7 no-fail baking substitutions that won’t ruin your recipe
By Carolyn Malcoun, contributing food editor for EatingWell Magazine
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
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
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.
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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
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?
By Carolyn Malcoun
Carolyn Malcoun combines her love of food and writing in her position as contributing food editor at 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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