Vegan Egg Wash Substitutes for Baking
Discover the best vegan egg wash substitutes for bread, puff pastry, and more. Use simple plant-based ingredients like oat milk, soy milk, and aquafaba to get that perfect golden brown sheen.
This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure Policy
You’ll also get even more vegan recipes delivered to your inbox every week!
Whether you’re baking bread, puff pastry, or bagels, a golden, glossy egg wash can make all the difference. But what if you’re keeping it plant-based? That’s where vegan egg wash comes in: simple, versatile alternatives that give your baked goods that perfect sheen and golden brown color.
From oat milk and almond milk to aquafaba and melted vegan butter, I’ve tested the most popular substitutes side by side so you can see exactly how each one performs. No guesswork, no compromises — just clear, reliable results for beautiful, plant-based baking every time.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- How to make a vegan egg wash for bread, pastries, and more
- The best substitutes for golden color, shine, and texture
- Tips for brushing it on like a pro, including what works for delicate doughs
- FAQs like “Can aquafaba really replace eggs?” and “What’s the best vegan egg wash for puff pastry?”
Reader Reviews
★★★★★
Long
I have made this a few times my wife loves it. Thank you.
What is an Egg Wash?
An egg wash is a simple mixture that’s brushed onto pastries, breads, or other baked goods to create a beautiful golden color, a subtle sheen, and sometimes a richer flavor. The magic comes from three key components:
- Protein – from eggs or milk, which helps the crust brown and develop structure.
- Sugar – naturally found in milk, which promotes caramelization for a deeper golden color.
- Fat – from butter, cream, or oil, which adds richness and helps create a glossy finish.
That’s why classic pastry washes often combine eggs and cream — they balance protein, sugar, and fat to give baked goods that perfect golden-brown shine.
Should you use a pastry wash on your vegan cherry pie? Will your vegan biscuits turn out as golden brown and buttery without a pastry wash? Or what about your vegan hot dog buns? I’ll answer these questions and more.
Why Use a Vegan Egg Wash Substitute?
Using a vegan egg wash substitute isn’t just about avoiding eggs; it’s about achieving the same golden color, glossy finish, and texture in a plant-based way. Whether you’re baking bread, puff pastry, bagels, or savory pies (hello, vegan pot pie…see photo above), a vegan egg wash helps your baked goods look professional and appetizing while keeping them 100% plant-based.
Beyond dietary choices, there are other reasons to reach for a vegan alternative:
- Allergies & Sensitivities: Many people are allergic to eggs or prefer to avoid them.
- Versatility: Vegan substitutes like plant milk, aquafaba, or coconut oil can be tailored for different types of baked goods. Some add extra shine, others enhance browning, and a few even improve crispiness.
- Ethical & Sustainable Baking: Using plant-based ingredients aligns with cruelty-free and eco-conscious baking practices.
The best vegan egg wash substitutes replicate the three key elements of a traditional egg wash — protein, sugar, and fat— so you can achieve the same golden, glossy results without compromising on color, texture, or taste.
In the sections below, we’ll break down the most reliable options and how each one performs, so you can choose the right wash for every type of bake.
The Best Vegan Egg Wash Substitutes
After researching the most popular plant-based alternatives, I’ve narrowed it down to the 7 key ingredients (plus a few combinations) that consistently deliver golden, glossy results:
- Coconut oil – adds shine and subtle richness
- Vegan butter – enhances color and flavor for flaky pastries
- Soy milk – great for a light golden finish
- Almond milk – a mild, versatile option for breads and rolls
- Flax egg – adds a little structure while browning nicely
- Cornstarch slurry – perfect for a glossy, neutral finish
- Aquafaba – whips up beautifully and gives a golden sheen
I’ve also included a plain, unbrushed piece as a point of comparison, so you can see exactly how each substitute performs.
Whether you’re brushing on bread, puff pastry, or savory pies, this guide lets you pick the perfect vegan egg wash for every bake — and see the results for yourself!
For testing purposes, I used my vegan pie crust recipe. I rolled it out and cut 10 rounds. Then I brushed all of them except one with a different wash. Then I rated each wash based on color, sheen, and consistency of browning.
