21 Egg Wash Alternative Ideas (+Vegan Egg Wash Substitutes)

21 Egg Wash Alternative Ideas (+Vegan Egg Wash Substitutes)

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Here are the 21 best egg wash alternative ideas. Whether you have an egg allergy, are vegan, or you simply ran out of eggs, we have got you covered! Add the perfect shine and golden color to your bread and baked goods with this egg wash substitute.

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When it comes to baking, an egg wash is a versatile and classic technique. It is used to enhance the appearance and texture of various baked goods.

The egg wash helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. It also adds shine, and imparts a crisp finish to the baked items. 

Creating the perfect glaze on our baked delights is a true art form in the world of baking. However, not everyone can or wants to use eggs in their baking endeavors.  

This blog post aims to explore a range of egg wash alternatives. 

This would make egg wash accessible to individuals with dietary restrictions and allergies. This is also for those who follow a vegan diet or want to experiment with exciting flavors.

Read on to see which is the right egg wash alternative for you.

What is an Egg Wash?

An egg wash is a simple mixture made by whisking together beaten eggs or egg yolks with a small amount of liquid, such as water, milk, or cream. This mixture is used in baking to enhance the appearance and texture of various baked goods. 

The egg wash is brushed onto the surface of pastries, bread, pies, or other baked treats just before they go into the oven.

Egg wash gives baked goods an irresistible golden-brown color, adds a shiny touch, and a slightly crispy texture. 

What is an Egg Wash Used For?

Egg wash is used for various purposes in baking. When applied to the surface of baked treats, egg wash serves the following purposes:

• Promoting Browning: Egg wash helps create a beautiful golden-brown color on the surface of baked goods. This giving them an appetizing and inviting appearance.

• Adding Shine: The application of egg wash imparts a glossy shine to baked items. This makes them visually appealing and professional-looking.

• Creating Texture: Egg wash contributes to a slightly crisp texture on the surface of baked goods,. It adds a pleasing contrast to the soft interior.

• Securing Decorative Elements: In some cases, egg wash acts as a “glue”. It can be used  to attach decorative elements like seeds, nuts, or sugar crystals to the surface of pastries.

• Sealing Edges: When making pies or turnovers, egg wash can be used to seal the edges of the pastry. This prevents fillings from leaking out during baking.

• Improving Adhesion: Egg wash can also help improve adhesion between layers of dough in recipes like puff pastry or laminated dough.

Is Egg Wash Optional?

Yes and No! Egg wash is not always optional in baking, but it can be depending on the recipe and desired outcome. Egg washes can be optional if its purpose is only to enhance the aesthetics of the baked good by promoting browning or making it shinier.

When a recipe tells you to brush on some egg wash before baking, it’s mostly for making your treats look golden and keeping toppings in place.

So, if you’re Ok with a paler finish, you can skip this step! 

You may need to use an egg wash or at least an egg wash alternative if it is needed in the recipe for sealing edges or improving adhesion. 

It is when sealing pasta or dumplings or when breading and frying stuff. In these situations, it plays a crucial role in the structure of the final dish. 

Egg Wash Substitute or Egg Wash Alternate

An egg wash substitute or egg wash alternate refers to alternative ingredients or techniques used to achieve a glaze on baked goods without using traditional egg wash. It is a liquid-based wash that can mimic the properties of a classic egg wash.

These substitutes are particularly helpful for individuals with dietary restrictions or following vegan lifestyle.

Why use an Egg Wash Alternate or Egg Wash Substitute?

There are several reasons why people might seek alternatives to traditional egg wash:

Dietary Restrictions

Some people have dietary restrictions, such as egg allergies. Or they might need to follow specific dietary plans that exclude eggs. 

Egg allergy is MY reason! I am highly allergic to eggs and cannot have anything that has an egg wash on it.

Finding suitable egg wash alternatives ensures that I and many like me can enjoy beautifully glazed baked goods without any worries.

Vegan Lifestyle

For those following a vegan lifestyle, a traditional egg wash is a no-go since it has animal products. Vegan-friendly egg wash alternatives mentioned here will help achieve desired glazing effects.

Creativity

Opting for egg wash substitutes allows bakers to experiment with different flavors and textures in their baked goods.

Substitutes like milk wash, or oil wash can add unique nuances to the glaze. This makes the end product stand out with inventive flair.

Availability and Cost

Sometimes eggs might be hard to find or a bit pricey. Egg wash substitutes are usually made from common kitchen ingredients.

So you can still whip up fantastic baked treats without breaking the bank.

