How is vegan baking different from regular baking?

Vegan baking sets itself apart from regular baking by omitting all animal-based ingredients and instead relying on plant-based alternatives. This means no eggs, butter, milk, or other dairy products are used. Instead, egg substitutes like flaxseed or chia seed gel, applesauce, or mashed bananas are employed. Plant-based oils and non-dairy milk options such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk replace traditional butter and cow's milk. Vegan sweeteners like agave syrup or maple syrup may replace refined sugar. While the essence of baking remains the same, the absence of animal products can result in slightly different textures and flavors, but with a wealth of vegan recipes and resources available, bakers can achieve scrumptious animal-free treats for ethical, environmental, and dietary preferences. Here are some key differences between vegan baking and regular baking:

1. Egg substitutes: In vegan baking, eggs are replaced with various plant-based alternatives. Common egg substitutes include mashed bananas, applesauce, flaxseed or chia seed mixed with water (flaxseed or chia egg), silken tofu, and commercial egg replacers.

2. Dairy substitutes: Traditional dairy ingredients like milk and butter are replaced with plant-based alternatives. For instance, non-dairy milk such as almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk is used instead of cow's milk. Plant-based spreads like vegan butter or coconut oil can replace butter.

3. Binding agents: In regular baking, eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together. In vegan baking, different ingredients are used for this purpose, such as applesauce, mashed bananas, or vegan gelatin.

4. Leavening agents: Traditional baking uses eggs as leavening agents to help the dough or batter rise. In vegan baking, leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder are used, along with acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice, to create the same effect.

5. Texture and moisture: Achieving the right texture and moisture can be a bit different in vegan baking. Sometimes, recipes may require slight adjustments to get the desired results.

6. Flavors: Vegan baking often incorporates a variety of plant-based flavors like nuts, seeds, fruits, and spices to enhance taste.

7. Protein sources: Animal-based ingredients like eggs and milk naturally contain proteins. In vegan baking, alternative protein sources like nut flours, soy-based products, or legume flours might be used to maintain the structure and texture of baked goods.

8. Sweeteners: While regular baking may use honey as a sweetener, vegans typically avoid honey since it is an animal-derived product. Instead, they may use agave syrup, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or other plant-based sweeteners.

It's important to note that with some experimentation and adaptation, it's entirely possible to create delicious and satisfying vegan baked goods that are just as tasty and enjoyable as their traditional counterparts. Many people choose vegan baking for ethical, health, or environmental reasons, and it has become increasingly popular over the years.