Ingredient Substitutions

We have all had times when we needed to substitute an ingredient for another either out of necessity or preference. Just recently, I found myself trying to figure out substitution possibilities and amounts for a dessert recipe I was making and I thought I’d document my findings. This is as much for me to refer back to as it is for you, reader, to use as a guide. The substitutions below are partly from my own experience.

Ingredient Substitution Chart

Baking

AllspiceGround cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, to taste
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cream of tartar + ¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 ounce unsweetened baking chocolate3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa + 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch, for thickening1 tablespoon potato or arrowroot starch or
2 tablespoon AP flour or tapioca starch or 2 eggs
1 egg, for baking½ mashed banana or
1/3 cup applesauce
1 cup AP flour¾ cup whole wheat flour or
1 cup + 2 tablespoons cake flour
1 cup brown or white rice flour1 cup cake flour or
1 cup minus 1 tablespoon AP flour
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup AP flour + ¼ teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon gelatin2 teaspoons agar-agar
1 tablespoon oil1 ¼ tablespoons butter
1 cup semolina1 cup cream of wheat, masa harina or cornmeal
1 cup white sugar2/3 cup agave syrup or honey
1 cup brown sugar1 cup white sugar or1 cup white sugar + 2 tablespoons molasses (for stronger taste)
1 cup light corn syrup1 ¼ cups sugar + 1/3 cup water, boiled down to 1 cup
½ cup peanut butter½ cup tahini or almond butter
1 teaspoon orange blossom water1 teaspoon rose water or ½ teaspoon rose extract
1 vanilla bean1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cooking

1 garlic clove¼ teaspoon garlic powder or garlic juice or
½ teaspoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon harissa1 teaspoon Sriracha or Tabasco sauce
¼ cup Italian seasoning1 tablespoon oregano + 1 tablespoon thyme + 1 tablespoon basil + 1 tablespoon parsley
1 tablespoon minced onion1 teaspoon onion powder
1 preserved lemon1 tablespoon lemon juice + 1 teaspoon lemon zest + ¼ teaspoon salt
Ras el hanoutCinnamon, cloves, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cayenne, pepper, cardamom and mace, to taste
1/8 teaspoon saffron, for color1/4 teaspoon turmeric or annatto powder
½ teaspoon smen1 tablespoon clarified butter or ghee + 1/8 teaspoon salt + 1/8 teaspoon crushed dried oregano
1 tablespoon sumac1 teaspoon lemon zest + paprika for color

Dairy

1 cup buttermilk1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let stand 5 minutes before using
1 cup crème fraiche½ cup sour cream + ½ cup heavy cream
1 cup evaporated milk1 cup half and half or light cream
1 cup half and half½ cup heavy cream + half a cup milk
1 cup yogurt, for baking1 cup buttermilk, sour cream, blended cottage cheese, or apple sauce
Jennifer Dumas

My name is Jennifer! Welcome to Dinners and Dreams. My goal here is to encourage you to try out recipes you never thought you could make at home. Furthermore, I also review products that I have used in the past or currently using to make every day buying decisions easier and to ensure you get the best value for your money.

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