Choosing the Right Egg Wash Alternative

Selecting the right egg wash substitute for your baking needs involves considering several key factors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice:

• Identify Dietary Restrictions: Determine if there are any dietary restrictions. If you have egg allergies or follows a vegan lifestyle, focus on plant-based substitutes.

• Consider Flavor and Texture: Think about the flavors and textures you want in your baked goods. Choose an egg wash alternative that complements the flavors in your recipe.

• Evaluate Crispness: If you desire a slightly crisp texture on the surface of your baked treats. Alternatives like oil wash can help achieve this delicate crunch.

• Assess Decorative Elements : Select a substitute that provides good adhesion  If you plan to add decorative elements like seeds, nuts, or sugar crystals.

• Check Recipe Compatibility: Check if the recipe suggests any particular egg wash alternative. Certain recipes may have recommendations for substitutes that work best with their ingredients and flavors.

• Consider Accessibility and Cost: Choose egg wash substitutes that are available and affordable without compromising the overall quality of your baked goods.

• Personal Taste and Experimentation: Ultimately, your personal preference and baking style play a significant role in selecting the right egg wash substitute. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Best Egg Wash Alternative Ideas!

Here are the top 15 egg wash substitutes. I have also included several vegan egg wash alternatives on this list.

1. Milk

Milk can be one of the great substitutes for egg wash when you’re in a pinch. It recreates the color of an egg without introducing undesired flavors or oiliness. 

For those craving a touch of sweetness, add a dash of honey or agave syrup to the milk wash for a sweet finish. 

It keeps pastry dough moist while it bakes. It however will not give your baked goods a good shine but gives more off a matt finish.

When to use:

• Milk is a popular choice for achieving a beautifully browned top layer on baked goods like scones. 
• Use it when you want a matt finish instead of a shine.
• It is best used on breads that are baked at a lower temperature

Best for: Browning

How to use:

To use, apply milk on the surface of your baked item with a pastry brush*. Simply brush the baked good with 1 tablespoon of milk  for every ¼ cup of egg wash the recipe calls for.

2. Plant-Based Milk

Non-dairy milk or plant-based milk is an excellent choice. It gives a golden brown color on your baked goods.

But Because of their low-fat content, they don’t produce a lot of shine.

Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and rice milk are among some of the best options for egg wash replacement. Coconut milk can also be used. just be sure it is fully mixed. 

Do not use coconut cream as it is extremely thick and will not spread evenly. 

Also use unsweetened or low-sugar versions. High-sugar plant milks will make them prone to burning.

When to use:

• Use plant-based milk if you want a vegan option for an egg wash.
• When you want a golden caramelized color and subtle rustic shine.
• For added flavor – almond milk adds a pleasant nutty taste and oat milk can give an earthy flavor.

Best for: Browning

How to use:

Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the plant-based milk atop your baked goods. Then bake as directed. 

3. Butter or Vegan Butter

Butter, regular as well as vegan, gives baked goods the same golden, crispy finish as an egg wash. It also enhances the overall flavor of the baked item. 

The high-fat content of butter helps foods to brown and crisp evenly. It also imparts a bit of attractive shine to the tops of things!

Unfortunately, melted butter is not so great as a sealant nor as an adherent. The high-fat content makes it more slippery than sticky. 

You can use it on dinner rolls, and other pastries. I have used it for many of my bread recipes.

Vegan butter is one of my favorite vegan egg wash substitutes. We used it for this Blueberry Galette and Star Bread recipe and they turned out great!

When to use:

• Can be used for sweet and savory recipes.
• Use it when you want a golden finish as well as a good shine.
• Also can be used to make the outer layer crispy.

Best for: Browning and shine

How to use:

Melt butter or vegan butter over a low flame. Take care not to brown or burn the butter.

Use a pastry brush to apply a very light coating of the melted butter to your crust or the tops of any doughy baked good.

Use the melted butter sparingly. If too much butter is applied, it will soak into the dough and can end up making it oily.

4. Oil

Oil is another good vegan option for an egg wash alternative. Similar to butter, oil does a great job at browning and crisping the tops of your favorite baked goods recipes.

It also adds luster to the baked products.

However, oil is slippery. It is not good at adhering toppings effectively to the baked surface.

You can use any flavorless oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil. 

You can also use olive oil or coconut oil if you prefer a rich taste. I used olive oil for our Focaccia as well as the Challah recipe. 

When to use:

• It is best for savory goods.
• Use this when you want a crunchy texture, a good shine, and browning.

