Updated on November 13th, 2024
A delicious pumpkin pie prepared without eggs! Yes, an eggless pumpkin pie is possible. So if dietary restrictions (or a lack of eggs in the refrigerator) are preventing you from making a delicious pumpkin pie, fret no more! You can still prepare and enjoy this classic Thanksgiving dessert.
Read on to learn the basics of substituting eggs , including the 7 best egg substitutes for pumpkin pie.
What eggs do for your pumpkin pie
Eggs play two important roles in pumpkin pie. One, they function as a binder to hold the ingredients together. And two, they add to the pie’s creamy, custard-y texture.
7 egg substitutes for pumpkin pie
You can replace egg’s binding power and texture with other ingredients for sure. The thing is, substituting for egg in a pie will change the flavor and texture slightly. So I recommend doing a trial run before you unveil your eggless pie at a family dinner or potluck. That recommendation stands no matter which egg substitute you use.
If the substitution doesn’t come off quite right, you might end up with a pie that doesn’t set or a taste profile that’s a bit off. You can correct those problems easily, but the corrections require you to make another pie. And when guests are waiting for their dessert, you won’t have the time.
1. Ground flaxseed or chia seed
- GROUND FLAXSEED ORGANIC — Our finely ground flaxseed is sourced from the golden fields of the great Canadian prairies. Using a proprietary cold-milling method, our flax seeds are ground at cool temperatures, preserving omega-3s and 6s
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- PLANT-BASED NUTRITION — Looking to add some essential fatty acids to your diet? Delivering plant-based omega-3 and omega-6, plus 3 g of plant-based protein per serving, vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious eaters love our ground flax seeds
- USDA ORGANIC AND PREMIUM QUALITY— Much like organic flax seeds whole, our ground flaxseed is certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo, Keto, and Kosher – pure, premium-quality ground flaxseed
- 100% ORGANIC GROUND CHIA: Chia seeds are one of nature’s richest plant sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids. When chia seeds are ground, they release their entire nutritional content in the digestive tract. Chia can be used in many recipes, from smoothies and breakfast foods to baked goods
- BEST VEGAN EGG REPLACEMENT: Make a vegan version of your favorite baked goods recipes by mixing 1 tbsp of ground chia seeds with 3 tbsp of water to make 1 “chia eggs” and let sit 5 minutes before mixing it in with other ingredients
- CHIA SUPPORTS GOOD ELIMINATION: Chia seeds are high in soluble fiber that forms a gel when wet and soothes the digestive tract. Eating ground chia seeds daily promotes regularity and easy bowel movements
- HIGH IN PROTEIN AND ANTIOXIDANTS: The amount of protein in chia is comparable to walnuts and almonds. Chia seeds also contain the flavonoids quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol plus chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid
- OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE SOURCING PREMIER BOTANICALS: Worldwide Botanicals develops and works in partnership with suppliers to expertly select the highest quality botanicals. We’re dedicated to rainforest preservation, organic agriculture and optimal health!
To replace egg in a pumpkin pie recipe with ground flaxseed or chia seed, mix 1 tablespoon of the seed meal with 2 1/2-3 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. You’ll see it develop a gel, egg-like texture as the seeds absorb the water.
Proceed with the recipe as instructed, using the seed and water mix in lieu of 1 egg.
Note that if you have whole flaxseeds on hand, you can grind them in a coffee grinder before mixing with water.
2. Mashed bananas, applesauce, or pumpkin puree
Fruit purees like mashed bananas or applesauce make excellent egg substitutes if you’re watching your fat and calorie intake. Both apples and bananas are sweeter than eggs, but these flavors will pair nicely with pumpkin and pumpkin spices.
In the same vein, pumpkin puree is an obvious choice for pumpkin pie. The extra puree may give your pie a pumpkin-heavy flavor, however. You might consider adding a touch more spice to your filling.
The substitute ratio for fruit puree is 1/4 cup for each egg.
3. Arrowroot flour, tapioca flour, or cornstarch
- Anthony’s Premium Arrowroot Flour – Very fine powder
- Batch Tested and Verified Gluten-Free
- Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, with no other added ingredients!
- Use as a thickener in Baking, Sauces, and Gravies. Arrowroot Flour can be used as a cornstarch alternative.
- Great for adding elasticity and fluffiness to gluten-free batters and doughs!
- USDA Organic Tapioca Flour / Starch
- Batch Tested and Verified Gluten Free
- Organic, Vegan, Non-GMO, with no other additives
- A Tasteless and Odorless Flour – Great as a thickener or binder in Gluten Free Recipes!
