No-added-sugar fruit spreads (sugar-free jams) as egg substitutes
Using a no-added-sugar fruit spread (or ordinary jam if sugar is not a problem for you) as an egg substitute is a little like using a substitute that’s a mixture between a sweetening syrup and a fruit purée. The pectin in the fruit spread helps to bind the ingredients together and the wet consistency of the spread adds moisture into the sweet treat.
They are not the ideal egg substitute for light and fluffy cakes. Provided the cake you’re making is not solely dependent on the beating of the eggs and sugar together to provide fluffiness, you can experiment with fruit spreads. However, remember to add extra raising agent, such as bicarbonate of soda (baking soda).
Although no-added-sugar fruit spreads are not as sweet as sweetening syrups or honey, they are sweet enough to necessitate the modification of the amount of sugar in the recipe. Therefore, follow this process as you experiment with modifying a recipe:
- Leave out the eggs.
- Leave out the sugar and use a no-added-sugar fruit spread instead. The sweetness level of a fruit spread is lower than that of sugar, so start by using the same amount as you would use sugar. Sometimes recipes use sugar excessively and you may not need as much sweetness. Taste the dough/batter and add more fruit spread or sugar (or some other sweetener) if need be.
- Check the consistency: if you use the same amount of no-added-sugar fruit spread as you would have used sugar and the recipe calls for a lot of egg, you may need to add extra liquid; if, on the other hand, you need to add a lot of extra fruit spread, you may have to increase the amount of dry ingredients.
- Add extra raising agent if you want your cake to be more airy.
A potential problem with using no-added-sugar fruit spreads is that they add a distinctive taste, and sometimes also colour, to your baking. Peach and apricot fruit spreads have the most neutral flavours and colours, although you may still be able to taste them in your sweet treat. This may or may not be a problem. You can find out more about no-added-sugar fruit spreads and how to use them in baking here.
Find out more about egg substitutes:
Egg substitutes – what are they and which one to use?
Shop-bought egg replacers
Fruit purées as egg substitutes
Sweetening syrups and honey as egg substitutes
Tofu as an egg substitute
Copyright © Tarja Moles 2013. Photograph © Tarja Moles 2013.
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Tarja Moles is the author of No Naughties: Sweet Treats without Sugar, Wheat, Gluten and Yeast. Visit www.nonaughties.com for free recipes and information on special diets and living with multiple dietary restrictions.
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