Healthy Baking Recipe Ingredient Substitutions

If you have ever experienced the frustration when you go to bake up your favorite recipe and don't have the right ingredients then this article is for you. We found many food substitutions you can make for ingredients you are lacking in your pantry. These focus on healthy substitutions you can make without compromising taste. Healthy baking substitutions offer a way for us to enjoy our favorites without all the guilt of blowing our diets or the adverse health consequences.

Heavy Cream - You can substitute light cream or half and half for this ingredient.

Butter - Instead try using canola, mild olive oil, prune puree or applesauce. Be aware though that olive oil may have too strong a taste for some recipes like cookies. Best to try applesauce there first to see if the outcome is to your liking. Applesauce also helps add a sweetness because it is a fruit product.

Chocolate - You can substitute 3 tablespoons of cocoa for chocolate.

Eggs - For baking you should not substitute the entire amount of whole eggs for egg whites or the product may be too tough. Instead substitute half the amount of whole eggs. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 eggs. Use 1 egg and 2 egg whites. Or you can use an egg substitute if you prefer.

Whole Milk -Substitute skim or lowfat milk.

Cream Cheese - Use lowfat ricotta and yogurt or go for a light cream cheese.

Sour Cream - Use plain yogurt instead.

Whipped Cream - You can substitute 3 stiffly beaten egg whites for a cup of whipped cream. Instead of topping deserts with whipped cream, try using frozen yogurt instead.

Chocolate Chips - Use your choice of dried fruit to replace chocolate chips in baked goods.

White Flour - Instead use whole wheat flour.

Pie Crust - Instead of using a traditional pie crust, why not try a graham cracker crust. I find the texture and flavor of the graham cracker crust adds an extra appeal to the finished product.

Fat Substitutes - In carrot or banana cake or muffins, try substituting mashed ripe bananas.

You may have to try out your favorite recipes with the substitutions to see how they affect the texture, flavor and overall outcome before you make a lasting change to your recipe. Experiment and see what works for you and your family's individual tastes

Resources:

Global Gourmet - Healthy Substitutions For Baking

Life 123 - Baking Substitutions For Healthy Cookies

Mayo Clinic - Ingredient Substitutions: Make The Switch For Healthier Recipes

Purdue - Top 20 Healthy Recipe Ingredient Substitutions

About.com - Baking Substitutions For Healthier Holiday Recipes

Betty Crocker - Healthy Baking Tips and Low-Fat Substitutions