Last Updated on January 27, 2023
Looking for an egg replacement in a cake mix? There are a few extremely easy options to choose from that we can guarantee will work for you!
Eggs play crucial roles when making cakes, even if it is a boxed cake mix! They help add structure and help bind the ingredients together. Unfortunately, many people cannot have eggs and therefore needs some type of substitute. We have included some vegan and regular alternatives that will work great!
Breaking the Egg Barrier: Why Some People Look For Egg Replacement in a Cake Mix
Eggs are a popular food because they are both healthy and versatile. They are very widespread in baking, and even more, there is almost no recipe that doesn’t require them. But, unfortunately, not all of us are blessed to be able to consume them regularly, and some simply avoid this food because it is of animal origin. Is this to say they should all stop enjoying the most delicious sweets? No, it doesn’t mean!
There are a variety of reasons why someone might look for an egg replacement in a cake mix. Two of the most frequent are allergies and dietary preferences. More on everything follows.
Allergies
You may not have known, but eggs are a much bigger allergen than you thought, so many people are actually allergic to this food. But this is not a sign to panic because everyone can equally enjoy cakes and other baked goods if a suitable alternative to eggs is added to the cake mix.
Dietary restrictions
Some people may avoid eggs for dietary reasons, such as if they are vegan or follow a plant-based diet, or any other reason, it is completely irrelevant. In certain circumstances, an egg substitute in a cake mix can allow them to enjoy cakes and other baked products that would otherwise be off-limits.
Health concerns
We mustn’t forget to mention the third category, that is, those people who have been advised by their health provider to avoid eggs as much as possible for health reasons, such as having excessive cholesterol or having a family history of heart disease. In that case, using an egg substitute in a cake mix allows individuals to enjoy cakes and other baked products without jeopardizing their health.
Cost
If you have looked at grocery prices in stores lately, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Even in situations that are not similar to today’s, eggs may be quite costly, particularly if they are organic or free-range. Therefore, an egg substitute in a cake mix might be a more cost-effective solution for individuals on a low budget.
Convenience
To be honest, this appears to be the primary reason why we frequently look for egg replacement in a cake mix. We assume that at some point in your life, you have found yourself in the scenario of wanting to make a cake but not having enough eggs in the fridge. Therefore, an egg substitute might be a practical alternative because it eliminates the need to purchase eggs separately.
Now that you know all this, it’s time to get down to the details, shall we?
Functions Of Eggs in Box Cake Mix
Box cake mixes are made from all of the dry ingredients that usually go in cakes. This includes flour, sugar, milk powder, a leavening agent, and dehydrated flavoring ingredients. This can include dried flavoring powder or ingredients like cocoa powder. Boxes cake mixes also often contain colorants, preserving agents, and anti-caking agents.
Boxed cake mixes are an excellent way to quickly and cheaply create delicious baked goods without all the hassle of making them from scratch.
The one downside to these dry mixes is that they require hydration, often using eggs. Now, while this isn’t necessarily unreasonable, almost none of the pre-mixes gives you alternatives to their hydrating ingredients. They often need milk, oil, water, or eggs.
Unfortunately, there are a few reasons you may not want to use eggs. Mostly, this is because someone has an egg allergy. Other than that, it could be for other dietary reasons, dietary restrictions, or simply because you ran out.
The other liquid ingredients are relatively easy to substitute. But, unfortunately, eggs aren’t as easy to substitute.
Functions Of Eggs in Cakes
Eggs have a ton of functions in baking. When looking at an egg substitute for cake mixes, you have to look at what function the egg performs in that specific mix. First, we will break up how the different components of eggs work.
Egg whites are usually used to help bind the dry ingredients together and hydrate them. Egg whites can also be used to create volume in products, and to create an airy and fluffy texture.
Egg yolks on the other hand are used to add color to baked goods, provide some nutritional value, and add a little bit of flavor. It does also help rehydrate the dry ingredients in the boxed cake mix.
So, first and foremost, eggs hydrate dry ingredients and bind them together. Most box mixes call for whole eggs simply mixed in. And, if the eggs are separated and egg whites are beaten to medium or stiff peaks, you will have to think about substitutes that will add a similar amount of air.
Can I make a box cake without eggs?
You can definitely make a box cake mix without eggs. However, you cannot completely remove the ingredient without substituting it with something else. Luckily, we have an egg substitute for cake mixes that will work seamlessly.
How to choose the best egg substitute for boxed cake
First, look at how the eggs are incorporated into the box cake mix. This will give you an indication of its function. If the eggs are used whole and simply mixed in with the other liquid ingredients, it is only binding and hydrating ingredients. Then, you can choose a substitute that functions similarly.
If you only whisk in egg yolks, it means that they only function as a browning agent and enriching agent. Egg yolks alone aren’t big enough to function as hydrating ingredients unless you need a ton of them. If you only whisk in egg whites, they help hydrate and bind the mixture.
Now, if the box cake mix calls for the egg whites to be beaten, it means that they are used as a leavening agent. They will help incorporate air into the batter. This creates a very light, fluffy, and airy cake. Then, you have to choose a substitute that can be aerated.
Egg Replacement in a Cake Mix
We have compiled a list of the best egg substitutes for cake mixes. We can guarantee that you will find a substitute that works for you!
Mashed banana
Mashed banana is extremely easy to use as an egg substitute. However, you have to use extremely ripe bananas. The mashed banana should have a completely smooth texture and not have any lumps. And, keep in mind that it will add a banana-like flavor to your cake. But, this can be lessened by adding other flavoring extracts or essences that can overpower it.
