Ingredient Substitutions — What to Use When You Are Out

A practical guide to common baking substitutions. Find replacements for eggs, buttermilk, brown sugar, baking powder, and more.

Running out of an ingredient does not have to ruin your recipe. Use this guide to find reliable substitutions for common baking and cooking ingredients.

Buttermilk

  • 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes.
  • 1 cup plain yogurt thinned with a little milk.
  • 1 cup kefir.

Eggs

  • 1 egg = ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 egg = 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (let gel 5 minutes)
  • 1 egg = ¼ cup mashed banana
  • 1 egg = 3 tablespoons aquafaba (best for egg whites)

Brown Sugar

  • 1 cup brown sugar = 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 cup brown sugar = 1 cup coconut sugar

Baking Powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder = ¼ teaspoon baking soda + ½ teaspoon cream of tartar

Butter

  • 1 cup butter = 1 cup coconut oil (slightly different texture)
  • 1 cup butter = 1 cup mashed avocado (best in brownies or chocolate recipes)
  • 1 cup butter = ¾ cup olive oil

Heavy Cream

  • 1 cup heavy cream = ¾ cup milk + ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream = 1 cup evaporated milk (for cooking, not whipping)

Cornstarch

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch = 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (as thickener)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch = 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder

Honey

  • 1 cup honey = 1¼ cups granulated sugar + ¼ cup extra liquid
  • 1 cup honey = 1 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup honey = 1 cup agave nectar

Tips for successful substitutions

  • Measure by weight when possible. Substitutions work best when you match the mass of the original ingredient.
  • Consider texture. Applesauce adds moisture but not structure; flax eggs work better in dense baked goods than light cakes.
  • Adjust liquid. Wet substitutes like honey or applesauce may require reducing other liquids in the recipe.
  • Test small batches first. Every recipe reacts differently to substitutions.

Stock a versatile pantry

Keeping staples like molasses, applesauce, and vinegar on hand makes substitutions easy. Browse baking ingredients on Amazon or shop local for pantry basics.