What is a Flax Egg? And How to Use It
Are you looking to avoid eggs or do you have an empty carton? You are in the right place to learn what a flax egg is and how to use it! A flax egg can be used as an egg replacement by mixing ground flaxseeds and water. You mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons of warm water = 1 flax egg. To be honest, I rarely use flax eggs in my baking. Read more to find out when I do and don’t use flax eggs.
My Honest Take on Flax Eggs
Confession: I’m not the biggest flax egg fan. They tend to create a nutty flavor and a gummier texture, so they’re not my go-to egg substitute across the board.
That said, there are a few recipes where they actually shine! If you like that slightly nutty flavor and a heartier texture, try flax eggs in:
- Eggless Oatmeal Cookies
- Pumpkin muffins
- Banana bread
- Hearty breakfast bakes — I actually use ground flaxseed in my Eggless Blackberry Baked Oatmeal
I’d avoid flax eggs in recipes where you want a light, fluffy texture, such as:
- Angel food or sponge cake
- Vanilla cake
- Sugar cookies
- Lemon desserts
I’d also avoid them in brownies
What should I use as an egg substitute?
Although flax eggs can work occasionally, I highly recommend replacing the exact functions an egg does in a recipe (lift, structure, and moisture). That is why I created this complete guide to eggless baking substitutes. No more guess work!
Ingredients in a flax egg
- Ground flaxseed meal: make sure it is ground flaxseeds (not whole ones). My grocery store carries several different brands.
- Warm water: you can use room temperature water, it will just take longer to absorb the water and thicken.
How to make a flax egg
- In a small container combine 1 tbsp. ground flaxseeds + 3 tbsp. of warm water.
- Stir together and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- The flaxseed will absorb the water and become thick and gelatinous.
- Add it to any recipe that calls for an egg. It will serve as a 1:1 egg substitute!
Tips for success
- The flax egg needs about 5 minutes to thicken. When baking, mix up your flax egg at the beginning so it will be ready to add into the recipe when the time comes.
- I recommend to only use 2 flax eggs per recipe. If a recipe calls for more than 2 eggs I would consider other substitutes.
- Store the bag of ground flax seeds in the fridge after opening.
FAQ
You will substitute on a 1:1 basis. Substitute 1 egg for 1 flax egg. If the recipe calls for 2 eggs, then make 2 flax eggs.
You will need the flaxseeds to be ground. Ground flaxseeds (also called ground flaxseed meal) are available in most grocery stores! If you buy full flaxseeds you can ground them in a food processor yourself.
After you open the bag, be sure to store it in the fridge. Flaxseeds will go bad and develop a rancid and foul smelling odor as they expire.
I think there is better egg substitutes for many recipes (see here). But I really don’t recommend flax eggs in brownies, cupcakes, or cakes. It alters the taste and texture too much for my liking.
Other uses
Most ground flaxseeds come in a 1 lb. bag. That’s a lot of baking to use it all up! There are several others uses for ground flaxseeds. You will benefit from the protein, fiber, and omega 3 fatty acids, and several other vitamins they contain. I like to include ground flaxseeds in:
- Homemade smoothies such as this one: Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Sprinkle some on top of oatmeal, cottage cheese, or cereal
- No Bake Protein Balls
- Add some into muffins or baked bread.
- Sprinkle on a salad
Flax Egg Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 3 tablespoons warm water
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix together 1 tbsp. of ground flaxseeds with 3 tbsp. of warm water.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes to thicken and become gelatinous.
- Use as a 1:1 substitute for an egg when cooking or baking!
Great egg substitute and so easy to make!