By Carolyn Malcoun [2], July 5, 2011 - 10:55am
I’m more of a cook than a baker. So while I have an arsenal of dried herbs and spices and savory condiments, my baking cupboard is slightly more bare. Since I don’t keep tabs on what’s in there, there have been times that I’ve realized that I’m missing a ingredient or two after I’ve already embarked on a baking project. While I have a grocery store less than a mile from my house, it’s usually not worth the inconvenience to me to go get what I’m missing—especially when I have a perfectly good substitute in my kitchen already! Here are 7 no-fail baking substitutions you can make without ruining your recipes.
Must-Read: 20+ Easy Baking Substitutions Guide [7]
Missing Ingredient: Buttermilk
What to substitute for buttermilk: If you don’t keep buttermilk on hand, you have a couple of options. You can swap 1 cup nonfat or low-fat milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar for each cup of buttermilk. Or keep a can of nonfat buttermilk powder in your refrigerator—look for it in the baking aisle. Mix according to package directions. Plain yogurt also will work as a buttermilk substitute.
Recipes to Try: Buttermilk Biscuits and 19 More Ways to Use Extra Buttermilk [8]
Missing Ingredient: Whole-Wheat Flour
What to substitute for whole-wheat flour: While we love the whole-grain properties of whole-wheat flours, if you run out while baking, you can substitute an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
Don’t Miss: Easy Homemade Birthday Cakes That Will Wow [9]
24 Healthy Muffin and Quick Bread Recipes [10]
Missing Ingredient: Sour Cream
What to substitute for sour cream: If you’re out of sour cream (or don’t normally buy it) but have plain yogurt in your fridge, you can swap it cup for cup.
Recipes to Try: 5-Ingredient Dip Recipes Perfect for Summer Parties [11]
Missing Ingredient: Butter
What to substitute for butter: Whether you run out of butter or just want to make your favorite baking recipe healthier, here’s a rule of thumb: Try substituting canola oil for up to half the butter in cakes or other baked goods. Replacing some of the butter with oil reduces the overall saturated fat in a recipe.
Missing Ingredient: Brown Sugar
What to substitute for brown sugar: Brown sugar has a nutty, caramelized flavor that is best mimicked by combining 1 cup of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons molasses.
Missing Ingredient: Baking Powder
What to substitute for baking powder: You thought you had baking powder but you really had baking soda. (Why do their names have to be so similar?!?) Replace 1 teaspoon baking powder with 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
Missing Ingredient: Vanilla Beans
What to substitute for vanilla beans: If your eyes popped out of your head when you saw the price of vanilla beans, don’t fret. You can substitute 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for each vanilla bean.
What on-the-fly baking swap have you made that worked?
TAGS: Carolyn Malcoun [2], Healthy Cooking Blog [16]
Carolyn Malcoun combines her love of food and writing as a recipe contributor for EatingWell. Carolyn has a culinary arts degree from New England Culinary Institute and a degree in journalism from University of Wisconsin—Madison. Carolyn lives in Portland, Maine, and enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking and running in her free time.
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