Smearing in egg is the easiest way to make your baked goods look appetizing. For a standard egg spread, beat 1 full egg with 1 tbsp. (15 ml) water, cream, or milk. You can apply egg glaze just before baking or use it to seal your cake. If you don't want to use eggs, try using olive oil, egg substitutes, or plain dairy products. No matter what ingredients you use, this egg spread is easy to adjust for great results!
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. (5 ml) to 3 tsp. (15 ml) milk, heavy cream, or water
To make enough egg spread for 1 piece of bread or pie
Step
Method 1 of 3: Whisk the Eggs
Step 1. Crack the eggs into a small bowl
You can use any type and size of eggs. Keep in mind that jumbo chicken eggs will produce more egg spread than small chicken eggs or quail eggs.
If you want to make a dark egg spread, just use the yolk and a pinch of salt. The salt will melt the yolks making them easier to apply
Step 2. Add 1 tsp. (5 ml) of liquid
You can use water, milk, heavy cream, or soy milk depending on your taste. This liquid thins the yolks so they don't dry out the cake and cause it to crack in the oven. If the egg spread seems too thick, you can thin it by adding 1 tsp of liquid. (5 ml) to 2 tsp. (10 ml).
Keep in mind that each liquid will give a different look. For example, water will make it look blurry while white milk and cream will make it look shiny
Step 3. Beat the egg wash until combined
Use an egg beater or a fork to beat the eggs and liquid in a circular motion. Beat the egg wash for 10 seconds so that the yolks mix well with the egg whites.
Do not beat the egg wash until foamy
Step 4. Whisk all additional ingredients to taste
You can add a few pinches of spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon, if you want the egg spread to be a little darker and have extra flavour. Sprinkle a little salt for a glossy egg finish and a denser cake.
Step 5. Dilute the egg wash with liquid, if needed
If you're glazing something that will rise a lot like cakes or bread, add an extra 1 tsp. (5 ml) to 2 tsp. (10 ml) of liquid so that the cake does not crack when it rises.
Method 2 of 3: Opting for an Egg-Free Alternative
Step 1. Use regular half-and-half cream or heavy cream
Even if you don't want to use eggs as a spread, you can still add a golden color to your baked goods. Spread half-and-half cream or heavy cream over your baked goods for a glossy finish.
Keep in mind that heavy cream will crack more easily when it expands
Step 2. Apply olive oil instead of egg wash
Olive oil is a good substitute for egg wash. Just rub olive oil directly on bread or toast. While the olive oil will slightly gloss your grilled dish, it will have a slightly olive flavor so avoid using it on sweet baked dishes.
For another vegan egg spread, mix a few teaspoons of water with soy powder
Step 3. Use a commercial egg substitute
Purchase a vegan egg substitute or an egg substitute made from egg whites and thickening agents. If you're using a liquid substitute, just rub it directly on your baked goods. If you're using a powder, add a little water to the powder so it's easy to spread.
Method 3 of 3: Using Egg Spread
Step 1. Spread the egg wash over the bread
Dip a bread brush into the egg wash or substitute. Spread it evenly over the bread, but not so much that it drips off the edges. Otherwise, the bread may stick to the pan. Slice the bread and bake according to the recipe guide.
If there's a lot of egg smear near the bottom of the bread, some of it will stick to the bread
Step 2. Spread the egg wash on the underside of the unbaked pie crust
To prevent the crust on the bottom of the bread from getting soggy, rub the egg wash on the unbaked cake batter before adding the filling. When the pie is baking, the egg wash will cook and prevent the filling from seeping through the bottom of the cake.
Step 3. Seal the edges of the pastry with egg wash
If you are making eclairs, pies, or baking sandwich cookies, run the egg wash along the edges of one side of the pastry. Fold or lay the top layer on top of the pastry, over the egg-lined edges and press down gently. The egg wash will keep the pastries from sticking together.
If you want your pastries to look pale and crunchy, consider making an egg spread with just the egg whites and water
Step 4. Coat the top of the roast
After you've filled your pies, made your cake, or made your croissants, brush the tops with the egg wash. Bake the dish as soon as possible to get the best look. Try rubbing egg glaze over:
- Bread and sponge
- Cake and danish
- Pie
- Meat pies such as empanadas or shepherd's pie
- eclairs for appetizer
- Cookies
Step 5. Use the egg wash to keep the sesame, sugar, or other toppings from sticking
If you intend to decorate the dish, coat it with egg wash before sprinkling the garnish on top. The egg glaze will keep the frosting from sticking to the bread or cake.
- For example, brush a pie with egg wash and sprinkle powdered sugar on top. If you're toasting bread, sprinkle sesame seeds over the egg wash.
- If you want to spread the decorative dough on top of the pastry, rub a bit of egg wash on the decorations before placing it on the pastry.
Tips
- If you have any leftover eggs that haven't been contaminated with raw meat or fish, you can cover the bowl and save it for breakfast the next day.
- You need to wash the brushes in cold water immediately after applying the egg wash, as the hot water will "cook" the egg brushes so the bristles will stick together.
