Monday, April 20, 2009

Baking Tip: Yogurt for Butter

While searching for ways to make healthier baked goods, I came across some information over at Taste of Home about using yogurt as a substitute for butter. I thought it would be fun to share this info, which I've changed slightly, on my blog. Happy, healthy baking!
  • When a recipe calls for butter, replace half the butter with half as much yogurt. For instance, instead of 1 cup butter, use 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 cup yogurt. It's healthier and makes your baked goods so moist!
  • When a recipe calls for shortening or oil, replace half the oil with 3/4 the amount of yogurt. For example, instead of 1 cup oil, use 1/2 cup oil and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons yogurt. I also find applesauce a great substitute for oil, I sub that equally (1/2 cup applesauce for 1/2 cup oil). This isn't for every recipe but works great for muffins, sweet breads and some cookies.
  • Substitute yogurt cup for cup for sour cream in recipes.
  • Try yogurt instead of water or milk in a recipe. Start by substituting 1/4 of the liquid with yogurt, up the amount depending on your result and preference. It really makes a creamier, more flavorful result.
  • I've found both vanilla yogurt and plain yogurt to work well so use what you prefer.

7 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing this great tip! :)

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  2. You are most welcome. You may have to experiment with different recipes to see what works but it's a great option to lighten up sweet treats.

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  3. It appears as if the majority of the post is copied from tasteofhome.com, with some additions. If that's the case, it would be nice if you would note that in the post. Thanks.

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  4. Hi Julia. Thanks for pointing that out. I am a little embarrassed that I let that slip by me without giving credit where it was clearly due. As you can see I have edited the post to reflect the credit to Taste of Home. Thanks for catching that and happy baking!

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  5. Thanks for this!!! I've just tried this in a Zucchini Bread!! We'll see how it turns out!!

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  6. OK THE ZUCCHINI MUFFINS ARE DONE!!! Finally. And I've tried them. OH my GOODNESS!!!! I've got to figure out ho to use this base recipe for my banana bread!!! It is the best muffin I think I've ever made!!!! I feel I owe it all to the yogurt. And the part and part idea. Oh ya..... probably saved me from a very very ugly scene....
    THANK YOU!!!!

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  7. Just made two loaves of banana and pear bread, taking into account the butter reduction tip. Super tasty and I feel slightly less guilty too!!

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