When you have leftover egg yolks after making a recipe that calls for egg whites, it can be frustrating to throw them away. Egg yolks are nutrient-dense and delicious, so it’s worth finding ways to use them up. One of the best ways to use up egg yolks is by baking.
1.Why Bake with Egg Yolks?
Egg yolks are a key ingredient in many baked goods. They add richness, flavor, and texture to cakes, custards, and other desserts. Using just egg yolks in a recipe can create a smoother, creamier texture than using whole eggs. Additionally, egg yolks are high in fat and protein, which can help create a tender crumb and moist texture in baked goods.
2. Types of Baked Goods that Use Egg Yolks
There are many types of baked goods that call for just egg yolks. Some examples include custards, puddings, mousse, and frosting. These recipes typically call for a small number of egg yolks, ranging from 1-6 depending on the recipe. Using just egg yolks in these recipes creates a richer, more decadent flavor and texture.
3. 15 Recipes to Bake with Just Egg Yolks
Here are 15 delicious recipes you can make using just egg yolks:
Recipe 1: Lemon Curd
Lemon curd is a sweet-tart spread that’s perfect for spreading on scones, toast, or biscuits. It’s made by whisking together egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and butter until thick and creamy.
Recipe 2: Hollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise sauce is a rich, buttery sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over eggs benedict or asparagus. It’s made by whisking together egg yolks, lemon juice, and melted butter until thick and creamy.
Recipe 3: Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse is a light and fluffy dessert that’s perfect for special occasions. It’s made by whisking together egg yolks, melted chocolate, sugar, and whipped cream until it becomes light and airy.
Recipe 4: Custard
Custard is a classic dessert that’s made with egg yolks, milk, sugar, and vanilla. It’s baked until set and can be served warm or chilled.
Recipe 5: Pudding
Similar to custard, pudding is a creamy and smooth dessert that’s made with milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Adding egg yolks to the mixture makes it even richer and creamier.
Recipe 6: Flan
Flan is a creamy and decadent dessert that’s made with caramel and a custard-like filling. It’s made with egg yolks, milk, sugar, and vanilla and baked in a water bath until set.
Recipe 7: Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream is a delicious way to use up leftover egg yolks. The yolks add richness and creaminess to the ice cream base, which is typically made with cream, sugar, and vanilla.
Recipe 8: Buttercream Frosting
Buttercream frosting is a classic frosting that’s made with egg yolks, butter, sugar, and vanilla. It’s light and fluffy, making it perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes.
Recipe 9: Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of recipes. It’s made with egg yolks, oil, vinegar, and mustard, and can be customized with different seasonings and spices.
Recipe 10: Salad Dressing
Similar to mayonnaise, salad dressing can be made with egg yolks, oil, vinegar, and other seasonings. Adding egg yolks to the dressing helps to emulsify the ingredients and create a smooth, creamy texture.
Recipe 11: Pound Cake
Pound cake is a classic cake that’s made with a pound of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. Using just egg yolks in the recipe creates a rich, tender crumb and a moist texture.
Recipe 12: Madeleines
Madeleines are a classic French cookie that are light and airy with a delicate crumb. They’re made with egg yolks, sugar, flour, and butter, and are typically flavored with lemon zest or vanilla.
Recipe 13: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adding extra egg yolks to chocolate chip cookie dough creates a richer, more decadent flavor and a softer texture. The extra yolks add moisture and richness to the dough, resulting in a cookie that’s both chewy and tender.
Recipe 14: Shortbread
Shortbread is a simple, buttery cookie that’s perfect for dunking in tea or coffee. It’s made with just a few ingredients, including egg yolks, butter, sugar, and flour.
Recipe 15: Creme Brulee
Creme brulee is a classic French dessert that’s made with a creamy custard base and a caramelized sugar topping. It’s made with egg yolks, cream, sugar, and vanilla, and is typically baked in a water bath until set.
4. Tips for Baking with Egg Yolks
When baking with egg yolks, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, make sure to separate the yolks from the whites carefully to avoid getting any egg white in the yolks.
Here are a few more tips for baking with egg yolks:
- Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs have firmer yolks, which are easier to separate from the whites.
- Store egg yolks properly: If you’re not using the egg yolks right away, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Use room temperature egg yolks: If a recipe calls for room temperature egg yolks, take them out of the refrigerator an hour before using them.
- Use egg yolks in place of whole eggs: If a recipe calls for whole eggs but you only have yolks, you can usually substitute two yolks for one whole egg.
- Don’t waste egg whites: If you have leftover egg whites, you can freeze them for later use in recipes like meringue, angel food cake, or macarons.
By following these tips and trying out some of the delicious recipes above, you’ll be able to put your leftover egg yolks to good use and create some truly delicious treats!
FAQs
Yes, in most cases, you can substitute two egg yolks for one whole egg in a recipe.
Store leftover egg yolks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Carefully crack the egg and hold the yolk in one half of the shell while allowing the egg white to fall into a separate bowl.
Yes, you can freeze egg yolks for later use. Simply whisk them together and freeze in an airtight container.
While both are creamy and delicious desserts, custard is typically baked while pudding is usually made on the stovetop with cornstarch as a thickener.
Conclusion
In conclusion, egg yolks are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of baked goods and other recipes. From custards and puddings to pound cake and madeleines, there are endless ways to incorporate egg yolks into your cooking and baking. With a few simple tips and some delicious recipes to try, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of this flavorful and nutrient-packed ingredient.
