The Effort-Free Egg Substitute For Silky Sweet Custard

For the times when you are about to bake your favorite sweet treat and find out that you are fresh out of eggs — or just tired of paying ridiculous prices for a carton or flat — it can be helpful to have a backup plan. Having an egg-free substitute in mind is perfect for when you're in a pinch. With so many options out there, it's crucial to know which eggless ingredients will garner the most delicious results in your next meal.

For a straight-up alternative to eggs for a scramble or otherwise, you can use crumbled-up firm tofu, flavor-fried with the spices of your choice, or even a mixture of warm water and flax seed. A combination of vegetable oil, baking soda, and water is the ideal swap for eggs in muffins or bread. Even plain applesauce would make for a perfect binder in your next recipe. 

However, what if you were challenged with creating a sweet and smooth custard without the help of eggs? If you use the traditional egg and cream recipe, the process of custard making can have you conducting the temperature of your stove like a maestro leading an orchestra. Thankfully, you can still get a creamy result, minus the constant egg whisking and heat balancing, with tofu.

For the perfect egg-free custard that can double as an ideal pastry cream, you have a few options to consider. If you are looking for a vegan alternative, then you can introduce an appropriate amount of silken tofu into your custard mixture to stand in the place of beaten eggs. However, you'll need to make certain that the tofu is whipped thoroughly so that no chunks are left behind, otherwise, these tofu bits will remain and take away from the creamy final results of your dessert. 

Another method to making a custard, that can also take the painstaking egg-mixing process out of the equation, is to use instant pudding mix in lieu of eggs. Instant pudding is a silky-sweet alternative to using whipped eggs in your next custard recipe. One of the main benefits of this product is the modified starch ingredient that lies in the mix. Unlike boxed cornstarch, which can be used to thicken warm soups or sauces, it tends to sink and congeal when used in cold liquids. However, instant pudding mix can quickly thicken your mixture while at a cooler temperature. Just add the package along with milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to create a beautifully smooth, no-bake custard that can be enjoyed on its own, as layers in Tiramisu or trifles, or as a filling for cream puffs.