To use mashed banana as an egg substitute for cake mixes, replace every egg with 1/4 cup mashed banana (or 1 very small banana).
Vinegar and baking soda
This is a great substitute if the eggs function as a leavening agent. By adding additional leavening agents, you can create a similar rise. So, to replace one egg, you can combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
Applesauce
Using applesauce as an egg substitute for cake mixes is almost as popular as using mashed bananas. Applesauce is an easy ingredient to keep around the house and is often required in many recipes. Again, it will add a unique flavor to the cakes, but this can be diluted by using extracts.
So, let’s learn how much applesauce to replace 1 egg. As you can guess, applesauce can be used as an egg replacement in many recipes, including cake mixes that we are discussing today. The general rule of thumb is to use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to replace one large egg.
This will give the required moisture and binding properties in a dish that eggs usually provide. Keep in mind, however, that using applesauce as an egg replacement may result in a slightly different texture and flavor than the standard egg-based dish. Although you can always follow the general guideline, you may still need to experiment to get the appropriate amount of applesauce for your recipe.
Plain yogurt
Plain yogurt will work in the same way applesauce does. The only downside is that this egg substitute for cake mixes can become very heavy and make your cakes dense. So, depending on the type of cake you’re making, this substitute will work great.
Again, use 1/4 cup plain yogurt per egg. Don’t use more than 1 cup of yogurt. If you do, you may want to add more baking powder.
Silken tofu
This is a fantastic completely vegan egg substitute you can use. To make this egg substitute for cake mixes, blend 1/4 cup of silken tofu. Add a teaspoon of water at a time until the mixture becomes completely smooth. Then, use it as is. You can use this mixture as one egg replacer.
What is The Best Egg Substitute For Cake?
There is no single best egg substitute for cake. It depends on what you have on hand and what works for you. Any one of the above-mentioned substitutes will work great!
If you want fluffy cakes, rather choose the vinegar and baking soda substitute. It will also add airiness to your mixture.
If you only needed to incorporate eggs as-is, you can use mashed banana, applesauce, yogurt, or silken tofu.
Read more about Amazing Egg Substitute For Cornbread.
Uncovering the Reasons Behind the “veganization” of Box Cake Mix: A Delicious Dilemma
Although most of you may first believe the opposite, we are here to shatter conventional knowledge as we usually are. So yes, it is possible to make a box cake mix vegan.
The reason why someone might want to make a box cake mix vegan is that they may be following a vegan lifestyle and want to eliminate the use of animal products in their food. Additionally, we must not forget about those individuals who have dietary restrictions or allergies to eggs, dairy, and other animal products, necessitating the search for vegan alternatives.
Now, we will show you how to accomplish it.
How to Make Box Cake Vegan?
Speaking of egg replacement in a cake mix, let us teach you how to make the entire final product vegan.
Well, converting a boxed cake mix to a vegan version is a fairly straightforward process that requires only a few ingredient modifications. The most common animal-based ingredients found in boxed cake mixes are eggs and milk, both of which can be easily replaced with vegan substitutes.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Make a Boxed Cake Mix Vegan
Step no. 1: Gather all of the essential ingredients
In a nutshell, you have to keep in mind that this can all vary, but in most cases, you will need a boxed cake mix, plant-based milk (such as soy, almond, or oat milk), and a vegan egg alternative (such as flax eggs or eggnog sauce). apple), and any other ingredients listed on the boxed cake mix.
Step no. 2: Prepare the vegan egg substitute
If using flax eggs, use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons water. Be sure to allow it to thicken for a few minutes. Use the same quantity of applesauce as the number of eggs specified on the boxed cake mix, or follows the general rule stated above.
Step no. 3: Prepare the plant-based milk
Don’t worry about the little things here, but use whatever you have on hand, we usually opt for soy, almond, or oat milk.
Step no. 4: Combine the ingredients
Combine the boxed cake mix, vegan egg substitute, and plant-based milk in a mixing bowl. Mix until fully blended and no lumps remain.
Step no. 5: Bake & enjoy
Bake the cake according to the baking directions on the boxed cake mix, and when it’s time to take it out of the oven, be sure to check if it’s done by performing a test using a toothpick or cake tester.
Allow the cake to cool completely before serving, and then enjoy your wonderful vegan cake.
Remember that using vegan substitutes in a box cake mix may result in a slightly different texture and flavor than a standard recipe that contains eggs and dairy products. However, don’t let that stop you from giving it a chance because so far we have had the opportunity to hear comments from many who claim that the final product is still tasty and meets their nutritional needs.
Conclusion
Let us know if you have any questions about egg replacement in a cake mix, or if you have some more ideas! And as always, share this with someone that could find this article handy!
FAQs
Can I make box cake without eggs?
You can easily make box cake without any eggs. However, you will need to substitute the egg to still hydrate the dry ingredients and ultimately help bind them together to create a batter.
What is the best egg substitute for cake?
It depends on the type of texture you want your cake to have and your dietary requirements, If you are vegan, naturally, the vegan substitutes are best. If you don't have restrictions, look at the texture you want. For an airy cake, the vinegar and baking soda substitute is best. If you simply need to hydrate and bind the dry ingredients, mashed banana, applesauce, or yogurt will work great.
Lindy Van Schalkwyk is a culinary specialist with a background in Advanced Cooking, Advanced Pâtisserie, Media Communications and Nutrition. She has gained invaluable experience in the culinary industry having worked in some of the top restaurants in Africa in 2016 and 2017. Her expertise in nutrition has enabled her to develop recipes for special dietary needs. In 2018, Lindy began working in the Food Media industry, focusing on recipe development, recipe writing, food writing and food styling.