Baking is a great way to keep busy when the days may feel long and you’re running out of things to do. Treating yourself to something fresh out of the oven will always do the trick!

But what if you’re missing a few things? Don’t worry! We’ve got plenty of substitutions options to help when you’re low on some of the basic baking ingredients. 

Out of milk?

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread: This recipe calls for 1 cup of milk. You can substitute this for 1 cup of water and 1 ½ tsp. butter!

Dark Chocolate Avocado Brownies: You can be sure that these brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth!

Lemon Puppy Chow: This recipe only calls for 4 simple ingredients: rice squares, white chocolate, lemon and powdered sugar. It’s a great recipe to try if you’re low on milk, butter, flour and eggs!

Out of butter?

Cherry Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies: This recipe uses oats, tart cherries and chocolate chips that create a flavorful cookie and it’s vegan.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites: These delicious cookie bites are quick and easy to make. They have beans in them, which may seem odd, but they are tasty!

Chocolate Drizzled Coconut Macaroons: Recipes to bake when you’re out of flour? These Chocolate Drizzled Coconut Macaroons only call for 6 ingredients! They are a must-have to top off any meal!

Sweet Caramel Cinnamon Baked Bananas: Fruit for dessert? Yes please! This delicious twist on bananas is the perfect amount of sweetness, and they go great on top of oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes or ice cream!

Chocolate Brownie Energy Bites: This recipe calls for dates, which are sweetened with natural sugar, making these brownie bites a guilt-free treat!

Out of eggs?

Peanut Butter Skillet Cookie: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this skillet cookie! Because there are so many delicious flavors coming from the peanut butter and chocolate chips, you will not even notice there are hidden chickpeas!

Almond-Cinnamon Rolls with Date Filling: Don’t have almond flour? No problem! You can substitute all-purpose flour. This recipe calls for dates, so they are packed with sweetness without any additional sugar!

Dark Chocolate Cherry Crisp: This recipe is just the right amount of sweet and has a hint of tartness from the cherries. You and your family will love it!

Other quick substitutions:

No brown sugar? You can use 1 tablespoon of molasses mixed with 1 cup of granulated sugar.

No yogurt? You can use 2 parts sour cream thinned with 1 part milk.

No vanilla? You can substitute bourbon, rum or whiskey, using 2 times the amount of vanilla called for in the recipe.

No sugar? You can substitute for a liquid sweetener such as honey, maple syrup or agave. 

No buttermilk? You can use:

-1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice mixed into 1 cup of milk

-1 ¾ teaspoons cream of tartar mixed with 1 cup of milk

-Sour cream thinned with milk or water

-Plain, unsweetened Kefir

-Yogurt thinned with milk or water

So don’t let the lack of ingredients in your pantry slow you down. You can still bake a variety of delicious desserts without making an extra trip to the grocery store!

Have a question about nutrition? Our Mealtime Mentors would love to help! Reach out at AskFestivalDietitians.com or find them on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended for general information only. It is not intended as medical advice. Health information changes frequently as research constantly evolves. You should not rely on any information gathered here as a substitute for consultation with medical professionals. Information may not be reproduced without permission from Festival Foods. We strongly encourage guests to review the ingredient lists of suggested products before purchasing to ensure they meet individual dietary needs. All products not available at all Festival locations.