186 substitute recipes

Rum and raisin bread made in a bread machine with pecans, rum flavoring, and a vinegar-buttermilk substitute. A fragrant, studded loaf with minimal hands-on time.

Sugar-free strawberry-pineapple-orange ice cream churned in a home freezer with light milk and a sugar substitute. Diabetic-friendly summer dessert sweetened by fresh and canned fruit.

Homemade fruit sweeteners made by reducing frozen juice concentrates into thick, syrupy natural sugar substitutes for baking and cooking without refined sugar.

Spiced TVP taco filling simmered with tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and herbs. A high-protein, plant-based meat substitute for tacos, wraps, and burritos in under 45 minutes.

Papelon lemonade mixes Venezuelan unrefined cane sugar (brown sugar substitute) with fresh lemon juice over ice. Base for a tropical Tom or John Collins variation.

Layers of cubed potatoes, zucchini, mozzarella, scallions, and fresh basil bake in egg substitute for this veggie-packed Italian frittata. Broiled tomatoes finish it.

Homemade capers from pickled nasturtium seeds brined in salt water, then preserved in sweet vinegar. A clever garden-to-jar substitute for real capers.

Pickled nasturtium seeds brined in salt water, layered with tarragon and horseradish, then preserved in spiced white wine vinegar. A peppery homemade caper substitute.

Homemade cream of whatever soup mix made with powdered skim milk, cornstarch, chicken broth granules, and herbs. A pantry-ready substitute for canned cream soups.

Pickled nasturtium seeds: the frugal gardener's homemade caper substitute, brined in spiced white wine vinegar with shallots, tarragon, and horseradish. Peppery, briny, and completely free.

Pureed dates blended with water and vanilla extract into a thick, caramel-like paste. A natural sugar substitute for baking, smoothies, and oatmeal in 5 minutes.

Homemade onion seasoning mix with dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, onion powder, and seasoned salt. A from-scratch substitute for store-bought onion soup mix packets.

Diabetic-friendly orange cookies sweetened with sugar substitute and raisins instead of sugar. Bright with orange juice and zest, studded with raisins, and ready in 35 minutes.

Fat-free apple oat muffins using pureed prunes as a fat substitute, egg whites instead of whole eggs, and maple syrup for sweetness. Just 90 calories each.

Classic chocolate chip cookies with butter-flavored Crisco, brown sugar, and walnuts. Crispy edges and chewy centers in 30 minutes. Makes 3 dozen cookies perfect for any occasion.

Mango flummery is a chilled fruit dessert made with pureed mangos, orange juice, and tapioca. Silky, egg-free, and naturally tropical with a soft pudding-like set.