How is Linseed Used in Baking?
Linseeds are popularly used in baking as an oil alternative and binding agent.
Linseed is able to replace all of the fat called for in a recipe due to its high oil content. If a recipe calls for 1/3 cup of butter, oil or other fat then the use of 1 cup of ground linseed is advised as a replacement. Generally, use a 3:1 substitution ratio.
Vegan bakers often substitute eggs for a linseed mixture in baking recipes like muffins, cookies, and even pancakes! Baked goods made with linseed have a chewier, slightly gummier texture compared to those using eggs. Another aspect of linseed baked goods is the decreased volume in these pastries. As the texture of the baked goods will differ depending on the ingredients used, testing the recipe with the alternatives first to determine its quality beforehand is advised.
Please note that flax eggs are not a one for all. Flax eggs won’t have the same effect on recipes which require whipped egg whites for the purpose of creating lift and structure. These include angel food cake or cloud bread. The same is true of flourless recipes, such as flourless chocolate cake or flourless cookies.
Flax eggs work best for binding however, they won’t be able to star as the main ingredient themselves. A general rule of thumb for flax eggs is they work best in recipes that call for 1 or 2 eggs. As opposed to recipes where more eggs are needed.
The attractive, vegan approved alternative to egg is known as a ‘flax egg’.
