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When we make baked treats, the major things we want to be sure we get right are the taste and the texture. But another part of the equation is how it looks—we do eat with our eyes first, right? This is why I'm showing you how to make a vegan egg wash for baking so you can make all of your baked goods look almost too pretty to eat.
Almost!
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What is the Point of an Egg Wash?
The main point is to give your finished product that beautiful golden brown colour. It's not mandatory, but it's nice to have rolls or buns with those pretty golden tops.
Your vegan egg wash can also be used as a way to make toppings stick, like grainy turbinado sugar or sesame seeds or to make edges stick together if you're making something like hand pies.
There is a whole scientific explanation on how and why food browns with and without things like vegan egg washes (it's called the Maillard reaction), but I won't bore you with all of that.
If you are interested, though, like I was, you can read the Wikipedia page on the topic.
What Can Be Substituted for an Egg Wash?
There are several ways you can make a vegan egg wash for baking, but my go-to for sweets is maple syrup and non-dairy milk, mixed together.
Agave syrup can also be used in place of the maple syrup but since I always have maple syrup on hand, that's what I use.
Just mix the two ingredients (see below for proportions), brush onto your recipe, and bake.
Other alternatives you can use for a vegan egg wash:
I have always had the best results from using the non-dairy milk + maple syrup mix, but if you don't have maple syrup or agave on hand, you can also use the following on their own:
- aquafaba
- soy milk
- almond milk
- coconut milk
Those are all the ways you can make a vegan egg wash for sweet baked goods, but how about savoury baked treats? What can be substituted for an egg wash in those cases?
How to Make a Vegan Egg Wash for Savoury Baking
If the recipe browns on its own as it bakes, you can brush on a little neutral flavoured oil when it comes out of the oven to give it that finishing glow, as I do with my whole grain vegan spelt rolls. (<-- click that link to see what they look like).
For things that need a little help browning, you can brush with coconut oil or aquafaba before baking, to give it the perfect finish.
If you like this recipe, you may also like these:
- Vegan Hot Cross Buns (those are the buns you see in the images on this page!)
- How to Make a Flax Egg (A Vegan Egg Substitute for Baking)
- How to Whip and Use Aquafaba
- How to Make Vegan Buttermilk
- Coconut Raisin Vegan Scones
- Easy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
How to Make a Vegan Egg Wash for Baking
How to Make a Vegan Egg Wash for Baking
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened dairy-free milk (I use almond but any plant milk will work)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
Instructions:
- Stir non-dairy milk and maple syrup together.
- Brush onto your rolls, bread, or any sweet baked good that needs golden finish.
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe works nicely for sweet baked goods, see above for suggestions on what you use for savoury baked goods.
- If you don't have maple syrup, you can use agave nectar in its place.
- Recipe can be halved for smaller batches of baked goods.
- Nutrition info is for the unsweetened almond milk + maple syrup recipe above. Count is for the entire recipe but note that most baked goods don't need the entire amount. Learn how nutrition info is calculated on this website.
Alice says
Will the oil make toppings stick or is it only for browning? I’m looking for a non sweet option for bagels as an alternative to egg wash.
Gwen Leron says
Hi Alice, yes, the oil should work fine to make the toppings stick. Just make sure to lightly press the bagels into your topping to help them settle in.
Kit says
Hiya! Would love to use this for apple pie. Is it possible to use cashew milk instead of almond milk to give the same golden result? thanks! <3
Gwen Leron says
Hi Kit! Yes, any type will work. I hope your apple pie turns out amazing!
Danielle says
Thank you! Your recipes are amazing! I always have oat milk on hand, could I use it insread of almond milk? Thank you in advance!
Gwen Leron says
Hi Danielle, yes, oat milk would work just fine! And thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying the recipes 🙂
Sherryl van says
Yes, I’ve made another recipe of YOURS.... Soooo DELISH‼️
These came together so nice & easily too👌👌👌It will be worth a couple extra lbs as I’m truly enjoying the baking & eating experience in such a time as this election week..... Yummy comfort food 😋👍
Gwen Leron says
Comfort food was definitely a necessity this past week 🙂 I'm glad you were able to find some on my site to get you through, Sherryl 🙂
E says
Used this on a sourdough babka today. Worked very well, thank you!
Gwen Leron says
Sourdough babka sounds delicious!! So glad this worked for you 🙂
JW says
Exactly what I was looking for to finish off some vegan apple turnovers! Can't wait to try later today, thanks SO MUCH!
Gwen Leron says
You're welcome! Let me know how things turn out 🙂
Leslie Mereminsky says
Thanks for the great recipe. Will the bread be sticky due to the maple or agave syrup?
Gwen Leron says
Hi Leslie, you're welcome! And no, the mixture is not sticky at all and after whatever you are making has baked, the tops will not be sticky 🙂 Let me know how things go!
Kristin says
I used this method for a loaf of cardamom bread. It turned out amazing! Thanks.
Gwen says
Yay! I'm so glad it worked well for you, Kristen! Thanks for your note 🙂
Karen Badzik says
Thanks for the great post - I was actually wondering what might give vegan baked goods a nice golden brown. Keep up the great work!
Gwen @ Delightful Adventures says
You're very welcome, Karen! Glad you find the info helpful 🙂