A simple DIY on how to make a flax egg – a super simple and versatile vegan egg replacement that’s packed with nutrients!

When it comes to baking free-from and dietary need-friendly bakes, there are plenty of options. However, the absolute classic is the flax egg. This post talks you through what a flaxseed egg is, flaxseed health benefits, how to make a flax egg, and lists some suggested uses.

I recently wrote a post on how to grind flaxseed to make flaxseed meal. Flaxseeds are highly nutritious seeds that you have to ground for our bodies to absorb the nutrients within. Once ground, there are hundreds of uses and recipes for this powder – with, perhaps, one of the best being to make into a flax egg.

Whether you follow vegan, gluten-free, paleo, keto, whole30… flaxseed falls into the category every time. It seems to be the ultimate “substitute” ingredient. Plus, with a reasonably neutral flavor (unlike applesauce, banana, and other egg alternatives), and similar consistency to egg – this is by far my favorite vegan egg replacement option.

Flax seeds are also fairly nutritious, cost-effective, easily sourced, and generally an all-around healthy plant-based egg alternative.

Flaxseed Health Benefits

I talk quite a lot about the various health benefits of flaxseed in my DIY flaxseed meal post. However, with there being SO many excellent benefits associated with these little seeds – there is even more to say.

Along with reducing harmful LDL cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and blood sugar levels (which could aid those with type 2 diabetes) – flaxseeds may also reduce the risk of certain cancers and reduce inflammation within the body. Flaxseed has also been subject to research surrounding estrogen levels and how they may help menopausal and postmenopausal women. While the claim that flaxseed can reduce hot flashes hasn’t yet been fully substantiated, there are definitely some women who have benefitted.

It’s also worth noting that the seeds are high in fiber. They include soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help aid digestion and bowel movements, promote weight loss – due to keeping you feeling fuller for longer. Plus, it can also help to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce harmful LDL cholesterol levels.

There have also been trials carried out that concluded that flaxseeds could help to lower cholesterol levels in the body more so than cholesterol-lowering medicines!

What Is A Flax Egg?

A flax egg is simply a vegan egg replacement made up of water and ground flaxseed. When combined, the two ingredients form a viscous mixture. It emulsifies and can bind and react with other baking ingredients in a similar way that an egg would.

If you’ve ever had chia pudding, then you’ll know the texture that I’m talking about. However, due to the seeds being ground up, it becomes more of a cohesive mixture rather than individual seeds – like with chia pudding. You can also use ground chia seeds to make a chia egg too.

There are two types of flax seeds – golden and brown. Either can be used to make a flax egg. However, it’s worth noting that the brown seeds can affect the color of your bake.

How To Make A Flax Egg

I’m sure there is a variety of answers to what is the perfect ratio of water to flax seeds. I’ve found the best results with a 1:2.5 ratio.

This amount is the perfect substitute for one egg. If needed, simply increase the amount according to how much you need per recipe. However, as I’ll note in the recipe card below, a flax egg doesn’t act the exact way that a real egg does within a bake. So it’s best to stick to recipes that required only 1-2 regular eggs.

There are a couple of methods that you can use to make the flaxseed egg. However, I have a favorite (super simple) method. You can read the full details (and notes) in the recipe card below.

Suggested Recipes & Uses

There are tons of ways to use a flaxseed egg. For the most part, this mixture is a brilliant substitution for egg in various recipes. This includes baked goods like cookies, brownies, muffins, cakes, pancakes, and more.

As I discussed in my flaxseed meal post, flaxseed powder can be used for several uses in baking, including in place of oil and fat, and as an egg when made into a flax egg.

While I haven’t tested every recipe, here are a few suggestions of recipes where I think you could make the simple swap of using a flaxseed egg substitute in place of eggs.

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Banana bread: Including this Healthy Banana Bread (Naturally Sweetened), Simple Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe, or this Banana Bread with Homemade Nutella.

Cakes & Brownies: Like this Raspberry & Coconut Cake, Red Velvet Cake, or these Gluten-Free Brownies.

Pancakes: like these Fluffy Japanese Style Pancakes, this Pancake Cake, or these Christmas-inspired Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes.

It can also be used in a variety of vegan recipes. For example, vegan french toast, pastry crusts, baked oatmeal dishes, and more. Let me know in the comments your favorite ways to use your flaxseed eggs.

If you have any questions, leave a comment below. Also, I love seeing your recreations, so feel free to tag me on Instagram@AlphaFoodie.