Ingredient Substitutions Chart: 24 Easy Kitchen Swaps

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We’ve all been there: halfway through a recipe and missing one ingredient. Before you run to the store, check this list of easy kitchen substitutions. It’s especially handy during holiday baking season! This post started from a list shared years ago by guest writer Julie DeHart and has been updated and expanded.

Baking substitutions

• Baking powder, 1 tsp: 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• Buttermilk, 1 cup: 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar + milk to equal 1 cup (let stand 5 minutes), or 1 cup plain yogurt thinned with a little milk
• Self-rising flour, 1 cup: 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 1/2 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt
• Cake flour, 1 cup: 1 cup all-purpose flour minus 2 tbsp, plus 2 tbsp cornstarch (sift together)
• Brown sugar, 1 cup: 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp molasses
• Powdered sugar, 1 cup: 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch, blended until fine
• Corn syrup, 1 cup: 1 1/4 cups sugar + 1/3 cup water, simmered until syrupy

Dairy and egg substitutions

• Half-and-half, 1 cup: 1 tbsp melted butter + whole milk to equal 1 cup
• Heavy cream (for baking, not whipping), 1 cup: 3/4 cup milk + 1/4 cup melted butter
• Whole milk, 1 cup: 1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water
• Sour cream, 1 cup: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Egg, 1 (in baking): 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (let sit 5 minutes), or 1/4 cup applesauce
• Butter, 1 cup (in baking): 7/8 cup vegetable oil, or 1 cup coconut oil
• Lemon juice, 1 tsp: 1 tsp white vinegar (in cooking)

Cooking substitutions

• Fresh herbs, 1 tbsp: 1 tsp dried herbs
• Garlic, 1 clove: 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• Onion, 1 small: 1 tbsp dried minced onion or 1 tsp onion powder
• Tomato sauce, 2 cups: 3/4 cup tomato paste + 1 cup water
• Ketchup, 1 cup: 1 cup tomato sauce + 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tbsp vinegar

Spice blend substitutions

• Pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp: 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp ginger + 1/8 tsp nutmeg + 1/8 tsp allspice or cloves
• Apple pie spice, 1 tsp: 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 1/8 tsp allspice + pinch of cloves
• Poultry seasoning, 1 tsp: 3/4 tsp dried sage + 1/4 tsp dried thyme

Pantry swaps

• Breadcrumbs, 1 cup: 1 cup crushed crackers, cornflakes or rolled oats
• Chocolate, 1 oz unsweetened: 3 tbsp cocoa powder + 1 tbsp butter or oil

Tip: Substitutions work best in recipes that use small amounts. For delicate baking like cakes, results can vary a little, so the original ingredient is always best when you have it.

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FAQ

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit 5 minutes.

Can I substitute baking soda for baking powder?

Not directly. Use 1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 tsp cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.

What’s a good egg substitute for baking?

A flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed plus 3 tbsp water) or 1/4 cup applesauce.

You might also like:

• Homemade Oatmeal Bread
• Apple Praline Bread
• Overnight French Toast Casserole