Best for: Browning, shine and crispy texture

How to use:

Use a pastry or a basting brush to lightly coat the top and/or edges of your baked goods. Then continue with the recipe as directed. 

Similar to butter, coat oil sparingly.  

This prevents over-greasing the dough or burning the crust. This can also hinder the baked good from rising while baking.

5. Honey/Maple Syrup/ Agave Nectar

Honey* as an egg wash substitute gives a deep golden brown color and adds a nice shine on top of the baked goods. 

For a vegan option, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. Read my post on maple syrup vs agave if you aren’t sure which one to use.

 The sugar in honey, maple syrup*, and agave* caramelizes to give a deep golden glow and a nice crunch.

They also provide a sticky surface for the breading and toppings to stick to. However, they are not good as a binding agent.

These sugary liquids can burn very quickly in a hot oven. So it’s best used with quick recipes with short baking time. Alternatively, use them towards the end of the baking time.

When to use:

• Use it for sweet baked goods.
• Best used with quick-baking recipes.
• Use it for pastries and bread that need a deep golden glow and caramelized crunch.

Best for: Browning, shine and adhesion

How to use:

These liquid sweeteners are quite viscous. So for best results, thin them with a little bit of milk or water before applying.

Then brush this mixture on top of your pastry or dough before baking in the oven. This will also prevent over-browning.

6. Mayonnaise or Vegan Mayonnaise*

Another great option is mayo or vegan mayo.

Mayonnaise, being made from eggs is a great substitute for egg wash. The good news is, vegan mayonnaise works equally well and is a great vegan alternative.

Mayo as well as vegan mayo works well in binding ingredients together. It also works well to seal pastry edges. 

The higher fat content of mayo also helps it give crispiness to anything it is spread on, especially fried chicken.

Mayo is thicker than egg wash so it’s not very spreadable. so it is not great for browning.

When to use:

• Use for savory recipes only
• Use in place of egg wash as a binding or breading agent. You can dredge the food in mayo before coating it with batter.

Best for: binding and sealing.

How to use:

Lightly coat foods in a layer of mayo or vegan mayo to help breading or other toppings adhere. Mayo can also be used to seal the edges of pastry when needed.

7. Yogurt

Similar to mayo, yogurt works best as an egg alternative in fried or oven-baked foods that call for egg wash as a binding agent. 

The thick and sticky texture of yogurt makes it perfect for breadcrumbs and flour to stick to. This also helps yogurt give a crispy crunchy texture to the food.

It is best to avoid using yogurt for browning. It leaves a streaky appearance over the pastry when brushed on top.

When to use:

• For recipes where an egg wash is used as a binding agent, yogurt is a great substitute.
• It will work best for battered fried chicken, fish, onion rings, etc.

Best for: binding and dredging

How to use:

Yogurt is a good substitute for egg wash if you are looking to use it as a binder. If the yogurt is too thick, thin it by adding water before using it.

You can use yogurt to cover food in breadcrumbs before frying/baking it. The dairy will help bind the breading retaining the moisture.

8. Malt Syrup

This is not seen as often as other egg wash substitutes.

 Malt syrup* can be used to give a glaze while roasting meat such as pork. You can also use it on top of bread doughs to give a caramelized color and nutty flavor.

It has a slight sweetness that makes it a good egg wash substitute for both sweet and savory dishes.

When to use:

• Use when you need a vegan egg wash option that works for both pastry and glazing meat.
• Use malt syrup if you want a caramelized color and nutty flavor.

How to use:

Malt syrup is quite thick. Hence, the resultant glaze will also be thick. Use a pastry brush to glaze the meat.

If using it on a pastry, you may want to thin it with a little water before using it.

9. Molasses

Molasses* is formed as a result of refining sugarcane into sugar. It has a smoky-sweet flavor.

 The light-colored molasses pairs very well with pastry such as scones. The medium and dark-colored varieties will work best with savory recipes such as ham or salmon.

Don’t use backstrap molasses as it has a bitter edge.

When to use:

• Use only when the recipe calls for it.
• Use Light molasses in place of egg wash for baked goods that contain fruits. 
• Medium to dark molasses can be used to glaze meat.
• Use it only for recipes that have a short cook or baking time.

Best for: glazing salmon and ham and fruit-based baked goods.

How to use:

Brush it over baked items or meat to glaze it. 

10. Custard Powder

I have used custard powder* to make desserts like crème brûlée and even Nanaimo bars! But it is also one of the vegan options for egg wash alternatives.

A combination of custard powder and water can give your pastries a smooth and lustrous finish.

Besides giving a beautiful golden crust, it also adds a sweet flavor to your baked goods.

