1.Sugar Stand-In 2: Dates
Dates bring many of the same perks as figs, plus a natural sugar shot. Puree 1 cup of pitted dates with 1/2 to 1 cup of hot water to make a thick paste. You can replace up to half of the sugar asked for in your recipe with this mix. Because it’s not sugar, you might have to experiment to get the right texture. Dates also pair great with scones and muffins. Chop them into your batter for added zing. You can even add them to salads.
2.Slash Fat With Avocado
Creamy avocado puree is a smooth stand-in for fatty butter, and it’s far better for you. This vegan cholesterol-buster can make your bakes less crumbly, too. Peel, pit, and mash them to make a puree. To keep them from browning, add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice for every cup. Swap 3/4 to 1 cup per cup of fat in your recipe. Avocados have more water than butter, so you may need to cut your oven temp by 25% and bake a little longer.
