Imagine yourself preparing to bake some bread or pastry when you suddenly realise you are out of eggs. Without using an egg wash, how are you going to give your baked goods that crisp, golden exterior? You now have a choice to make: do you go to the market to get more eggs or forego the egg wash entirely? What if we told you that there is a third, undiscovered option? It turns out that there are some excellent alternatives to egg wash that may also give your baked items a beautiful golden shine. You can rely on these substitutes to come to your rescue the next time you run out of eggs to make an egg wash.
Milk
If you're looking for a substitute for egg wash, milk can be an excellent option. It's readily available, affordable, and creates a beautiful, golden-brown glaze on your baked goods.
To use milk as a substitute for egg wash, you simply need to brush a thin layer of it onto the surface of your pastry or bread before baking. Whole milk, low-fat milk, or cream can all be used for this purpose, depending on the desired outcome.
One of the advantages of using milk as a substitute is that it creates a subtle shine that is less shiny than the one created by egg wash. This is perfect for recipes where you don't want your baked goods to look too shiny or greasy. Milk is also ideal for recipes that call for a lighter, more delicate finish.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a fantastic substitute for egg wash that can provide a tangy flavour and a slightly thicker texture to your baked goods. It's an excellent option for those who are vegan or have an egg allergy, and it can add a delicious dimension to your finished product.
To use yoghurt as a substitute for egg wash, simply brush a thin layer of it onto the surface of your pastry or bread before baking. Make sure to use plain, unsweetened yoghurt to avoid any unwanted flavours or sweetness. Greek yoghurt is an excellent option because of its thickness and creaminess, but regular yoghurt works just as well.
Using yoghurt as a substitute for egg wash is helpful because it creates a lovely golden-brown crust, just like an egg wash. It's perfect for recipes that require a crusty, crunchy exterior, such as bread, crackers, or savoury pastry. Moreover, yoghurt can add a tangy flavour to your baked goods, which can be a delicious contrast to the sweetness of some recipes.
Oil
Using oil as a substitute for egg wash has several advantages. First and foremost, it is a vegan-friendly option, making it an excellent choice for people who do not consume animal products. Additionally, oil has a neutral flavour, so it will not alter the taste of baked goods. This is especially important when making delicate pastries or bread, where any change in flavour could be noticeable.
To use oil as a substitute for egg wash, simply brush a thin layer of oil onto the surface of the dough before baking. This will help to give the baked goods a shiny, golden-brown finish, just like an egg wash would. Some oils that work well as substitutes for egg wash include vegetable oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
It is important to note that while oil can be an excellent substitute for egg wash in many recipes, it may not be the best choice for all baked goods. For example, if you are making a pie crust, you may want to use a different substitute, as oil could make the crust too greasy. Similarly, if you are making a bread with a very delicate texture, oil may not be the best option, as it could make the bread too heavy.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. One surprising way it can be used is as a substitute for egg wash. To use maple syrup as an egg wash substitute, simply brush a thin layer of pure maple syrup onto the surface of the baked good using a pastry brush. It is important to note that while maple syrup can provide a beautiful golden sheen, it will not create the same texture or crispy crust as an egg wash.
Another benefit of using maple syrup as a substitute for egg wash is that it adds a subtle sweetness to the finished product. This can be particularly appealing for pastries or desserts that are meant to have a slightly sweet flavour profile.
It is important to use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup or other flavoured syrups, as those contain additional ingredients like corn syrup that can alter the flavour and texture of the baked goods.
Custard Powder
Custard powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a substitute for egg wash. Made from a blend of cornflour, vanilla flavouring, and yellow food colouring, custard powder is commonly used to make custard desserts. However, it can also be used as a coating for baked goods.
To make a custard powder wash, start by mixing 2 tablespoons of custard powder with 2 tablespoons of water until it forms a smooth paste. Then, add 1 cup of water and whisk until the mixture is well combined. Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Then, use a pastry brush to apply the custard wash to your baked goods, just as you would with an egg wash. The custard powder wash will give your baked goods a shiny, golden finish, and will help any toppings or seasonings to stick.
Custard powder wash is particularly useful for sweet baked goods, such as fruit tarts, cinnamon rolls, and bread pudding. It provides a sweet, slightly vanilla flavour that can complement a wide range of ingredients.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a popular condiment that can be used in place of egg wash while baking. It can be used as a substitute for both the egg and the oil components of the egg wash. The oil and vinegar in the mayonnaise create a similar emulsion to that of the egg wash, resulting in a golden brown and shiny crust.
To use mayonnaise as a substitute for egg wash, simply brush a thin layer of mayonnaise onto the pastry or bread before baking. The mayonnaise will help the pastry or bread to brown and give it a glossy finish.
However, it is important to note that using mayonnaise may alter the taste of the final product slightly, so it may not be the best option for certain types of baked goods. It is also higher in fat compared to an egg wash, so it may not be the healthiest option either.
Melted Butter
One of the best substitutes for egg wash is melted butter. Melted butter can be brushed onto baked goods just like egg wash. It will give the baked goods a rich, buttery flavour and a slightly softer texture than egg wash. Melted butter is particularly useful when baking sweet treats like cakes, cookies, and pastries.
To use melted butter as a substitute for egg wash, simply melt the butter in a microwave or on a stove, and then brush it onto the surface of the baked goods using a pastry brush. The butter will help the baked goods brown and develop a crispy, flaky texture, just like egg wash.
In addition to being a great substitute for egg wash, melted butter can also be used to enhance the flavour of baked goods. For example, adding a small amount of melted butter to a cake batter can make it richer and more flavorful.