No matter if you are a home baker or a professional pastry chef, you will eventually need to substitute ingredients. Doing it the right way is so important. Take a look at these professional tips to help you easily substitute ingredients when baking. Follow these tips, and your pastries will turn out perfectly, even if you don't have the exact ingredients listed in the recipe.
Powdered Sugar
Whether you run out of powdered sugar or need a substitution for nutritional reasons like cutting calories, carbs, or sugar, don't worry! Some of our favorite powdered sugar substitutes are granulated sugar and cocoa powder but the absolute best is our homemade powdered sugar.
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Vanilla Extract
If you've ever wondered what to use as a substitute for vanilla extract in your favorite dessert recipe, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we will share with you several substitutes for vanilla extract such as vanilla sugar, vanilla-flavored syrup, tonka bean, and also a very easy 2-ingredient DIY vanilla extract recipe.
Go to the guide: Vanilla Extract Substitutes
Egg
Eggs are a baking staple, and this deep dive into egg substitute for baking will help if you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions or if you’ve simply run out of eggs! Some of our favorite egg alternatives are aquafaba, flax egg, and fruit puree.
Read more in the baking guide: Egg Substitutes
Lemon Zest
If you enjoy cooking and baking I recommend always having a bunch of lemons ready in the fruit bowl. However, for those times when you run out, you need an easy and quick alternative to lemon zest so we will share with you several lemon zest replacements such as lemon juice, dried lemon peel, and orange zest.
Read more alternatives: Lemon Zest Substitutes
Baking Soda
There are many baking soda alternatives that can save the day, and you likely have some of them on hand already. The easiest one is baking powder, however, it is not a 1:1 replacer. This guide will explain various options to help your baked goods rise and save you a trip to the grocery store.
Go to the guide to learn more: Baking Soda Alternatives
Cocoa Powder
If you find yourself in need of a cocoa powder substitute when whipping up your favorite chocolate cakes or chocolate pastries, you're in luck. Not only does cocoa powder come with a long list of acceptable substitutes, eg. chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, carob powder, etc. but some even pack some health benefits!
Read more about cocoa powder alternatives: Cocoa Powder Substitute
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Substitutes for sweetened condensed milk can be a lifesaver when you run out of it! Whether you're looking for healthy, vegan, homemade, or sugar-free options, we´ve got you covered! In our baking guide, you will find both simple options and options that can be customized to your individual tastes and dietary restrictions. We will even share with you our favorite alternative, a DIY homemade condensed milk.
Go to the guide: Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutes
Cornstarch Substitute
You may need a cornstarch substitute in your next recipe for many reasons. Perhaps you have a corn allergy or have unexpectedly run out of your stash at home. Or, maybe that delicious recipe you made needs a little thickening, but you can't get to the grocery store. Some of the alternatives are all-purpose flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour.
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Cinnamon
Whether you are looking for a cinnamon substitute because you've run out at home or need a substitute for a cinnamon allergy, the good news is you've got plenty of options such as nutmeg, cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, and so on! In this guide, we will share the best cinnamon substitutes and how to make the most of them in your sweet desserts and savory dishes.
Go to the guide: Cinnamon Substitute
Apple Pie Spice
Believe it or not, many essential kitchen spices deliver the same warm and cozy fall-like taste as apple pie spice. In this guide, we share several standalone spices and spice blends that make the perfect replacements.
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Molasses Substitute
Molasses is such a strong flavor that can really make a baked good stand out. It can also affect the texture of your desserts, helping them stay moist and chewy. Luckily, there are plenty of molasses substitutes you can use if you happen to run out of this unique ingredient.
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Heavy Cream
If you're in the middle of a recipe and you need the best heavy cream substitute, you've come to the right place. This is the ultimate guide for the most effective ways to replace heavy cream without sacrificing all of the creamy goodness that it adds.
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Sour Cream
Sour cream is often found in baked goods. It adds a bold, tangy taste that is pretty incredible. But if you run out of sour cream, there are a few other things you can use. These sour cream substitutes will help you make dense, smooth desserts without needing the classic sour cream.
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Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is a soft, creamy Italian cheese often used in cooking and baking recipes. Its mild, lightly sweet flavor and creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient in various savory and sweet recipes. If your recipe calls for ricotta and you don't have any on hand, there are quite a few ricotta cheese substitutes you can use!
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Shortening
Shortening is known for giving baked goods a flakey, tender texture. But shortening isn't the only ingredient that will help you achieve that beautiful consistency! You can use many different ingredients instead of shortening to make perfect pastries and beautiful baked goods. You just have to know how to use the shortening substitutes correctly!
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Maple Syrup
Whether you need a maple syrup substitute for baking your recipes or for topping your pancakes, it is an important ingredient! Sometimes, we need to work around a dietary restriction and come up with healthy maple syrup alternatives, and other times, we simply run out of our favorite maple syrup topping. Either way, you will need a good substitute.
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Honey Substitute
Honey is used in so many different baked goods to add flavor and texture. If you run out of honey, you can always turn to one of these honey substitutes. Our favorites include maple syrup, agave, and regular old sugar. Read our honey substitute guide to get even more details.
Read More: Honey Substitute Guide
Substitute for Parchment Paper in Baking
I have often needed a substitute for parchment paper in baking. I just don't always have it on hand! But when you are in the middle of a baking project and realize that you are out of parchment, you need a quick substitute. So, if you are wondering what to use instead of parchment paper, I´ve got you covered. In fact, I have quite a few solutions!
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Vegetable Oil
If you need a good substitute for vegetable oil in baking, this baking guide will help. I have found many easy ways to replace vegetable oil that will keep your baked goods soft, fresh, and delicious. So, whether you need a healthy substitute for vegetable oil or just something with a better taste, this guide will help you find the perfect ingredient!
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