If you’re out of eggs and want to know if you can substitute in mayonnaise in your recipe, you came to the right place.
In this article you will learn what type of recipes mayonnaise can be used in place of eggs.
Whether you’re making dessert, dinner, or even baking bread, mayonnaise can be used as an egg alternative.
Replacing Eggs With Mayonnaise When Baking
I’ve been asked many time, and maybe you are wondering too.
Can eggs be replaced with mayonnaise when baking?
Yes! Eggs can be swapped for mayonnaise when baking everything from cake to bread.
For each egg your recipe calls for, add three heaping teaspoons of mayonnaise.
Mayonnaise works as an egg substitute in baking because it contains egg along with oil. But the added oil means that adjustments need to be made in your recipes other fats.
Most cakes, cookies, and baked goods call for butter. Therefore, if your recipe is replacing three eggs with mayo, then you will reduce your butter in half.
This will account for the added fat in the mayonnaise.
Keep in mind that this refers to regular fat mayo. Do not use flavored mayo when replacing eggs. Regular mayonnaise is the way to go.
Why Mayo Works as an Egg Alternative
Eggs are added to baked desserts to provide richness, flavor, structure as well as acting as a leavening agent.
Because mayonnaise has eggs in it, structure, flavor, and leavening are provided. But keep in mind that mayo only has egg whites in it.
As stated above, mayo has more fat than eggs which must be adjusted in your recipe by reducing other fats.
With that said, mayo will provide your recipe with the flavor, structure and leavening needed.
Cons of Using Mayonnaise Instead of Eggs
Using mayonnaise in place of eggs will effect the flavor, color, and structure of your recipe. While mayo works in a pinch as an egg substitute, it generally produces a lower quality dessert.
Mayo has a higher fat content than eggs as well as less protein. Both of these differences will alter your cakes, bread, muffin, or cookie.
While you can reduce the butter in your recipe to account for the higher fat content of mayo, it can be tricky getting it just right.
And because mayonnaise does not have as much protein as an egg, it will change the structure of your recipe.
So remember, that while you can substitute mayo for eggs in baked goods, it will not yield the same results.
History of Mayonnaise as an Egg Substitute
Popular mayonnaise maker Hellmann’s started marketing mayo as an egg replacement when baking cakes in the early 1900’s.
The campaign was a success and mayo has been viewed as an egg replacement ever since.
Can Mayonnaise be Substituted for Eggs with a Cake Mix?
Yes. Three heaping teaspoons of mayo can be used for each egg called for in your cake mix.
Can Mayo be used in cookie recipes?
Yes mayo can be used in place of eggs when baking cookies. Use three teaspoons of mayo for each egg.
Can eggs be replaced with mayonnaise when making brownies?
Yes, use the same ratio as for cake and cookies. Reduce butter or oil by half.
Can mayo be subbed for eggs when making cornbread?
While eggs can be replaced with mayo when making cornbread it does produce a flat loaf.
Can mayo be used instead of egg when making meatloaf?
Yes, mayo is an excellent substitute for eggs in meatloaf. Use three heaping teaspoons of mayo for each egg.
Can eggs be replaced with mayo when making pancakes?
Yes mayo can be used when making pancakes. Keep in mind that your pancakes will be quite flat though.
More Egg Alternatives for Baking
What if you’re out of eggs and mayo? Or maybe you find you don’t like the taste of mayo in your cake, brownies, or other baked goods.
There are a number of other great egg replacements you can use that work well in most baked recipes.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter has protein and fat making it work well as an egg substitute. It also provide a great flavor that works in many recipes.
Use three teaspoons of peanut butter for each egg you replace.
Almond Butter
Almond butter is another great tasting alternative. It provide the fat and protein you need and a flavor that is incredibly versatile.
Use three teaspoons for each egg.
Banana
Mashed bananas provide great flavor that is great in cakes, muffins, and cookies. It is low in fat so add a bit more butter or oil to your recipe and it works like charm.
Use 1/4 teaspoon of mashed bananas for each egg.
Avocado
Just like bananas, mashed avocado can be used in place of eggs in baked recipes. Use the same ratio as in bananas.
Applesauce
This traditional egg substitute works very well in cakes. It provides a great flavor that is particularly suited for spiced cakes and cookies.
Use 1/3 teaspoon for each egg.
Pureed Pumpkin
This is a great egg substitute for fall inspired cakes, muffins, cupcakes, and cookie. The flavor is incredible and it works wonderfully in place of egg.
Use 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin for each egg.
Bottom Line
Because mayonnaise can be found in most pantries, it is a solid option for replacing eggs. It does particularly well in baked recipes but remember that it will alter the flavor and texture of your dessert.
There are a number of other great egg substitutes you can use as well. Be sure to follow the instructions above when substituting for eggs.