We’ve all had this happen to us…we’re in the middle of competing on an intense session of Chopped, err I mean whipping up the evening meal or desserts, and crap on a cracker – we’re all out of baking powder. Before you beg or bribe the hubby to run out for what you need, take a look around your kitchen..you might be able to use something else! Many items in the kitchen can be substituted for a combination of other ingredients to achieve the same results.
Did you know applesauce can be substituted for vegetable oil? Or perhaps that 3 tablespoons of mayo can achieve the same result as one egg? Some of these swaps are even healthier for you than the original ingredients! If an ingredient offers more than one substitution, think about the way the ingredients will affect taste or texture and choose the best option. For instance, when swapping vinegar you may want to go with lemons in some instances or white wine in others.
Here are some of common substitute ingredients. Have you tried any of these swaps before or do you have any you would like to share? We would love to hear them in the comments below!
Common Substitute Ingredients You Should Know
Baking Powder (1 tsp)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
OR
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 cup buttermilk
- decrease liquid in recipe by 1/2 cup
Brown Sugar (1 cup packed)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- decrease the liquid in recipe by 1/4 cup
Buttermilk (1 cup)
- 1 cup of yogurt
OR
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar
- plus, enough milk to make 1 cup
Corn Syrup (1 cup)
- 1 1/4 cup white sugar and
- 1/3 cup water
Cream – Half & Half (1 cup)
- 7/8 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
Cream – Heavy (1 cup)
- 1 cup evaporated milk
OR
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup butter
Allspice (1 tsp)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Cream Cheese (1 cup)
- 1 cup plain yogurt, strained overnight in a cheesecloth
Cream of Tartar (1 tsp)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar
Egg (1 whole)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
OR
- half a banana mashed with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Honey (1 cup)
- 1 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup water
OR
- 1 cup corn syrup
Hot Pepper Sauce (Like Tabasco) (1 tsp)
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
Ketchup (1 cup)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Vegetable Oil – for baking (1 cup)
- 1 cup applesauce
Vinegar (1 tsp)
- 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
OR
- 2 teaspoons white wine
Wine (1 cup)
- 1 cup fruit juice mixed
- 2 teaspoons vinegar
Mayonnaise (1 cup)
- 1 cup sour cream
OR
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Soy Sauce (1/2 cup)
- 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauc
- 1 tablespoon water
these are great, particularly the one for baking powder – i never knew there was a good substitute for that
Oh, these are great! Thanks for posting some of the more uncommon substitutions. I know I’ll use this list often – I’m copying it right now and sticking it into my recipe box!