Egg Wash Recipe

You’ll often see it called for when making pie, croissants, or rolls and if you’ve ever wondered how to do egg wash and which recipe is the best one, then you’ll want to read this post.

We are testing out all the different combinations of egg and milk and water to discover the BEST way to make egg wash for pie!

Basically, it’s beaten egg either plain, or mixed with milk or water. You brush the wash over your pastry dough before baking so that it browns and gets nice and golden.

Egg: You can use a whole egg, egg yolk, or whites. You can even use egg beaters!

Milk: Whole milk, cream, half and half, nonfat milk can all be used, although I do not recommend nonfat milk.

egg wash recipe

Place 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon heavy cream in a small bowl. Whisk with a fork until well combined and frothy. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg wash in a thin, even layer onto the visible parts of the dough. Be careful not to let egg wash pool on the surface or around the base of the pastry.

Basic Egg Wash Recipe

egg wash recipe

This is a basic egg wash recipe that can be used to brush on scones, pie crusts, breads, and pastries.

Prep: 2min

Total: 2min

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instruction:

  1. Combine the egg and the water together and whisk vigorously until well combined and very smooth. You can add a bit more water if needed to thin out.
  2. Brush on top of your baked goods before baking.
  3. If you have leftover egg wash, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. I typically just throw any leftover into my scrambled eggs the next day.

Basic Egg Wash Recipe

egg wash recipe

This easy wash will help your pies and pastry get golden brown in the oven.

Prep: 5min

Total: 5min

Yield: 1

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 serving, calories 123 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 7 g, Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 207 mg, Sodium 77 mg, Sugar 1 g, unSaturated Fat 4 g

Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg (or just the yolk)
  • 1 tablespoon cream (or milk or water)

Instruction:

  1. Whisk the egg to break up the yolk. Whisk in milk or water.
  2. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the wash over your pie crustl.
  3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The Ultimate Egg Wash Tutorial (VIDEO)

egg wash recipe

Egg wash is a magical yet really simple technique, the reason why pastries look so perfectly golden brown with a beautiful glossy finish in professional pastry shops and bakeries.

Prep: 5min

Total: 5min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 17 kcal, Carbohydrate 0.2 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 0.4 g, Trans Fat 0.01 g, Cholesterol 41 mg, Sodium 16 mg, Sugar 0.1 g, unSaturated Fat 0.6 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 1 Egg
  • ½ tablespoon Milk

Instruction:

  1. Add your whole egg, yolk, or white to a small bowl
  2. Now, add your milk, or alternatively water or cream to the egg
  3. Whisk the mixture vigorously until the egg and liquid are well combined and very smooth
  4. Apply the egg wash on your pastry with the help of a silicone pastry brush
  5. Do be sure to cover the entire pastry with the egg mixture. However, be careful not to overdo it and add too thick of a layer, which can result in uneven shine and browning, even burning in some cases

How to Make and Use an Egg Wash | Baking Basics

FAQ

How do you make egg wash?

Beat one large egg and one tablespoon of liquid (water, milk, or cream) in a small bowl with a fork until well combined. (Alternatively, beat one large egg white or one large egg yolk with one teaspoon of liquid.) Brush evenly on the surface of the dough using a pastry brush. Bake according to the recipe.

What is an egg wash a mixture of?

An egg wash is a simple mixture of egg and a little water, milk, or heavy cream.

Is egg wash better with milk or water?

The classic egg wash is sometimes made with water or heavy cream, but most often it’s a combination of 1 egg to 1 Tbsp. milk, whisked together until smooth. Use it for that traditional rich, golden brown color with just enough shine. For a crisp crust with a matte, classic pie appearance, use just milk.

Is egg wash just yolk?

Basically, egg wash is simply egg (either whole egg, yolk only, or white only) that has been whisked together and thinned out with either a bit of water, milk, or cream and then brushed on top of baked goods right before they are baked.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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