How to Make a Flax Egg

Whether you’re allergic to eggs or looking to turn your favorite baked good vegan, here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a flax egg for a simple egg substitute.

What is a flax egg?

A flax egg is a mixture of ground flaxseed, also known as flaxseed meal, and water that can be used as a replacement for an egg in baking recipes. The ground flaxseed absorbs the water to create a thick and gelatinous substance that can be used as an egg substitute in vegan baking or for individuals who have egg allergies.

How to Make a Flax Egg

Making a flax egg is very easy, here’s what you’ll do:

1. Grind flaxseed into a meal (or buy it ground).
2. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 5 minutes until thickened.

Once the flaxseed meal and water mixture has thickened, you can add the flax egg to a baking recipe in place of one egg.

When to Use Flax Eggs

Flax eggs can be substituted for regular eggs in most standard baking recipes, including cookies, brownies, bars, muffins, cakes, loaves, baked oatmeal, pancakes, and waffles. They can also be used in savory recipes such as veggie burgers.

When Not to Use Flax Eggs

While flax eggs work in most baking recipes, there are some exceptions. Do NOT use flax eggs when:

• The recipe requires more than 2 eggs. Flax eggs do not work well in egg-heavy dishes like soufflés or meringues, as they do not rise or provide structure like chicken eggs.
• The recipe calls for the egg yolks and whites to be added separately. If the recipe requires the egg whites to be whipped before adding them to a recipe, flax eggs will not work as a replacement.
• The recipe uses gluten-free flour. The protein in gluten provides structure to baked goods, along with eggs. Without either present, you may end up with a flax and crumbly mess.
• The recipe is flourless. If the recipe does not call for flour, such as a flourless chocolate cake, it is likely relying on the eggs for structure, which flax eggs cannot provide.

Is 1 flax egg equal to 1 egg?

Yes, 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) is equal to 1 egg. A flax egg can be substituted in a 1-to-1 ratio for one regular egg.

Can you make a flax egg with flax seeds?

Flax seeds need to be ground into a powder or meal before making a flax egg. You cannot use whole flax seeds to make a flax egg.

How to grind flax seeds into flax seed meal?

Use a coffee grinder or small blender to grind flax seeds into flaxseed meal.

Does it matter which kind of flaxseed I use?

You can use brown or golden flaxseed meal for a flax egg.

Can I use chia seeds instead?

Yes, you can replace a flax egg with a chia egg. To make a chia egg substitute, grind chia seeds into a meal, combine 1 tablespoon of the chia meal with 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl, allow it to rest for 5 minutes until it thickens, and then add it to your baking recipe in place of a chicken egg as per instructions.

Recipes to Use a Flax Egg:

• Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal
• Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
• Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
• Blended Baked Oats
• Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
• Applesauce Muffins
• Blueberry Yogurt Pancakes
• Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

How to Make a Flax Egg

Author: Stephanie Kay

Turn your baked goods into egg-free treats with these step-by-step instructions on how to make a flax egg.

• Author: Stephanie Kay
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 flax egg
• Category: Baking
• Diet: Vegan

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (ground flax seeds)
• 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, add the flaxseed meal and water and stir until well combined.
2. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes until it has thickened and a slightly gelatinous texture has formed.
3. Once the mixture has rested, add it to your baking recipe in place of one egg as per directions.

Notes

If you cannot find flaxseed meal, you can use a coffee grinder or small food processor to grind raw flax seeds into ground flax seed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 flax egg
• Calories: 50 calories
• Sugar: 0 grams
• Fat: 3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 2 grams