do you have any more?