But unlike your typical egg wash, it doesn’t add much in terms of crunchiness. But it does give a nice fruity sweetness that can complement other sweet dishes.

This egg wash alternative doesn’t brown as quickly as an egg wash would. Therefore, you should give your food a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure it gets a nice golden crust.

Additionally, you should use less custard powder than egg wash, as it can be quite strong in flavor.

When to use:

• Use custard powder if you are a vegan baker looking for a vegan egg substitute.
• It is best used in dessert recipes.
• Use it when you need to add a golden brown finish o your bread rolls or other baked goods.

Best for: browning or glazing.

How to use:

To use, place an equal amount of hot water and custard powder in a bowl.  Mix them using a whisk or spoon until you have a creamy solution.

Once ready, dip your pastry brush into the solution. Allow it to drip, and simply brush on the surface of your unbaked dough.

11. Aquafaba

Aquafaba, also called chickpea water, is the starchy liquid you find in a can of chickpeas*. 

This liquid can be used to give a golden hue and slight shine when applied to pastries. It is also good for sealing pastries and can be used in place of eggs in many recipes.

It is also flavorless so it can work for sweet and savory baked goods. 

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When to use:

• Can use it for sweet and savory recipes.
• Use it when you want a golden hue and glass-like sheen.
• It can also be used to seal pastries and pie crusts.

Best for: sealing and browning.

How to use:

Place a mesh strainer* over a bowl and pour the chickpeas through, reserving the beans for another use.

No need to whisk or whip the liquid here, just use a pastry brush to dab the liquid onto your dough before baking.

12. Cream

Heavy cream gives a good golden brown color as well as some shine to pastries.

We used this in our Cheddar & Chives Scones as well as for our Blueberry Scones. We got awesome crunchy results. 

The high-fat content in the cream results in shine. The natural sugar present in it gives it the golden brown color. It is also good for sealing.

When to use:

• Use it when you want a golden brown sheen.
• Can also be used to seal pastries.

Best for: Browning

How to use:

Apply it to the surface of the pastry that does not rise or expand a lot. So pies, tarts (like this fruit tart), and scones are a good fit. 

13. Flour + Water Slurry

A mixture of water and flour can be used in place of egg wash for breading or crumbling. This flour slurry is best for binding. 

It can be used to coat and deep fry food instead of using egg wash. This will give a crunchy outer layer.

This is a good way of adding flavor and texture without using eggs. This, however, is not a good egg wash substitute to get a golden brown color.

When to use:

• Use it in place of egg wash for breading our crumbling.
• Best for making an egg wash-free batter-fried food.

Best for: Binding

How to use:

Simply mix flour with water to make a thick glue-like paste.

Once you’ve created the batter, dip your food into the mixture. Shake off any excess before frying. 

14. Ground Flaxseed

Ground flax seeds are called flax meal*. It is one of the healthiest and best vegan egg wash substitutes. 

When a flax meal is combined with water, it releases a starchy, viscous liquid.  This mimics the consistency of eggs.

It can act as a binding agent as well as give a nice crunch and golden color to baked goods. It can also be used to seal the edges of your pastries.

Despite being finely ground, the specks of flax meal will remain visible on the surface of your doughs and pastries. 

So, I prefer it more as an egg replacer or egg substitute in recipes than as an egg wash substitute. 

If however, you do plan on using it, remember ground flaxseed comes in a dark and light version. They may vary in flavor, so pick the one that best compliments your recipe.

Best for: everything

When to use:

• If you are a vegan baker.
• Can be used for browning or shine.
• Also can be used as a sealing/binding agent.

How to use:

To use it, you need to turn it into flax eggs by dissolving it in the right amount of water. Simply mix one tablespoon of flaxseed powder and three tablespoons of warm water.

Allow the mixture to sit for five to 10 minutes or until it has a gooey consistency.

This mixture will replace egg wash containing one egg.

15. Chia Seeds

Similar to flaxseeds, ground chia seeds in water can be used as an egg wash alternative. It however gives only a subtle sheen and no browning. 

Brushing with ground chia seeds in water will also give the baked goods a speckled appearance.

But they are good for binding as well as sealing pastries’ edges.

When to use:

• Use when you need a vegan egg wash substitute.
• When you need to bind or seal pastry edges.

Best for: binding breading and sealing pastry edges.

How to use:

To use, soak a tablespoon of chia seeds in three tablespoons of water.

Leave it for about two minutes for the seeds to absorb the water. It will create a beaten egg-like consistency.

