We all love to pamper and please mum on Mother’s Day. Gifts and treats are very much abundant this time of year and it can be easy for mum to feel as though she has overindulged. The good news is that there are plenty of recipes out there that won’t make anyone feel guilty! Diet versions of popular recipes might make them sound like they are lacking in the flavour department, but this is a common misconception. The only thing they are lower on are the calories! Try these great substitutions the next time you bake up a storm for mum:
 
Applesauce
This is an excellent substitute for fat or sugar in any cake recipe. The rule, however, is to choose between substituting the fat or sugar. You should never substitute both. When substituting the sugar, you can use a 1:1 ratio and you will need to reduce the amount of liquid by ¼ cup for each cup of applesauce. When substituting the fat (oil, butter, etc), you should only substitute half quantity. So, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, you should had ½ a cup of butter and ½ a cup of applesauce.
 
Flour
White flour is often the most popular choice in baking. It’s cheaper and generally more readily available. Make your baked goods healthier by using whole-wheat flour instead.
 
Toppings
The calories in your cake are not only in the sponge itself but also the toppings you choose. Frosting can be substituted with fresh whipped cream or meringue. Sprinkles, on the other hand, can be switched out for fresh fruit or even some dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is actually quite healthy and rich in antioxidants.
 
Types of cakes
There are so many wonderful cakes that taste great with these low calorie substitutes. They include:

  • Carrot Cake
  • Flourless Chocolate Cake
  • Banana Cake (with corn flour and whole-wheat flour)
  • Chocolate Zucchini Cake (with whole-wheat flour)
  • Dark Chocolate Orange Cake
  • Apple Cake (with whole-wheat flour)

 
These are not the only recipes out there. You can turn just about any delicious baked treat into a diet friendly dessert! Just take the time to think about the flavours mum loves the most and then choose the perfect sweet dish!