We probably shouldn’t be the ones to tell you this, but precise measurements aren’t always completely necessary while cooking. Measure with your heart a little here and there, and your dishes will likely turn out fine (maybe even better). But when it comes to baking, you should just about always use measuring cups and scales because the margin for error is small. A common culprit for baking mishaps is using the wrong egg size. Most baking recipes call for large eggs, but is it ever okay to use a different size egg? Here’s a definitive guide to egg sizes and how to adjust your recipe accordingly.
The Difference Between Medium, Large, Extra Large, & Jumbo Eggs
Not all eggs are created equal. Medium eggs contain about 1 ¾ ounces of liquid, or just under ¼ cup. Large eggs, the most popular size used in our recipes, have about 2 ounces of liquid or ¼ cup. Extra-large eggs have 2 ¼ ounces of liquid, which is just under ⅓ cup. Finally, jumbo eggs are a whopping 2 ½ ounces or a little over ⅓ cup.
Does Using The Incorrect Egg Size Affect Your Recipe?
The difference between a standard medium and a large egg, or an extra large and jumbo egg—a quarter of an ounce—might seem insignificant. But it can make a difference in baked goods, especially since many recipes call for multiple eggs. For example, if a recipe calls for four large eggs and you only add four medium eggs, your batter or dough could be missing a full ounce of eggs. When working in the baking world of ratios and reactions, that could have a major impact on your final product.
Eggs play many vital roles in baked goods, including emulsifying batters, providing structure, and contributing moisture. Using too few eggs in a cake, for example, could leave it dry and crumbly.
Egg Size Conversion
You’re about to bake up a decadent batch of our best brownies, which call for four large eggs, but you only have medium eggs stocked in your refrigerator. Good news! Your afternoon of baking isn’t ruined. The fix is simple: Crack five eggs into a bowl, beat them until the whites and yolks are combined, and weigh the amount you need to fit the recipe based on the measurements above. (Hint: It’s eight ounces of liquid.)
