Cooking Hacks: 9 Substitution Secrets

When I think of cooking techniques that help me in the kitchen, my biggest tip is to know what I can substitute for what. I love trying new recipes, and I think that's a great way to get your family to try new things. But when I try a new recipe, there's usually an ingredient I do not have. If I have to run to the store, I just keep making the same thing. So here is my substitution list with 9 easy solutions.

1. Not Exactly Egg

Want a little extra nutrition in your muffins, breads, and cakes? Mix a teaspoon of flaxseed meal with 3 teaspoons of water. Substitute for 1 egg in your recipe.

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2. Hi Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce averages 80-100 calories per cup and has 2-3 grams of fiber. Trading out applesauce for sugar can help prevent weight gain. When substituting applesauce for granulated sugar, reduce the liquid in your original recipe by 2-3 tablespoons for each cup of applesauce.

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3. Milk + Acid = Curdle

When using milk in an acidic recipe, your milk can easily curdle. Use whole milk to combat this.

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4. Cake To Cupcakes

Have a cake recipe you want to use for cupcakes? An 8-inch layer cake recipe (2 layers) will make about 20-24 cupcakes.

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5. Oily Options

You can trade some puréed fruits and veggies such as apples, bananas, pears, squash, and pumpkin for part of the oils in your recipes. If your recipe says 1 cup of oil, you can use 3/4 cup puréed fruit or veggies and 1/4 cup oil for a healthy substitution.

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6. In The Raw

Raw sugar can be substituted for white sugar. However, the end result may be a slightly darker color for your baked good.

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7. Cuckoo For Coconut

For a change of pace, try using coconut milk instead of whipped cream. Place a container of coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight then use a hand mixer and whip until it’s creamy. Add sugar and vanilla if additional sweetness is desired.

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8. Powder Power

Use confectioner’s (powdered) sugar instead of granulated when making whipped cream. The results will be fluffier and longer lasting.

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9. Cracked Up

When a recipe calls for cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs are interchangeable. One cup of breadcrumbs equals 3/4 cup of cracker crumbs.

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