Creative Ingredient Substitutions for Cooking & Baking's featured image

We’ve all had to borrow an egg or a cup of sugar from a next-door neighbour when we’ve come up short. Now, with the need to respect current social distancing guidelines, being short on supplies can happen much more frequently. The days of popping into the grocery store to grab a few items on the way home from work seem like a distant memory. But, there are a few quick and easy fixes right there in your pantry.

We’ve dug through the archives to find some simple storeroom substitutions to get you through.

Baking Powder
To replace 2 tbsp. baking powder, use 1 tsp. cream of tartar plus ½ tsp. of baking soda.

Sugar
To replace 1 cup of white sugar, use 1 cup of honey plus ¼ tsp. baking soda. But, of course, because honey is a liquid you will have to deduct 3 tbsp. liquid from the recipe for the best results.

Eggs
If the recipe calls for more than 2 eggs, one egg can be omitted by adding 2 tbsp. milk and 12 tsp. of baking powder to replace it.

Cornstarch
Flour can be substituted for cornstarch if you double the quantity.

Chocolate
To replace 1 square of chocolate with 3 tbsp. of cocoa and 1 tsp. shortening.

Whipping Cream
To replace 1 cup of heavy cream, combine 1/4 cup (57 grams) of melted butter with 3/4 cup (178 ml) of milk and mix thoroughly. You can also add a tablespoon (8 grams) of flour to thicken the liquid, especially if you’re using low-fat milk.

Buttermilk
To replace a cup of buttermilk, use 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to measure 1 cup. Stir, then let stand for 5 minutes.