When substituting sugar in small amounts there may not be a huge impact, but when looking to substitute larger amounts (cups), you will need to adjust the liquid to make up for the lack of moisture provided by the substitute. In addition, you should also consider spraying the top of the baked good with cooking spray to promote browning that would normally occur from the caramelizing sugar.
Stocking your kitchen with extracts for added flavor, sugar substitutes, flour blends, and other pantry essentials can help make your sugar free baking a success.
All Purpose Flour - Great for cookies, cakes, and quick breads it’s an essential for every kitchen.
Baking Powder – Is a leavening agent that contains both sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and cream of tartar. The cream of tartar is acidic so baking powder only needs moisture to be added to cause a reaction.
Baking Soda - Is a leavening agent of sodium bicarbonate. Backing soda reacts once when it comes in contact with moisture and acid. This reaction causes carbon dioxide bubbles that expand with higher temperatures.
Cinnamon – A great addition to oatmeal cookies, pumpkin breads, bran muffins and more.
Cooking Spray – This can help keep cookies and baked goods from sticking to bake ware and when sprayed on top of treats can help caramelize the tops of sugar free baked goods.
Extracts - Vanilla, Lemon, Almond, and Orange – A variety of extracts are great to have on hand. A tsp of extract can add and enhance the flavor of baked goods.
Salt - Great for adding to leavened yeast breads, it slows the fermentation and contributes to the gluten development but also a nice addition to sweet treats. A dash of salt in a cookie recipe helps contribute to the layers of flavor and complexity without actually tasting salty.
Splenda Granulated - A Splenda sugar substitute that can replace sugar with a 1:1 ratio for many recipes.
Stevia - Stevia natural sugar substitute that is heat stable up to 400°.
Sugar Free Baking and Cookie Mixes – For making fast and easy semi-homemade treats keep a few sugar free or reduced sugar baking and cooking mixes on hand.
Sugar Free Pudding Mix - Add to a baking mix or your own cake recipe to add flavor and moisture to the finished product. You can also combine a mix with sugar free whipped topping for a mousse or pie filling.