Vegan Baking – The Perfect Substitutes!

Let’s be honest—baking already feels like a science experiment. Mix this, measure that, cross your fingers, and hope for the best! Add in vegan baking, and it can feel even more like a brain teaser—but in the best way possible.

If you’re anything like me, you love a good kitchen hack. Whether you’re swapping for health reasons, saving a little money, or just experimenting with new ingredients, vegan substitutes can totally hold their own—and often make your bakes even better!

So let’s talk about some of my favorite go-to substitutes in the Cindee’s Vegan Treats kitchen:

Flax Egg – Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes, and ta-da! You’ve got a perfect egg replacement that adds moisture and a subtle nutty flavor to cookies, muffins, and more.

Chia Egg – Same deal as the flax egg, but made with chia seeds. It’s a little thicker and works beautifully in recipes where you want a bit of extra binding power (like brownies or pancakes).

Applesauce & Fruit Purees – These are game-changers! Applesauce adds moisture and a touch of natural sweetness to cakes, cupcakes, and quick breads. Banana, pumpkin, or even mashed sweet potato can work wonders too—just be sure to balance the flavor depending on what you're baking.

Olive Oil – Not just for savory dishes! Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and healthy fats to cakes, brownies, and more. It’s especially great when paired with chocolate (trust me!).

Plant-Based Milk – Almond, oat, soy, coconut—you name it. Plant-based milks are a 1:1 swap for dairy milk in most recipes. I love using unsweetened almond or oat milk for a smooth, neutral flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.

Baking vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or texture—it just means baking smarter. And once you get the hang of these swaps, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner!

Want more gluten-free and dairy-free baking tips and tricks? 🎉
Be sure to check out my new eBook, Cindee’s Vegan Treats Gluten & Dairy-Free Baking Tips, filled with even more helpful hacks, substitutions, and sweet inspiration to make your baking adventures a breeze.

Happy Baking from Cindee’s Vegan Treats!