Out of Eggs, one case
Egg substitute for brownie mix
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Flax egg
1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water for every egg
For each egg in a box of brownie mix, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed stirred into 3 tablespoons water) or ¼ cup of plain yogurt. Both keep brownies fudgy. Applesauce works too but makes them cakier. Egg-free brownies set as they cool, so do not cut them warm.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- The tweak —
- Stir and rest 5 minutes to gel before adding.
- Best for —
- fudgy box brownies
One casethe full eggs card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 egg | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flax eggfudgy box brownies | 1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp waterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Plain yogurtbox brownie mix | ¼ cupTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Unsweetened applesaucecakey brownies | ¼ cupYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Aquafabavegan brownies | 3 tbsp + 1 tsp oilTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Silken tofuextra-fudgy brownies | ¼ cupTweak it | Tweak it |
Flax egg
none you will notice under the chocolate; dense and fudgy
A sticky gel that binds like egg. Chocolate hides its color and nutty taste.
- Best for
- fudgy box brownies, vegan brownies
- Prep
- Stir and rest 5 minutes to gel before adding.
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Cake-style brownies that should rise.
Plain yogurt
none; moist
Moisture and a little protein. Gives a soft, fudgy center.
- Best for
- box brownie mix, brownie cupcakes
- Contains
- dairy
- Where it fails
- A crackly, shiny top, which comes from eggs and sugar beaten together.
Unsweetened applesauce
very slight fruit note; cakier
Binds and adds moisture, with a lighter, cake-like result.
- Best for
- cakey brownies, lower-fat brownies
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Dense, chewy brownies.
Aquafaba
neutral taste
Chickpea liquid. It binds and, whisked until foamy, can bring back some of the shiny top.
- Best for
- vegan brownies, chewy brownies
- Prep
- Whisk the aquafaba until foamy, about 30 seconds, then stir it in with the oil, which stands in for the fat of the yolk.
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Nothing in particular.
Silken tofu
neutral; very dense
Blended smooth, it gives a dense, truffle-like brownie.
- Best for
- extra-fudgy brownies
- Prep
- Blend completely smooth before adding.
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Light or cakey brownies.
Tips for substituting eggs
4 tips- Most mixes call for 1 or 2 eggs for fudgy and 3 for cakey. Replace the fudgy number.
- Bake 3 to 5 minutes longer than the box says and test near the edge, not the center.
- Cool completely, at least 1 hour, before cutting. Chilling 30 minutes gives the cleanest squares.
- Line the pan with parchment with an overhang so you can lift the slab out whole.
Questions
4 questionsWhat can I substitute for 2 eggs in brownie mix?
2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed in 6 tablespoons water) or ½ cup plain yogurt.
Can I make box brownies without eggs?
Yes. Brownies are forgiving because they do not need much rise. Use a flax egg, yogurt, applesauce or aquafaba for each egg.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of eggs in brownies?
Yes, 3 tablespoons per egg, and reduce the oil in the mix by 1 tablespoon. Regular mayonnaise contains egg.
Why are my eggless brownies gooey in the middle?
They need longer in the oven and they firm up as they cool. Bake a few minutes more and let them cool fully before cutting.