For a new vegan, the challenge is sourcing the right ingredients to replace eggs, dairy and honey in your cooking, and experimenting with delicious alternatives such as aquafaba, flax seeds and coconut oil. I would argue that it also makes you a more creative cook. Baking vegan cakes and desserts is easier than you might think and is very rewarding.
When you’re out doing the shopping, look out for the vegan symbol on packaged products or read the label carefully as the traditional V for vegetarian symbol doesn’t mean it’s also vegan. Look carefully for hidden milk products, such as casein or whey, and remember that E numbers may contain animal products – these can be found in margarines, crisps and biscuits, while gelatine is often found in set yoghurts and desserts.
What to stock for vegan baking
What to replace eggs with
To replace eggs in baking, use soya yoghurt for a slightly sour taste and light texture, great to use in muffins, scones and soda bread. Silken tofu, soya milk or almond milk can be used to replace the volume and liquid measure of the egg. Add baking powder for the rise or use a self-raising flour. Add 1 tsp vinegar to recipes to create extra reaction and rise. Eggs act as a rising agent, so if you’re taking away eggs, increase the amount of baking powder you use.
Mashed banana, apple purée and soaked puréed dates all work well as an egg substitute in cakes, pancakes and muffins. They also add flavour and sweetness in different ways. They work well as binders and give a moist texture to your baking. Banana can make a cake heavy, so don’t use too many. Use very ripe bananas for an intense banana flavour.