Advent, baking biscuits, relaxing - it's hard to avoid snacking at Christmas time! A domino here, a gingerbread there - in no time at all, the plate of biscuits is empty and your conscience starts to kick in. That doesn't have to be the case, because with a few simple tricks you can save a few calories when baking. But do the biscuits still taste good? We don't think it compromises on flavour. Just try it out for yourself 🙂
Instead of sugar...
A glance at the list of ingredients shows that many Christmas baking recipes require large amounts of sugar. This amount can usually be reduced. In most cases, you can omit up to a quarter of the ingredients without this being very noticeable in terms of flavour. However, it is even healthier if you replace the cane sugar with natural alternatives. Coconut blossom sugar and date sugar have the advantage that they can replace conventional household sugar in a one-to-one ratio. Fruit pulp can also add a natural sweetness to the recipe. Although it contains a lot of fructose, it also contains nutrients and fibre. However, the amount of liquid added to the dough may need to be reduced. This is also the case with honey. In addition to sugar, honey contains other nutrients, anti-inflammatory enzymes and antioxidants. Agave syrup and maple syrup can also replace household sugar, but have a stronger sweetening power. Want to find out more about sugar? Then read our article Sweet addictor? Interesting facts about sugar by.
Instead of butter...
Besides sugar, most recipes include a good portion of butter. If you go for the half-fat variety, you have already saved quite a bit of fat. But there are also good alternatives that provide healthy fats. Fruit pulp, for example, not only saves you sugar, but also some of the butter. Nut puree, avocado, coconut oil, vegetable oil or even quark and yoghurt can be used as alternatives.
Instead of flour...
Wheat flour brings empty carbohydrates. Buckwheat flour or spelt flour are a better option, even better in sprouted form. Sprouted flour has a higher nutrient content and is easier to digest. Otherwise, ground oat flakes or nuts can also replace some of the flour needed.
Great tips, but do I get gingerbread that way? Speculoos baked?
If you are not sure what proportions you actually need and whether you will succeed in your favourite recipes with our tips, you can follow our recipes. We have baked once before and convinced ourselves of the taste.
Need more baking inspiration? In our Baking package you'll find all the ingredients you need for healthier baking, plus five delicious baking recipes.
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