As we get closer to the holiday season, it’s time to think about those delicious desserts. Pumpkin pie traditionally contains eggs, and you may be wondering how you can swap them out. I’ve got you covered with egg substitutes for pumpkin pie that actually work!
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Table of Contents
What is pumpkin pie?
Pumpkin pie is a pie made from spiced pumpkin-based custard. It is usually made with pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and spices. While it may be easy to swap dairy for plant-based alternatives, people often struggle to find a substitute for the eggs.
The Best Recipe
If you don’t have your own pumpkin pie recipe to follow, you can use my Eggless Pumpkin Pie Recipe, which my whole family loves. However, if you have a recipe your family uses and want to convert it to a vegan one, I’ve got options for you below.
What do eggs do in pumpkin pie?
Eggs provide structure, binding, and texture in pumpkin pie. Without a binding ingredient, it won’t come together to have that custardy creaminess.
The List: 10 Best Substitutes for Eggs In Pumpkin Pie
You don’t need to have FOMO when it comes to pumpkin pie. With these best egg substitutes, everyone can enjoy this holiday dessert!
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- Arrowroot powder: This ingredient binds and thickens to help you get that perfect texture. In fact, this is what I use in my no-egg pumpkin pie recipe.
Substitution ratio: 1 egg = 3 tablespoons of arrowroot powder - Cornstarch: You can also use cornstarch, which is excellent for thickening.
Recommended ratio: 3 tablespoons of cornstarch = 1 egg - Tapioca starch: No cornstarch? No problem! Tapioca starch works much the same way. FYI, tapioca starch and tapioca flour are the exact same thing. Some brands call it flour, while others call it starch.
Replacement ratio: 1 egg = 3 tablespoons of tapioca starch - Potato starch: And you guessed it…potato starch is another ingredient that can help you get the texture eggs typically create in pumpkin pie.
Substitution ratio: 3 tablespoons of potato starch = 1 egg - Flax egg: Of course, if you use my method for making a flax egg, this also replaces regular eggs quite well in this pie all while adding omega-3 fatty acids.
Substitution ratio: 1 flax egg = 1 traditional egg - Chia egg: I have to be honest—this wouldn’t be my first choice for an egg alternative in pumpkin pie. However, if it’s your only option, I recommend blending the chia egg!
Substitution ratio: 1 egg = 1 chia egg - Aquafaba: Made from chickpea water, aquafaba is another option for you. This may result in a fluffier pumpkin pie than usual.
Recommended ratio: 1 egg = 3 tablespoons of aquafaba - Silken tofu: Silken tofu really adds a custardy texture to pumpkin pie, and even non-vegans will adore it.
Substitution ratio: ¼ cup of aquafaba = 1 traditional egg - Cashew cream: You can make cashew cream to use instead of eggs by taking ¼ cup raw cashews soaked overnight or in boiled water for 20 minutes. Blend the soaked cashews with two tablespoons of water until smooth and creamy.)
Replacement ratio: 1 egg = ¼ cup cashew cream - Store-bought egg replacers: If you would prefer a store-bought egg replacer, some good options are JUST Egg, Ener-G Egg Replacer, Neat Egg, and Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer.
How To Choose
The best replacement for your pumpkin pie recipe will depend on the other ingredients. There are many different versions of pumpkin pie. Those without dairy, such as heavy cream, would really benefit best from using a combination of plant-based milk and a type of starch, flax egg, or silken tofu.
If you want a fuss-free way to whip up a vegan-friendly pumpkin pie, my recipe that I linked can easily help you do this without having to make any adjustments.
FAQ
Leaving eggs out of pumpkin pie without replacing them in some way can end in disaster. Eggs create stability and structure for a pie, binding everything together. You don’t have to use actual eggs, though, as there are vegan alternatives to eggs that you can use to get that splendid texture everyone loves.
My favorite substitute is arrowroot powder, though, as you can see above, there are many ways to replace eggs in your pie. You can use cornstarch, potato starch, tapioca starch, flax eggs, chia eggs, silken tofu, aquafaba, cashew cream, or just buy an egg replacement at the supermarket.
Pumpkin puree itself can replace eggs in certain recipes. You can use ¼ cup of pumpkin puree per egg called for in the recipe. Since pumpkin pie already requires egg, though, you will need to help bind it in some way. Scroll up and see my full list and the recommended ratios to help you make the swap. You can also use my eggless pumpkin pie recipe to easily make this dessert without having to figure out egg substitutes on your own.
What you can add instead of 1 egg will depend on what you’re making. In the case of pumpkin pie, the ten substitutes I’ve listed above are truly the best for this particular dessert. There are other options you can choose for making other desserts and dishes, though when it comes to pumpkin pie, you need something that is suited to bind the rest of the ingredients together to get that perfect texture.
Final Words
Soon, it will be time to make your pumpkin pie, whether it’s for a dinner party, Thanksgiving, or a plain old Saturday night. If you need to make a vegan pumpkin pie for yourself or any guests you are hosting, my recipe can certainly help, though these substitutes for eggs can help you convert your own cherished family recipe. After all, the best part of the holidays is sharing food and love together, and nothing brings everyone together quite like pumpkin pie.
