The struggle is real for those with food sensitivities this holiday season. Luckily, there have been many clever bakers and confectioners who have paved the road before us and created solutions to this delicious dilemma. These baking hacks are so simple that even a novice baker could pull them off.
If you have any hacks you think should be added to the list, please add it in the comments at the end of the post!
MORE TO READ: Thanksgiving Dinner Life Hacks: Recipes For Gluten-free AND Vegan Guests
Dairy-free
Butter is included in almost every traditional holiday recipe you will come across. For vegans and those with dairy allergies and sensitivities, this can be a troublesome inconvenience. All hope is not lost though, you can still recreate your familyÕs famous sugar cookie recipe without the milk!
1. Almond milk: This can be used anywhere milk is called for. Almondmilk has a more neutral flavor than soy or coconut milk, making it a perfect substitute for almost any recipe that requires the real stuff. If almond and nut allergies are a problem, hempseed or any similar milk will do.
2. Canned Coconut Milk for Condensed Milk: Yes! You can sweeten and reduce full-fat canned coconut milk to create a substitute for sweetened condensed milk! Works well in almost any recipe that calls for the real stuff.
3. Soy-free Earth Balance: Dairy-free margarine of any kind usually does the trick where substituting for frostings, cookies, and pies. Many dairy-free butter substitutes also contain soybean oil, however. If this is also a problem then consider Earth Balance Soy-free Buttery Spread or a similar brand.
MORE TO READ: 3 Vegan Candies You Can Guiltlessly Indulge In This Halloween
Gluten-free
The rise in awareness of gluten sensitivities has caused an increase in gluten-free options on the shelf! Instead of going through the pains of making your own gluten-free flour blends and baked goods, consider these hacks for a simple solution.
4. Gluten-free cake mix: These can be found in almost any store! You can easily adapt this mix for muffins, pound cake, cake balls, and more. You can find them in chocolate, vanilla, and yellow flavors which can easily be flavored to take on lemon, peanut butter, or any taste you like! Alternatively, many stores also carry gluten-free cookie and brownie mixes if you prefer.
5. Rice Krispie Treats: Who doesnÕt love a rice krispie treat? TheyÕre a crowd-pleaser that every dieter can enjoy, and theyÕre gluten-free! But donÕt just limit yourself to the traditional variety. Try adding peanut butter or making them into white russian rice krispies!
Bonus (Non-baking) Hack: You can cover just about anything in chocolate to create a decadent gluten-free treat. Marshmallows, potato chips, fruit, and peanuts all make great dipping vessels for chocolate goodness. Don’t stop there! Sprinkle with nuts, coconut, sprinkles, and the like to create a photo-worthy dessert in less than 5 minutes.
Egg-free/Vegan
If you want to truly challenge your culinary skills, try cooking egg-free! Although difficult it is not impossible. The type of egg substitute you use depends entirely on what youÕre making. Although you may have difficulty trying to replicate a meringue pie, there are still tons of options for the egg-free baker.
7. Bananas: Did you know you can sub bananas for eggs in brownie recipes? Yep. ItÕs true. You can also use them in similar chewy baked goods like muffins and pound cake. Use half of a medium, ripe banana for every egg called for.
8. Apple Sauce: _ a cup of applesauce can replace an egg in most baking recipes. It hydrates and binds well enough to do the trick. For a recipe that calls for egg whites however, it may not be a great alternative.
9. Agar Powder: This powder will replace up to 2 egg whites in lemon bar and similar recipes. Combine 1 tablespoon agar powder with one tablespoon warm water and mix. For best results, whip and chill the mixture before incorporating.
10. Custom ordered gluten-free and vegan baked treats: Because ingredients for gluten-free, egg-free, and vegan baking can be expensive, it is often less time consuming and more cost effective to just get your specialty baked goods from a bakery. Not all bakeries provide such options, but more and more shops are adding them as they grow in popularity. At local bakeries such as the Co-op Caf at Tidal Creek, you can get your specialty baked goods made with organic and local ingredients in addition to being gluten-free and/or vegan.
For all your holiday baking needs, you can stop by Tidal Creek. We were one of the first health food stores in Wilmington and we plan on being here for a long time to come (but we need your help). Tidal Creek Co-op also has a well-equipped bulk section for those thrifty bakers trying to save money this holiday season. No time to bake? You can call us or stop in to place an order with the Co-op Caf! WeÕre here to help with all of your cooking, baking, and holiday catering in Wilmington.
Shopping for gifts? You can give the gift of wellness and healthy eating by purchasing a Tidal Creek Gift Certificate. Click here for more information. Happy Holidays!