See the table below for my ratings of each!
| Wash | Best for | Notes | Rating |
| Aquafaba | Pie crust, light shine | Works well alone; mix with coconut oil for extra sheen | 8/10 |
| Coconut Oil | Pastries | Adds shine and subtle color & richness | 7/10 |
| Soy Milk | Breads, Rolls | Mild golden finish | 7/10 |
| Almond Milk | Breads, Rolls | Versatile, neutral flavor | 6/10 |
| Flax Egg | Pie crust, rolls | Adds structure, browns nicely, leaves some texture | 6/10 |
| Cornstarch | Rustic pies | Neutral flavor, rustic sheen | 6/10 |
| Vegan Butter | Pastries | Rich flavor, golden brown | 8/10 |
Vegan Egg Wash for Breads & Bagels
Brushing your bread or bagels with a vegan egg wash helps achieve a warm, golden crust that looks and tastes bakery-worthy. For soft rolls, sandwich loaves, or bagels, the goal is even browning without overpowering the flavor.
Top Substitutes for Breads & Bagels:
- Soy milk or almond milk: Mild, versatile, and easy to brush on evenly.
- Aquafaba: Creates a slight sheen and golden color without adding flavor.
- Flax egg: Adds a touch of structure while promoting browning.
Tips for Success:
- Use a soft pastry brush and apply a thin, even layer.
- For a shinier finish, mix a small amount of melted coconut oil or vegan butter into the wash.
- Avoid over-brushing — too much liquid can make the crust soggy.
By choosing the right substitute, your bread or bagels will look golden, glossy, and irresistible — all while staying 100% plant-based.
Vegan Egg Wash for Puff Pastry
Puff pastry relies on layers to create that perfect, flaky texture. A vegan egg wash helps enhance browning, add shine, and give the top layer that professional finish.
Best Substitutes for Puff Pastry:
- Vegan butter or coconut oil: Brings rich color and subtle flavor.
- Aquafaba: Whips up beautifully for a glossy, golden finish.
- Soy milk: Provides gentle browning without overpowering delicate layers.
Tips for Success:
- Apply the wash lightly with a pastry brush, avoiding pooling in folds.
- For maximum gloss, brush before baking and again halfway through for an extra shine.
- Avoid adding too much sugar to the wash — it can burn at puff pastry’s higher baking temperature.
With the right vegan substitute, your puff pastry will have that golden, professional look while keeping the layers light, flaky, and plant-based.
How to Apply Egg Wash Without a Pastry Brush
No pastry brush? No problem! You can still get a beautiful finish on your bread, pies, and pastries. Here are some creative ways to apply your vegan egg wash:
- Spoon — Drizzle the wash over your unbaked goods, then gently spread it with a lightly moistened paper towel to cover the entire surface.
- Makeshift Brush — Fold a piece of parchment or wax paper a few times, then cut one end into little strips. Voilà — a DIY brush you can use to apply the wash evenly.
- Fingers — Sometimes, the best tool is your own hands! Carefully drizzle the wash over your bake and use your fingers to spread it. Bonus: it’s hands-on, fun, and totally allowed in the kitchen.
Frequently-Asked Questions
What's the best vegan egg wash for bread?
For savory bread, I recommend using vegan butter or vegan butter combined with a bit of almond or soy milk. For sweet bread, adding a bit of agave nectar to the mixture will give it more shine and color.
Can you use almond milk for egg wash?
You can use almond milk for egg wash when you want to help your pastry or bread achieve more of a golden color. However, almond milk will produce minimal shine, creating a more rustic look to your baked good.
Can aqufaba be used as egg wash?
You can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) to create an egg-free egg wash. Simply brush the aquafaba over unbaked pastries or bread to create a subtle golden hue.
Subscribe and Get a Free Easy Vegan Recipes eBook
Plus our latest vegan recipes, delivered right to your inbox!
We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
How to Use Vegan Egg Wash
Here are some best vegan pastry recipes to use your pastry wash:
Easy Vegan Egg Wash Substitute for Baking
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter , melted (substitute refined coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon soy milk (substitute oat or almond milk)
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup (or your favorite syrup sweetener, such as agave nectar, etc.)
Instructions
How to Make Vegan Egg Wash:
- Vigorously stir together the ingredients. Allow it to cool slightly, and then use a pastry brush to brush the top of the pie crusts or pastries with the vegan egg wash.
- Follow the recipe instructions for baking your pie or pastry.
Recommended Equipment
(The products above contain sponsored links to products we use and recommend)
Notes
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
About the Author
Hi! I’m Marly McMillen. I’m the founding editor, author, recipe developer, vegan home chef, and food stylist behind Namely Marly. I’m so grateful to you and every member of my audience for your support and dedication. More about Namely Marly ›
One Response to Vegan Egg Wash Substitutes for Baking
Rate / Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I have made this a few times my wife loves it. Thank you.