Baking Substitutions Master List
Baking is chemistry — substitutions don't always work 1:1. Here's what actually works.
Flour Substitutions
| Original | Substitute | Ratio | Notes |
|---|
| All-purpose | Bread flour | 1:1 | Chewier result |
| All-purpose | Cake flour | 1:1 + 2 tbsp per cup | More tender |
| All-purpose | Almond flour | 75% of amount | Gluten-free, denser |
| All-purpose | Oat flour | 1:1 | Blend oats to powder |
| All-purpose | Rice flour | 1:1 | Slightly gritty |
Sugar Substitutions
| Original | Substitute | Ratio | Notes |
|---|
| Granulated sugar | Coconut sugar | 1:1 | Lower glycemic |
| Granulated sugar | Honey | ¾ cup per 1 cup sugar | Reduce liquid by 2 tbsp |
| Granulated sugar | Maple syrup | ¾ cup per 1 cup sugar | Reduce liquid by 3 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | White sugar + molasses | 1 cup + 1 tbsp molasses | Close match |
| Powdered sugar | Blend granulated sugar | 1 cup sugar → 1 cup powdered | Add 1 tbsp cornstarch |
Fat Substitutions
| Original | Substitute | Ratio | Notes |
|---|
| Butter | Coconut oil | 1:1 by weight | Solid at room temp |
| Butter | Olive oil | 75% of amount | Different flavor |
| Butter | Vegetable oil | 75% of amount | Neutral flavor |
| Heavy cream | Coconut cream | 1:1 | Full-fat, dairy-free |
| Sour cream | Greek yogurt | 1:1 | Tangier |
Egg Substitutions
| Original | Substitute | Ratio | Notes |
|---|
| 1 egg | Flax egg | 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water | Wait 5 min to gel |
| 1 egg | Applesauce | 60ml (¼ cup) | Adds moisture |
| 1 egg | Mashed banana | 60ml (¼ cup) | Adds banana flavor |
| 1 egg | Yogurt | 60ml (¼ cup) | Good for dense bakes |
Leavening Substitutions
| Original | Substitute | Ratio | Notes |
|---|
| 1 tsp baking powder | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar | 1:1 | Acid-base combo |
| 1 tsp baking powder | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp lemon juice | 1:1 | |
| 1 tsp baking soda | 3 tsp baking powder | 1:3 | Add extra acid source |
Dairy Substitutions
| Original | Substitute | Ratio | Notes |
|---|
| Buttermilk | Milk + vinegar | 1 cup + 1 tbsp acid | Let sit 5 min |
| Whole milk | Oat milk | 1:1 | Creamiest alternative |
| Heavy cream | Coconut cream | 1:1 | Full-fat only |