How to Make a Flax Egg- Step by Step

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In this step by step tutorial you’ll learn how to make a flax egg. It’s an easy vegan substitute in baking recipes.

I remember when I first looked for an egg-free substitute in a recipe for muffins and I decided to try using a flax egg. When I told my husband that I was going to use a flax egg, he looked at me with total skepticism and asked: “what is a flax egg?”

I didn’t blame him – it sounded strange to me too. Would flax eggs really be a 1:1 substitute for regular eggs in baking? What would it taste like? Would the recipe still turn out well?

After doing a bit of reading, I realized it was kind of an awesome substitute for eggs. I use flax eggs in many of my dessert recipes, and I figured it would make sense to share why I absolutely love flax eggs!

What are flaxseeds?

Flaxseeds are a highly nutritious seed that can be consumed both whole or ground. Your body absorbs the nutrients of flax best when it’s ground. They can be added to smoothies, and sprinkled on top of oatmeal, or salads. You can also use them in sweet desserts, as well as savory bakes. 

Tools You’ll Need For This Recipe

• Small mixing bowl
• Fork or Small Whisk

How to Make a Flax Egg – Step by Step

Step 1: Combine 1 tablespoon of  ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. 

Step 2: Whisk together with a fork or small whisk. 

Step 3: Allow to sit for a minimum of 5 minutes, but up to 30 minutes. The mixture will thicken as it sits and will take on the consistency of an egg.

How to Use Flax Eggs in Baking

• Add it to your recipe like you would a regular egg. You can use flax eggs as a 1:1 replacement. 
• Each tablespoon of flax mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water is equivalent to one egg. 
• Use no more than two flax eggs in a recipe. If a baking recipe calls for more than 2 eggs the eggs are being used in the recipe for more than a leavening and structure to the recipe. For example, flax eggs will not work as an egg substitute in a quiche!

What type of baking recipes do flax eggs work the best?

• Cookies
• Cakes
• Cupcakes
• Pancakes
• Muffins
• Brownies
• French Toast
• Savory bakes like veggie burgers, and casseroles.

Why should you use flax eggs in your baking recipes?

• They make for a good vegan egg substitute
• 100% natural
• Dairy-Free
• Gluten-Free
• Paleo
• Whole30
• Allergy-friendly
• High in fiber and omega-3s
• You can use them if you run out of eggs (ground flaxseed lasts forever in the fridge while eggs have a shorter shelf life!)
• Low in carbohydrates 

What do flax seeds taste like? 

They have a slightly nutty taste but are pretty mild overall. They don’t add a noticeable flavor change to recipes which is why they work well in baking recipes.

What makes a flax egg healthy?

• High in Omega-3s: Flax is high in omega-3 fatty acids. If you are a vegan or vegetarian consuming flax regularly is a great source of this important brain boosting, heart healthy fat. Each tablespoon of flax contains 1.8 grams of omega-3s. 
• High in Fiber: Flax contains soluble and insoluble fiber. This contributes to improved digestion. Each tablespoon of flax contains 3 grams of fiber. 
• High in Plant-Protein: With 2 grams of protein per tablespoon of flax seeds, they are high in the amino acids arginine and glutamine which is connected to heart health and a strong immune system.

(Photo credit: King Arthur Flour)

Top tips for making flax eggs

• Use only ground flax. Whole flaxseeds or flax flour will not have the same affect.
• If you have whole flaxseeds use a coffee grinder to create ground flax. 
• Be sure to allow enough time for the ground flax and water mixture to sit (at least 5 minutes). If you don’t give it enough time to sit it will not develop the same egg like consistency.

Check-Out These Recipes that Use Flax Eggs:

• Oat and Sprouted Wheat Pancakes
• Chocolate Brownies
• Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Simple Vegan Stuffing Bread by Minimalist Baker

If you have tried this flax egg recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family friendly food!