The Ultimate Guide To Baking: Ingredient Substitutions

When it comes to baking, there are a few key ingredients that can make or break a recipe. But what if you’re trying to make your baked goods a little healthier? Luckily, there are plenty of substitutes that can be used in place of traditional ingredients, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here are some common baking ingredients and their healthier substitutes:

Baking Ingredient Substitutions

Butter

Butter is a key ingredient in many baked goods but it can be replaced with other fats, like olive oil, coconut oil, or even mashed avocado. Avocados are full of essential nutrients and healthy fats that should be incorporated into any diet. They are particularly high in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. Just make sure to use the same amount of fat called for in the recipe.

Sugar

Sugar is an ingredient when you bake that helps keep the baked good soft and moist. Sugar can be replaced with honey, agave nectar, or even fruit purees. Again, just make sure to use the same amount of sweetener called for in the recipe. 

Eggs

Eggs are often used as a leavening agent in baking but they can be replaced with a variety of other ingredients, like chia seeds, flaxseed meals, or bananas. A “flax egg” is also a subsite for an egg which is (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).

Flour

All-purpose flour can be replaced with whole wheat flour, almond flour, or even oats. Just be sure to use the same amount of flour called for in the recipe. For example, For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour called for in a recipe, you can substitute 1 cup of whole wheat flour, or 1 cup of almond flour. 

Sour Cream

For every 1 cup of sour cream called for in a recipe, you can substitute 1 cup of plain yogurt or 1 cup of buttermilk. These substitutions will slightly change the flavor and texture of your baked goods.

Baking Powder

Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise. If you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder called for in a recipe.

Peanut Butter

Instead of using peanut butter, there are many other butter-like substitutions that you can use. Examples include soynut butter, almond butter, Nutella, sunflower butter, and cashew butter. If you do decide to use peanut butter, use natural peanut butter instead of reduced-fat peanut butter. Sources say that when the label says “reduced-fat” or “low calorie”, it usually means there is added sugar or sodium to boost the flavor.

As you can see, there are many substitutions that can be made to create healthier versions of your favorite recipes. So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you 

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