Brownies don’t truly need dairy. But we know that many of you have both dairy-free and egg-free needs. And if you’ve ever tried baking egg-free box brownies, then you know what a disaster it can be. Omitting the eggs or using a typical egg substitute often results in a stout chocolate cake or a greasy mess. But we have the quick and easy solution for how to make box brownie mix without eggs and dairy! It’s simple, but requires strict adherence to a few little tweaks.
How to Make Box Brownie Mix without Eggs or Dairy
This easy recipe for dairy-free egg-free box brownies from a mix was shared with us by Kathy, back when she wrote for WNY Food Allergy Connection. Kathy tested numerous times to come up with the perfect egg substitution and ingredient ratios. Unlike many other tricks to preparing brownie mix without eggs, this one is also dairy-free and nut-free, and it retains that great brownie taste and texture. But you have to strictly adhere to a few key things:
Use a Dairy-Free & Egg-Free Brownie Mix
Believe it or not, many box brownie mixes are made without dairy and eggs! We have a complete Guide to Dairy-Free Brownie Mixes that includes many mainstream brands and egg-free options. Kathy uses Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix (18-ounce family-size box). This recipe hasn’t been tested with gluten-free brownie mix.
Use a Powdered Egg Replacer
Skip the pumpkin, applesauce, aquafaba, and other egg substitutes. Kathy says time-tested powdered egg replacer works like a charm. She uses Ener-G Egg Replacer, which is one of the oldest brands available. Some other brands of egg replacer powder might work, too, but this is the one she’s used in testing.
Increase the Egg Replacer Amount
Kathy uses Ener-g Egg Replacer, which is a readily available egg substitute powder. The substitution ratio on the Ener-g box says to use 1 1/2 teaspoons Ener-g powder + 2 tablespoons water for each egg. Kathy found that you have to use more of the powder. She uses 2 heaping teaspoons per 2 tablespoons water. That’s 4 heaping teaspoons of the powder + 1/4 cup water for the 2 eggs called for in the standard brownie mix recipe.
Make the Egg Substitute First
It might be tempting to simply through all of the ingredients together and mix, but Kathy says you have to premix the egg replacer with water before adding it to the brownie mix or this recipe will not work.
Bake the Batter Immediately
Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and work quickly once you’ve stirred the batter together. The brownies will not work out as well if the batter is over-stirred or sits for too long.
More Water, Less Oil is Key
Without eggs, oil doesn’t easily emulsify. Excess oil then takes over vegan brownies, leaving them flat, greasy, and way too chewy. To combat this, Kathy uses a higher ratio of water to oil. The box typically calls for 1/2 cup oil + 1/4 cup water. But to make brownie mix without eggs work, you have to reverse this and use 1/4 cup oil + 1/2 cup water. Melted butter alternative might work in place of the oil, but we haven’t tested it.
Special Diet Notes: Box Brownies without Eggs and Dairy
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, nut-free, peanut-free, optionally soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian Just be sure to choose a brownie mix that suits your dietary needs.
- ¼ cup + ½ cup water, divided
- 4 heaping teaspoons Ener-G egg replacer
- 1 box dairy-free brownie mix (13×9-inch pan size)
- ¼ cup oil
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Grease an 8×12-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ¼ cup water and the egg replacer until the powder is dissolved.
- Dump the brownie mix into a large bowl. Add the egg replacer mixture, the remaining ½ cup water, and oil. Whisk or stir until the ingredients are combined.
- Scrape the brownie batter into your prepared pan and even it out.
- Immediately bake the brownies for 25 to 35 minutes (test after 25 minutes), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- The brownies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, but we prefer to freeze any we won't be eating within a day. These brownies freeze well.
2 Comments
I tried using a can of pumpkin purée with a box of King arthur brownie mix. They tasted okay, but a little denser than I normally like. I will try with the ener g egg replacer next time.
Thank you for the feedback Leslie!