Because we hadn't trialled egg replacer, I have been using pear puree instead, which I was hugely sceptical about. However, I have had considerable success - although I seriously doubt I could substitute more than a single egg successfully this way.
I've come across several ideas for egg substitution, all work slightly differently with varied results.
- Chia seeds soaked in water make an excellent binding agent, but not the best raising agent.
- Soy is not an option for us - and many others too, so I haven't tested this.
- Ripe banana works in a similar way to the pear puree we've tried, and since we have passed the banana trial this is my fall back option! This banana muffin recipe only has one egg in because the bananas act as a raising agent too, and could be easily substituted unlike recipes which contain several eggs.
- Ground flax seeds apparently give quite an earthy texture, and can be heavy - but many recommend them.
- Applesauce - again, like the other fruit options it works, but perhaps not for more than one egg.
- Egg Replacer - I trialled Organ's egg replacer with my daughter last night. Not brilliant, a bit heavy but ok. She prefers the pear option!
- Go without!! This recipe really works and as a large cake recipe is virtually unbeatable as an egg free option. Also, research "Crazy Cake" which is very similar, these recipes are from the days when rationing and scarcity made egg-free recipes a necessity.
The chart below is widely available on different sites and has more ideas.
It's really a case of trial and error. I've made these pancakes very successfully with a pot of pear puree, you cannot taste the pear and they rise beautifully.
The following has even more helpful information, I've discovered you really have to bite the bullet and just experiment, and also try new ways of doing things that just don't use eggs. Good luck!
