<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"You've probably heard of using applesauce instead of oil...\\n\\n[#image: /photos/57d8dc5fd3276fe232948561]||||||*Testing out some healthy and tasty substitutions.*\\n\\n...as a baking substitute in your recipes or using nonfat, plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, but there are plenty of other healthy baking substitutions that you can start practicing with now so that your [holiday baked goods](/fooddiet/2010/12/six-low-cal-holiday-party-party-recipes-slideshow) will be delectable and a little lighter at the same time! __For Cakes, Cookies, and Breads:__\\n\\n- You can lighten up a recipe while still getting some of the [nutritional benefits](http://nutritiondata.self.com/) of the egg yolk by __replacing one of the eggs in a recipe that calls for 2 with two egg whites__. Using one whole egg and two egg whites will keep the texture and mouth feel of the recipe closer to the original while decreasing the fat and calories.\\n- Cookies or cakes calling for a jelly filling can easily use an __all-fruit spread__ instead.\\n- Instead of using regular all-purpose flour, try __whole grain pastry flour__. With whole-grain pastry flour, you get the benefits of whole grain without the dense-effect that sometimes comes along with using regular whole-wheat flour for baking.\\n- Use my [tips on using __canned pumpkin as a fat substitute__](/fooddiet/blogs/eatlikeme/2011/10/4-tasty-ways-to-use-canned-pum) in cake, muffin, or brownie recipes!\\n\\n__For Pies and Other Desserts:__\\n\\n- In recipes that call for whipped cream, try chilling and __whipping evaporated milk__ instead. It will still have the creaminess that you love, but with less fat!\\n- A good replacement for whole milk is __low-fat buttermilk__. Buttermilk (even the low-fat version) has a natural richness, but using it instead of whole milk will significantly decrease the amount of saturated fat in your recipe, making it more heart-healthy.\\n- Lots of traditional [desserts](/fooddiet/2011/06/healthy-food-awards-desserts-slideshow#slide=1) call for shortening. In a pie crust recipe, __instead of using shortening, go for half light cream cheese and half vegetable oil spread__ (such as I Can't Believe It's Not Butter).\\n\\n__Healthy Additions:__\\n\\n- And don't forget, making recipes healthier is not just about what you take away. __Adding ingredients such as nuts, fruit, or vegetable purees to your recipes can increase the nutritional value__ while adding an extra element of flavor and texture as well.\\n\\nI would love to hear about your favorite healthy recipe substitutions or additions. Please share!\\n\\nRelated Links:\\n\\n[5 Sugar Cookie Recipes Under 55 Calories Each!](/healthy-holiday/sugar-cookie-recipes-slideshow)\\n\\n[Tasty, Eco-Savvy Party Dishes](/healthy-holiday/holiday-party-recipes-slideshow)\\n\\n[Nutrition Information You Can Trust](http://nutritiondata.self.com/)\\n\\n--\\n\\nFor daily nutrition tips follow SELF on [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/selfmagazine) and [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/selfmagazine).\\n\\nGet SELF on your [iPad](http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id421088847?mt=8)!"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.self.com/story/my-favorite-healthy-baking-sub>