- Use Tapioca to make Brazilian cheese bread, puddings, bubble tea, vegan cheeses, and more!
- An Amazon brand
- Use as a sauce thickener, odor eliminator or dry shampoo
- Brought to you by Whole Foods Market; The packaging for this product has a fresh new look; During this transition, you may get the original packaging or the new packaging in your order, but the product and quality is staying exactly the same; Enjoy!
- Brought to you by Whole Foods Market; The packaging for this product has a fresh new look; During this transition, you may get the original packaging or the new packaging in your order, but the product and quality is staying exactly the same; Enjoy!
Arrowroot flour, tapioca flour, and cornstarch are all effective thickeners with almost zero taste. You’ll find these ingredients used frequently to thicken sauces. They essentially do the same for pumpkin pie.
For each egg required in your pumpkin pie recipe, you’ll substitute 2 tablespoons for the flour or cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
4. Silken tofu
Silken tofu can also take on the egg’s job of binding. As an added bonus, silken tofu has a lovely texture that holds up well in pumpkin pie.
You’ll want to blend the silken tofu first. You can simply put the tofu in a blender and mix until smooth. For each egg in the pumpkin pie recipe, swap in 1/4 cup of blended silken tofu.
5. Aquafaba
- ✔ Improved formula
- ✔ Best and cheapest vegan binder on the market
- ✔ 1 bag replaces at least 12 eggs!
- ✔ Perfect for foaming applications
- ✔ Ideal for the preparation of e.g. cocktails, sauce, pancakes, cake, merengue, ice cream, bread, snack, macrons, cake etc.
Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It’s commonly used as an egg substitute in vegan baking. You need only add 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg required for the recipe.
If you buy aquafaba powder, mix 1/2 teaspoon powder with 3 tablespoons of water to replace 1 egg.
6. Yogurt or buttermilk
If you can eat dairy, try yogurt or buttermilk as an egg substitute. These ingredients do bind and add moisture, but they don’t replicate egg’s texture perfectly.
Use 1/4 cup of plain yogurt or buttermilk for each egg in the recipe.
7. Egg replacers
- EGG REPLACER Vegan Egg Replacer for baking mimics what eggs do in recipes to bind baked food together, but it’s completely egg-free.
- USES Ener-G Egg Replacer simplifies baking for people who cannot use eggs. Use it to replace both egg whites as well as egg yolks.
- BENEFITS Gluten free, made from potato starch and tapioca starch flour. Perfect for those with food allergies or restrictions, or just watching their nutritional intake.
- VEGAN & GLUTEN FREE Egg Replacer is Vegan, Gluten Free, No Preservatives, Non-GMO, Kosher certified. One 16 oz package is equal to 100 eggs.
- ENER-G FOODS Since 1962, our mission has been to deliver the highest quality bread, baked goods and food for anyone living with dietary restrictions. We are dedicated to producing products that are innovative, safe, nutritious, and tasty.
- Versatile Egg Alternative: Bob’s Red Mill Egg Substitute provides a versatile solution for recipes that traditionally require eggs, catering to those with dietary restrictions. One bag contains the equivalent of 34 eggs, and can be used to replace whole eggs, yolks or whites in baking
- Premium Ingredients: Crafted from a blend of high-quality, natural ingredients, this mix ensures the same binding and leavening properties as eggs without compromising on taste or texture.
- Easy Substitution: Conveniently replace eggs in various recipes—whether baking, cooking, or preparing breakfast dishes—ensuring consistent and delicious results every time.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Ideal for vegans, individuals with egg allergies, or those pursuing a healthier diet, offering a nutritious and reliable alternative to traditional eggs.
- BOB’S RED MILL: Make folks a little happier: it’s the idea that keeps our stone mills grinding to fill every bag with wholesome goodness
There are commercial egg replacers, which are powders formulated specifically to replace eggs in recipes. Some are vegan and nut-free. Brands to check out include Ener-G and Bob’s Red Mill. These are usually made with potato starch and tapioca flour.
Follow the package instructions for substitution ratios.
Substituting eggs in pumpkin pie
It’s tough to imagine Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S. without a slice of creamy, rich pumpkin pie. Fortunately, you don’t have to — even if you have an egg allergy. You can use pantry ingredients like tapioca flour or cornstarch to replace eggs. Or get creative with fruit purees or dairy ingredients. If none of those suit your taste, go for a commercial egg replace like Ener-G.
Any of these egg substitutes for pumpkin pie can produce an amazing and delicious dessert. You might have to try all of them to land on the perfect one, though. Darn!
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
