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Flax “eggs” are an easy vegan egg substitute. They’re a great baking alternative for vegans and for those who have allergies and must follow an egg-free diet.
What is a Flax Egg?
A flax egg is a vegan egg substitute, made from a combination of ground flax seeds and water. You can also use ground chia seeds, instead of flax.
I think chia seeds provide the most neutral flavor when compared to flax seeds, but ground golden flax seeds (pictured above) might visually blend into baked goods a bit better.
Because they are so similar, I’ll use ground chia or flax “eggs” interchangeably in recipes, depending on which seed is most convenient in my pantry.
Do Flax Eggs Really Work?
Flax eggs work really well as an egg substitute in many recipes, but they don’t work well in all situations.
Flax eggs work well in:
- cookie recipes (usually only call for 1 to 2 eggs)
- recipes with all-purpose flour (or any gluten-containing flour)
- Brownies or blondies (anything where it’s okay if the center is a little gooey or underbaked)
Flax eggs don’t work well in:
- recipes with more than 2 eggs (it could get too gooey in the middle with flax eggs)
- coconut flour recipes (the trickiest of all flours)
- flourless recipes (flourless baking usually relies on real eggs for structure)
If you want to try some easy egg-free recipes, be sure to check out my vegan recipes section for fool-proof options that are already tested for you.
How to Make a Flax Egg or Chia Egg
To prepare a flax or chia egg, simply grind the seeds in a coffee grinder. It’s not uncommon to find bags of already ground flax seeds at the grocery store now (I’ve seen them at Trader Joe’s and Costco) so you maybe able to skip this step if you buy it pre-ground.
Chia seeds ground in my coffee grinder
To Make One Flax Egg combine:
- 1 tablespoon of ground seed (measure after grinding!)
- 3 tablespoons of water
Stir well, and allow the mixture to set for about 5 minutes. I will typically gather my other ingredients for a recipe, while the flax egg gels in the mixing bowl.
By the time I have the next ingredients measured out, the flax egg is ready to work with!
Recipes That Use Flax Eggs
If you’re not sure how to start using flax eggs, the following recipes already call for flax seed as the binder, so you can see how they work best.
- Almond Butter Blondies
- Healthiest Cookies Ever
- Almond Flour Pizza
- Black Bean Brownies
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Vegan Meatloaf
- Vegan Pecan Pie
- Vegan Black Bean Burgers
- Gluten-Free & Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
I hope you’ll enjoy these egg-free recipes, and will be more comfortable using “flax eggs” from now on! I can’t wait to hear what you make.
How To Make Flax Eggs (or Chia Eggs)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Whisk together the ground seeds and water until well combined, then place in the fridge to set for 15 minutes.
- Use as you would an egg in many of your favorite baking recipes.
Video
Nutrition
Per egg: Calories: 58, Fat: 3g, Carbohydrates: 5g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 1g
How do you use Flax Eggs in baking?
In recipes that call for just 1 or 2 eggs, a flax or chia egg can usually replace regular eggs– especially in recipes that call for all purpose or whole wheat flour.
If recipes call for more than 2 eggs, chia and flax eggs will not produce the best results. The center is usually more gooey and will not rise the way a recipe made with real eggs would. I would not use this vegan egg substitute in recipes calling for coconut flour, or in any sort of soufflé recipe.
Which recipes call for flax and chia eggs?
- Vegan Almond Butter Brownies
- Vegan Baked Banana Oatmeal Cups
- Vegan Flourless Peanut Butter Temptations
- Date-Sweetened Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
I hope this tutorial helps you with your egg-free and vegan baking endeavors! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below letting me know how it works out for you.
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Reader Feedback: What’s your favorite recipe to use flax eggs or chia eggs in?
Ramona
I use this all the time, thanks to you mentioning it on Instagram! I’m so grateful for all the tips and tricks you share. My son is egg-free, and this flax egg recipe is a game changer.
Megan Gilmore
I’m glad it’s helpful and that it works for your son! Thanks for letting me know.
Molly
I love using chia eggs in baking! I agree with you, I think they are a little less noticeable in flavor compared to flax eggs.
erin
Do you think I could use this in your Coconut Flour banana bread?
Megan Gilmore
Flax eggs aren’t the best option for coconut four recipes, since they would have to replace SO many eggs. I’d recommend finding a recipe that uses a different flour, like my Vegan Almond Flour Banana Bread.
Darla
My great niece is allergic to eggs along with a long list of other things. I have recipe for banana oatmeal pancakes. It calls for 4 eggs or 1 cup egg whites. It also mentions chia eggs for a substitute. Would I have to make 1 tbsp chia and 3 tbsp water for each egg. I would love to make these for her but I have never used this method before and I’m not sure what to do.
Michael Cade
Thanks for the cashew butter recipe. I was astounded no flour of any kind was used. I bake for my wife as well as cook. She has so many food allergies. I tried cashew butter cookies with Robin Hood gluten free flour. Too dry. I will try yours without chocolate chips and let you know what I think of them.
Beverly
Im allegic to eggs and peanuts…just wanting to know what to use.
Donald Fink
You mentioned that Flaxseed or Chia seed should not be used in recipes requiring more than two eggs. I’m wondering, is there a substitute that will work? I’m trying to find egg substitutes for binding agents since, during this Coronavirus Pandemic, eggs are getting hard to find in stores.
Sara F.
you are awesome!
Sarah
Hi Megan,
I would like to know if your 1 tbsp ground flex + 3 tbsp water = 1 real egg?
Megan Gilmore
That’s what I use for egg substitutions in recipes. However, it won’t always work in recipes that call for a lot of eggs, like in something that uses coconut flour or almond flour. It usually works very well in traditional recipes that use regular flour, and I use it in cookie recipes that only call for 1 egg.