How to Make an Egg Wash

Ever wondered how to get that mouthwatering, professional golden glow on your at-home bakes? We know that a little help with your baking can make a big difference. And just a small addition of an egg wash will take your baking to the next level.  
 
Here we’ll look at how to make an egg wash and the different uses. We’ll also look at whether yolk or whites are better, egg wash alternatives and how to store your egg wash.  

Egg wash is super simple. It’s when an egg, egg yolk or egg white is whisked with or without milk and then brushed onto pastries or bread before baking. And it isn’t just there to add shine. No, it can be used for sealing, adding a crispy crust or to enhance that gorgeous golden colour.  

• 1 egg 
• Splash of milk 

• Mixing bowl 
• Tablespoon 
• Whisk 
• Pastry brush 

There are different methods of making an egg wash. You can use a whole egg, an egg yolk or an egg white. And it can be mixed with milk or plant-based alternatives like oat milk or almond milk.  
 
The method you choose will have a different result. Just using an egg yolk for example will create a deeper golden colour. Whichever you choose, the steps are the same and simple to do.  
 
1-Beat the egg, egg yolk or egg white with your chosen liquid in a bowl with a whisk or fork until it’s well combined.  
 
2- Use a pastry brush to coat the surface of the dough evenly with the egg wash before baking.   

3-Pop your baked goods into a hot oven and watch as they turn a delicious golden brown.  

Egg wash is very simple to make but there are different types which will produce varying results.  
 
• Egg yolk only: This will give your baked goods that glorious golden hue.  

• Egg yolk and milk: A golden colour and a medium glaze.  

• Egg yolk and cream: This gives maximum golden and gloss effect.  

• Egg white only: This will give more of a transparent shine. You’ll get a glazed look rather than a golden colour.  

• Egg white and milk: Very slightly browned and glossy.  
 
If you choose to use egg whites only and are wondering what to do with your yolks, take a look at our guide on What to Do with Leftover Egg Yolks for some inspiration.  

What if you don’t eat eggs or you’ve used them all up in another recipe?  
 
The good news is that there are some great egg wash alternatives. The finished results vary depending on which alternative you choose.  
 
• Milk or cream: One of the best alternatives for egg wash is heavy cream. It will give a intense golden colour.  

• Almond milk: This will give your bake a golden colour and a pleasant nutty taste.  

• Butter: Melted butter will give your bake the same beautiful golden colour as egg wash but with a melt in the mouth buttery taste.  

• Oil: This vegan substitute will create a crispy, glossy and golden crust. Use sparingly to avoid your finished product being too greasy.

Not only does egg wash bring that golden colour to your at-home bakes, but it’s also fantastic for sealing edges on pies as well as sticking toppings like icing sugar to your creations.  
 
Have a look at our Pastry Section for some lip-smacking inspiration on when to use egg wash. Why not use an egg wash on some Sausage Rolls so they’ll bake up golden-brown and glossy?  
 
Love an extra glossy hot cross bun? Use an egg wash on these Vegan Hot Cross Buns and you won’t be disappointed. If you want your Cheese and Onion Pasties to be crisp, golden and easily sealed, then an egg wash is the way to go.  
 

 If you’ve got some egg wash left after baking, you can simply keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for two days.  
 
Give it another whisk to make sure it’s fully combined before using on your bake. Or pop it in an omelette or scrambled eggs for your breakfast.  
 

Do you egg wash puff pastry? 
Yes, if you egg wash puff pastry it gives a beautiful golden sheen to the pastry after it’s baked. 

Do you egg wash mince pies? 
Yes, you can egg wash mince pies. Not only does it give the pies a lovely golden sheen, but it also helps to seal the edge of the pies, stopping the filling from coming out. 

Can you egg wash bread? 
Yes, many bakers choose to egg wash their bread. Egg washing the outside of bread gives it that lovely deep brown colour, and gives the top crust a fantastic shine. 

Can egg wash be used to seal pastry? 
Egg wash is great for sealing pastries. Simply brush a layer of egg wash around the edge of the pastry and press to seal.  

How to egg wash without a brush? 
Parchment or waxed paper can be used as a substitute for a pastry brush when egg washing. All you need to do is fold the paper vertically a few times then cut the end to make bristles. You can also use your fingers to apply egg wash without a pastry brush. 

Can you freeze egg wash? 
It is safe to freeze egg whites if you use them within two months. But it isn’t advisable to freeze egg yolks as the yolks contain a lot of fat which means they don’t freeze properly. You can store egg wash in the fridge for a couple of days however. Just make sure you use an airtight container.  

Can you buy egg wash? 
There are a few ready-made alternatives to homemade egg wash. If you’re looking for dairy free alternatives for egg wash then some supermarkets do stock this. If not, egg wash is super simple to make at home. Plus, homemade eggs wash is a more sustainable alternative than shop bought egg wash.  

Egg wash is a simple yet excellent addition to up your baking game. A little makes a big difference when baking so try using an egg wash the next time you bake to add that special finishing touch. You won’t be disappointed.  
 
Once you’ve mastered the art of egg wash, take a look at our other handy hints and tips including How to Make Filo Pastry or How to Make Puff Pastry. Taking the time to learn some new baking skills makes a big difference on your journey to becoming a star baker.