If you want a fun way to add good fat and nutrients into your diet, consider baking with avocado. Avocado, with its creamy texture, makes a great and healthy substitute for butter. Read on to find out more.
Why Use Avocado?
Avocados can increase the nutritional value of your baked goods by adding almost 20 minerals, vitamins and nutrients. For each cup of avocado, you get 300 less calories than you would with butter. You will also get less cholesterol and saturated fats. You will also get more protein, fiber, B vitamins, potassium, and vitamin E. The high water content in avocado can make your baked goods softer and chewier.
Convinced? Now let’s talk about how to use them.
How to Use Avocado
Avocado is a great substitute for butter or oil in your favorite recipes. Keep in mind that results may vary a little when making substitutions. For some recipes, a one-to-one substitution will work, while in others, it may be necessary to add a little extra liquid to think out the batter or mix.
If you’re concerned about getting the recipe just “right,” you can also try subbing just half the butter. Use a ripe avocado and mash it until you get a nice puree that is similar to butter in consistency.
Here are some suggestions for substituting avocado in your favorite recipes:
- Chocolate chip cookies. For this crowd favorite, instead of using 2 sticks of butter, try just one stick and about ¾ of an avocado.
- Banana bread. If your recipe calls for one stick of butter, use half a stick and a third of an avocado.
- Brownies. Brownies are so rich in flavor that they disguise the taste of avocado wonderfully. Use half a stick of butter and a third of an avocado in place of one stick of butter.
Another option for using avocado in baked goods is to substitute the flesh of the fruit for eggs. A good ratio is about 2 tablespoons to a forth of a cup for each egg.
Avocados are packed with so many good things and they make a creamy substitution in baked goods. The next time you make some cookies or brownies, consider subbing some mashed avocado for the butter in your recipe for a healthier, chewier treat.