There’s a huge number of growing resources for vegan friendly cakes and baking recipes, complete with substitutions and methods that make vegan baking an absolute joy. But what if there’s that one favourite recipe you have that isn’t vegan friendly? Or what if you’re short on some ingredients? Now you can make any recipe vegan! We give you the low-down on the top 5 vegan substitutes in baking.
1. Butter
Origin
Butter is made from cream, which is sourced from milk, which comes from a cow.
Substitute
There are plenty of vegan substitutes for butter. You can opt for olive oil or a ‘vegan butter’ alternative such as Nuttelex, which is derived from plant oils. Additionally, you can substitute butter with margarine but be wary and always check the labels. While margarine does not contain cream, be aware that some margarine’s do contain whey! So always check the labels if you choose margarine as a substitute.
2. Milk
Origin
Milk generally is obtained from a cow then processed. It may also come from goat or other sources, depending on the type of milk.
Substitute
Similar to butter, there are plenty of vegan substitutes. You can substitute regular dairy cow’s milk for a nut based alternative such as almond milk or a soy based alternative, soy milk. You can read more about the difference between the types of vegan friendly milks in our earlier post here. Each type of milk alternative can actually even enhance the flavour of your baking goods, such as giving an added coconut flavour if you use coconut milk!
3. Honey
Origin
Honey is obtained from bees then dehydrated and processed. You can read more about honey and it’s relation to veganism in our previous post here.
Substitute
As an alternative, try substituting it with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. Both of these substitutes are vegan friendly and you can literally substitute them in equal parts.
4. Eggs
Origin
Eggs are produced by birds, such as chickens.
Substitute
There are a number of egg replacement products that you can get from your local supermarket, such as Orgran No Egg Egg Replacer. Just follow the instructions on the box to get a similar substitute for eggs. Alternatively, you can try a ripe mashed banana per egg or a tablespoon of apple sauce per egg! You could even use ground flax seeds (3 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds = 1 egg).
5. Chocolate/Cocoa Powder
Origin
While “chocolate” itself is vegan friendly, most baking chocolates and cocoa powders contain extra additives such as butter, whey, and other diary elements.
Substitute
Use cacao powder – chocolate in its purest form! If it needs to be sweetened, you can sweeten it yourself using your favourite vegan sweetener before adding it to your baked masterpiece.
What are some of the substitutes you use? Do you have any suggestions for our readers? Tell us in the comments below.
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