Healthy Baking: Healthy Ingredient Substitutions

Healthy baking is not as difficult or tedious as it sounds. Granted, one gets immensely frustrated when going to the supermarket and observing that many types of food, albeit delicious, have very high fat or sugar content. Baking your own healthy meals is easy and fun to do.

First of all, you need to know about the food substitutions you can make for ingredients for healthy baking. These healthy substitutions will not affect the taste of your final product. Healthy baking substitutions are simply an alternative method for us to tuck into our favorite foods without having to jog 5 miles afterwards out of guilt and shame. Plus, healthy baking equates a healthier life, so what have you got to lose?

Heavy creamInstead of using heavy cream which is high in fat and sugar, try substituting with light cream or half and half. These items are readily available at most supermarkets.

ButterButter as we know, is laden with richness, plus an elevated fat content. The laternatives to butter include light olive oil, canola, low-sugar applesauce and prune puree.(which you can blend adding honey if necessary) However, for many cookie recipes, olive oil may be deemed too strong. Applesauce is a wonderful substitute, as you get the richness and texture without adding any extra sugar.

ChocolateIt is quite a challenge to substitute chocolate as a baking ingredient as it is pivotal in most baking recipes, but two true and tried products are cocoa and carob. Be careful of the amount added, as too much can turn your goodies bitter.

EggsEggs are such important ingredients in any baking recipe. Substituting whole eggs with just egg whites can produce tough batter. For healthier baking options, you can opt for egg replacers. Another way is alternate half the amount of whole eggs. It’s easy, simply use 1 egg and 2 egg white for recipes which require 2 whole eggs.

Full cream milkInstead of using full cream milk, try skim or low fat milk. And add a little honey to add sweetness. There are various kinds of low fat milk in the market nowadays that are infused with flavors such as vanilla, and taste just as delicious as full cream milk.

Cream cheeseThere are many substitutes available for rich cream cheese. Many healthy baking recipes nowadays can substitute cream cheese with lighter versions and also low fat ricotta and yoghurt. Choose flavored yoghurt to add an extra dimension to your baking.

Sour creamInstead of the usual sour cream, try plain yoghurt. Taste will not be compromised.

Whipped creamWhipped cream has a high amount of sugar and fat. One popular substitute is utilize 3 beaten egg whites for every cup of whipped cream needed. And instead of using whipped cream as a topping, opt for frozen yoghurt sprinkled with some cinnamon powder.

Chocolate chipsAlthough very tasty and appealing, chocolate chips are sadly, still very high in sugar content. For healthy baking, replace chocolate chips with dried fruit or nuts. Raisins and apricots add a delicious taste and nuts such as pecans, walnuts, macadamia and cashews are high in vitamins.

White flourVisit your local supermarket and scrutinize whole wheat flour varieties, as this is a much healthier option than regular white flour.

Baking is often a ‘trail by fire’, and requires several attempts before perfected. Use substitutes and see how your final product turns out, and make the necessary adjustments as you go along. As they say, practice makes perfect.

Stone Ground Bakery produces delicious all natural kosher friendly Challah loaf bread. Be sure to visit our online bakery for more information on our all natural challah bread.

For our address and/or directions to our Agoura Hills bakery, click here.