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Best Egg Substitute in Scones

5 tested options with exact ratios, science-backed explanations, and tips for success.

Quick Answer

The best substitute for Egg in Scones is Buttermilk and Baking Soda because it provides both moisture and leavening, closely mimicking the binding and rise that eggs contribute, resulting in a tender and well-risen scone.

Top 5 Egg Substitutes for Scones

Substitute Ratio
Buttermilk and Baking Soda (Best) 1/4 cup buttermilk + 1/4 tsp baking soda per 1 egg
Greek Yogurt 1/4 cup Greek yogurt per 1 egg
Commercial Egg Replacer (e.g., Ener-G) 1 1/2 tsp powder + 2 tbsp water per 1 egg
Mashed Banana 1/4 cup mashed banana per 1 egg
Aquafaba 3 tbsp aquafaba per 1 egg

Detailed Guide: Each Egg Substitute in Scones

Buttermilk and Baking Soda (Best Option)

1/4 cup buttermilk + 1/4 tsp baking soda per 1 egg
vegetarian Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Adds moisture and leavening, helping scones rise and maintain a tender crumb similar to eggs.

Buttermilk provides the necessary moisture and acidity to react with baking soda, producing carbon dioxide that helps the scones rise. This combination mimics the leavening and binding properties of eggs without adding fat. The acidity also tenderizes the gluten, contributing to a soft crumb.

To ensure success, mix the baking soda thoroughly into the dry ingredients before adding buttermilk to activate the leavening evenly. Use fresh buttermilk for best results, and avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

Compared to eggs, this substitute yields scones with a slightly tangier flavor and a tender but slightly less rich crumb. The rise is comparable, making it an excellent egg alternative in scones.

Greek Yogurt

1/4 cup Greek yogurt per 1 egg
vegetarian Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Adds moisture and slight binding, resulting in a denser but tender scone.

Greek yogurt contributes moisture and protein, which helps bind ingredients together similarly to eggs. Its acidity can also aid in tenderizing the gluten, improving crumb softness. However, it lacks leavening properties, so scones may be denser unless additional leavening agents are adjusted.

For best results, reduce other liquids slightly to compensate for the moisture in yogurt and consider adding a pinch of baking soda to enhance rise. Avoid using low-fat yogurt as it may dry out the scones.

The final scones will be moist and tender but less airy and slightly tangier than those made with eggs.

Commercial Egg Replacer (e.g., Ener-G)

1 1/2 tsp powder + 2 tbsp water per 1 egg
Vegan Gluten-Free Nut-Free Dairy-Free
Quick tip: Neutral flavor and good binding, but may slightly affect texture if overused.

Commercial egg replacers are formulated with starches and leavening agents designed to mimic the binding and rising functions of eggs. They provide consistent results and neutral flavor, making them suitable for scones.

Mix thoroughly to avoid clumps and follow package instructions precisely. Because they lack fat, consider adding a small amount of oil or butter to maintain richness.

Scones made with commercial replacers tend to have a slightly different crumb—sometimes a bit drier or crumbly—but overall maintain good structure and rise.

Mashed Banana

1/4 cup mashed banana per 1 egg
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Adds moisture and binding but imparts a noticeable banana flavor and denser texture.

Mashed banana provides moisture and natural sugars that help bind ingredients and add tenderness. However, its strong flavor can overpower the delicate taste of scones, and the extra moisture can make the crumb denser and less flaky.

Use ripe bananas for best sweetness and texture, and reduce other liquids slightly to compensate. Avoid overmixing to prevent gummy texture.

Compared to eggs, banana-substituted scones are moister and heavier with a distinct fruity flavor, which may not suit traditional scone profiles.

Aquafaba

3 tbsp aquafaba per 1 egg
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Provides good binding and some leavening, but can produce a slightly denser crumb.

Aquafaba, the liquid from cooked chickpeas, mimics egg whites by providing protein-based binding and some leavening when whipped. It helps hold scone ingredients together and can contribute to rise.

Whip aquafaba until foamy before folding into the batter for better aeration. Be cautious with the amount of liquid in the recipe to avoid sogginess.

Scones made with aquafaba tend to have a slightly denser texture and less richness than those with whole eggs, but it is a good vegan alternative that maintains structure.

Vegan Egg Substitutes for Scones

Full Vegan guide →
Commercial Egg Replacer (e.g., Ener-G)
Ratio: 1 1/2 tsp powder + 2 tbsp water per 1 egg

Neutral flavor and good binding, but may slightly affect texture if overused.

Mashed Banana
Ratio: 1/4 cup mashed banana per 1 egg

Adds moisture and binding but imparts a noticeable banana flavor and denser texture.

Aquafaba
Ratio: 3 tbsp aquafaba per 1 egg

Provides good binding and some leavening, but can produce a slightly denser crumb.

Gluten-Free Egg Substitutes for Scones

Full Gluten-Free guide →
Buttermilk and Baking Soda
Ratio: 1/4 cup buttermilk + 1/4 tsp baking soda per 1 egg

Adds moisture and leavening, helping scones rise and maintain a tender crumb similar to eggs.

Greek Yogurt
Ratio: 1/4 cup Greek yogurt per 1 egg

Adds moisture and slight binding, resulting in a denser but tender scone.

Commercial Egg Replacer (e.g., Ener-G)
Ratio: 1 1/2 tsp powder + 2 tbsp water per 1 egg

Neutral flavor and good binding, but may slightly affect texture if overused.

Mashed Banana
Ratio: 1/4 cup mashed banana per 1 egg

Adds moisture and binding but imparts a noticeable banana flavor and denser texture.

Aquafaba
Ratio: 3 tbsp aquafaba per 1 egg

Provides good binding and some leavening, but can produce a slightly denser crumb.

Dairy-Free Egg Substitutes for Scones

Full Dairy-Free guide →
Commercial Egg Replacer (e.g., Ener-G)
Ratio: 1 1/2 tsp powder + 2 tbsp water per 1 egg

Neutral flavor and good binding, but may slightly affect texture if overused.

Mashed Banana
Ratio: 1/4 cup mashed banana per 1 egg

Adds moisture and binding but imparts a noticeable banana flavor and denser texture.

Aquafaba
Ratio: 3 tbsp aquafaba per 1 egg

Provides good binding and some leavening, but can produce a slightly denser crumb.

❌ What NOT to Use as a Egg Substitute in Scones

Applesauce

Applesauce adds excessive moisture and sweetness, which can make scones dense and overly soft, disrupting the traditional crumb and texture expected in scones.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu can make scones gummy and heavy due to its high moisture and protein content, which interferes with the delicate crumb structure typical of scones.

Chia Seeds Gel

Chia gel tends to create a gummy texture and can inhibit proper rise in scones, resulting in a dense and chewy product rather than light and flaky.

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