Once ready, mix it into your breading or brush it lightly on the edges of your dough that require sealing.

16. Fruit Preserves/ Jam/Jelly

I know it sounds out there but jams and jellies can also work as an egg wash substitute! 

The sugar content in it helps with caramelization and browning. They also give a nice glossy finish and add a fruity flavor to your baked goods.

Opt for light-colored preserves such as apricot jam or orange marmalade. 

I recommend staying away from richly colored jams such as blueberry and grapes to avoid imparting that color to your baked item.

This option may or may not be vegan. It would depend on the jam or jelly you choose.

When to use:

• Best as an egg wash for sweet baked goods especially fruit pie crusts.
• Use when you want caramelization as well as browning.

Best for: Browning and luster

How to use:

Warm your favorite jam/jelly over low heat while stirring. Then brush this loosened jam on top of your pie crusts, tarts, biscuits, or scones once it has cooled down a little.

17. BBQ

You won’t believe it, but BBQ sauce is a fantastic egg wash alternative! You can as it is to get a sticky and dark brown finish. But this might be hard to spread. 

It is best is to dilute it with water. This will thin out the sauce and help it spread better.

Due to its sticky texture, it is perfect for breading and sealing pastry edges.

When to use:

• Use it for savory treats. It would not work for sweet baked goods.
• Use it when you want to add some color and a delightful, smoky flavor to your savory bakes.
• Ideal for recipes with short baking time as they can burn quickly.

Best for: Browning and sealing

How to use:

Use it as is or dilute it with water and brush it on your sausage rolls or savory pies. If using it for recipes with a long bake time, apply it towards the end of the baking process.

Honorable Mentions

18. Just Egg and Other Store Bought Vegan Egg Replacers

Just Egg is a vegan alternative to liquid eggs. It’s made from mung beans and looks almost identical to whisked whole eggs.

It can be used to brown dough, seal edges for frying, and help breading adhere to your recipe.

It is supposed to be one of the best egg substitutes. However, it is made in a facility with eggs, so this is not an option for me!

Another downside is that it’s not easily available.

Powdered vegan egg replacer products are also available. You would have to check the packaging to see how to reconstitute and use them.

19. Baking Soda Wash

Baking soda can give your baked goods a beautiful dark golden brown color! The only thing is, it won’t give you that glossy, shiny finish.

So, while it may not be a perfect replacement, it’s still a pretty decent alternative when you need a quick fix! 

Here’s how to use it: whisk together 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water. This mixture will still add enough color to your treats, but it won’t make them shiny.

20. Cornstarch Slurry

Cornstarch mixed with water to create a slurry can be used to help seal pastry edges. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of water to create the slurry.

It has a neutral flavor and has Little to no color or no sheen.

But it works well as a vegan substitute to the dough and it is good for breading.

It can also be used for frying. It absorbs moisture, so it will give you a crispy finish.

21. Mustard

Mustard may not be the best egg wash substitute but it can work. It gives a subtle sheen when applied on top of baked goods. 

However, it gives a bright yellow-brown color as well as a distinct mustard flavor.

It is not good for browning as it creates streaks and gives a yellow-brown color. However, it can be used to seal the dough as well as for breading

What Is the Best Substitute for Egg Wash?

The best substitute for egg wash depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, if you’re looking for a versatile and widely accessible option, milk and butter are both excellent choices. 

Regular as well as plant-based milk wash can provide a golden-brown glow and a subtle shine to your baked treats. You can use regular or vegan butter instead if you want a better shine.

When it’s about finding an egg wash substitute to seal pastry edges, I’d go for flax egg.  My top pick for dredging is vegan mayo. 

Expert Tips to Choose the Best Egg Wash Alternative

• When preparing your egg wash substitute, aim for a consistency that is neither too thick nor too watery. A slightly viscous mixture will help it adhere better to the surface of your baked goods.

• I recommend using pastry brushes to apply the egg-free wash. It helps to spread it evenly across the entire surface of your pastries, bread, or pies. This will give a uniform glaze.

• Be careful not to oversaturate your baked goods with the egg wash substitute. Applying too much can lead to sogginess or uneven browning.

• Before applying the egg wash substitute to your entire batch, do a test run on a small portion. This way, you can adjust the consistency or method if needed, ensuring you get the desired outcome.

• If you are making savory goods, refrain from using a substitute that uses a sweetener.

• Be mindful of your baking time when using egg wash alternatives. Some substitutes may brown faster than traditional egg wash. So keep an eye on your treats to achieve the perfect golden color.

Commonly Asked Questions About Egg Wash Alternative

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