Healthy Holiday Treats

Avoid refined sugar and unhealthy processed oils by using wholesome health and flavor-boosting substitutions.
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The holiday dessert table is usually piled high with refined white flour, refined white sugar and plenty of highly processed vegetable oils. Our guide to healthier baking will show you how to replace these ingredients with wholesome versions in ways that boost both nutrition and flavor. You’ll love applesauce and pumpkin purée in muffins and cakes; mashed banana in cookies; avocados or black beans in your brownies (we promise!); ancient grains and whole grains in your cakes; and much more. 

Healthy Baking Substitutions

Replace 1 cup white flour in...

• Any baking recipe: 1 cup whole-wheat flour

• Brownies: 1 cup puréed black beans

• Cakes, cookies, sweet breads: 1 cup nut flour

• Cakes, cookies, pancakes: 1⁄3 cup coconut flour plus 1 extra egg.