Bananas are a favourite among home bakers looking for a natural egg replacement.

There is nothing more frustrating than gathering your ingredients for a weekend bake only to realise you are out of eggs.

Whether you forgot to add them to your shopping list, the supermarket shelves are looking sparse, or you're simply trying to cut back, the good news is that many baked treats can still turn out beautifully without a single egg.

Eggs play an important role in baking. They help bind ingredients together, add moisture and contribute to the texture of cakes, muffins, brownies and quick breads.

But they are not always essential. In fact, experienced bakers and vegan cooks have long relied on a range of clever alternatives that can deliver surprisingly good results.