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I love all types of sweets: brownies, cupcakes, cookies, you name it. I love to bake desserts because it is one of the ways I show love for my neighbors, friends and family. However, I started to notice that I have much less energy after I eat sweet treats – most likely because they are processed and full of trans fat.

Here are some healthy swaps I am trying out:

1. Swap butter or oil for an avocado! Avocado has the same buttery texture, but way more health benefits. A cup of butter can be substituted for a cup of avocado puree.
2. Unsweetened apple sauce – can replace sugar, vegetable oil, and butter. Apples are naturally sweet, while still dropping hundreds of calories. 1 cup sugar for 1 cup of apple sauce (look for a brand with less sugar) can reduce the amount of liquid in your recipe by ¼ cup for every cup of applesauce you use. For 1 cup oil, try 1/2 cup of apple sauce and a ½ cup of oil to start, then increase the ratio of apple sauce until you reach the texture you like! Watch your baked goods a little more closely though, because losing that fat decreases bake time.
3. Plain Greek yogurt is a great oil substitute. Substitute ¾ oil for 1 cup yogurt. You might need to add a little more Greek yogurt for the right texture.
4. Trade flour for black beans! Blend salt-free beans, rinsed and drained, in a food processor or blender, then add the mash to your mix. 1 cup of flour for 1 cup of black bean puree. The fiber will make your brownies denser without a hint of bean flavor
5. Substitute your heavy cream with evaporated skim milk or unsweetened almond milk. Sweet without the fat!  Try 1 cup cream for 1 cup milk.

Happy baking!

Written by Maggie Hartman, Engagement Intern