Don’t panic if you run out of flour or another key ingredient while baking or cooking.
Use these Test Kitchen-approved substitutes.
We Have Your Backup Plan
Thats where substitutions can come to the rescue.
Credit:Jacob Fox
Try using a flour that has a similar protein content.
Whole-wheat flour has a 14 percent protein content vs. 11 to 12 percent for all-purpose.
So if you’re looking for a quick cinnamon substitute, you should only use 12 tsp.
Credit:Jacob Fox
of allspice or nutmeg in place of 1 tsp.
to start since they are stronger in flavor.
For example, 1 tsp.
Credit:Jacob Fox. Food Styling: Annie Probst. Prop Styling: Addelyn Evans
dried tarragon is equal to 1 Tbsp.
(or 3 tsp.)
ground cinnamon plus 14 tsp.
Credit:Jacob Fox
ground nutmeg, 18 tsp.
white pepper plus 12 tsp.
garlic powder, 12 tsp.
Credit:Jacob Fox
onion powder, 12 tsp.
cayenne pepper, 12 tsp.
paprika, and 12 tsp.
of cream of tartar, substitute 1 tsp.
lemon juice or white vinegar.
Cumin:chili powder
Fajita seasoning:for 1 tsp.
fajita seasoning, substitute 112 tsp.
ground cumin plus 12 tsp.
dried oregano, crushed; 14 tsp.
salt; 14 tsp.
cayenne pepper; 14 tsp.
black pepper; 18 tsp.
garlic powder; and 18 tsp.
onion powder
Garlic:for 1 clove, substitute 12 tsp.
bottled minced garlicor18 tsp.
garlic powder
Garlic salt:Combine garlic powder and salt.
dry mustard plus 2 tsp.
dried minced onionor12 tsp.
onion powder
Oregano:thymeorbasil
Parsley:chervilorcilantro
Poultry seasoning:for 1 tsp.
poultry seasoning, substitute 34 tsp.
sage plus a 14 tsp.
pumpkin pie spice, substitute 12 tsp.
ground cinnamon plus 14 tsp.
ground ginger, 14 tsp.
ground allspice, and 18 tsp.
Food Styling: Annie Probst.
In a pinch, these substitutes will produce acceptable results.
Baking powder:for 1 tsp., substitute 12 tsp.
cream of tartar plus 14 tsp.
baking soda
Baking soda:Use 3 tsp.
of baking powder for every tsp.
salt
Buttermilk:for 1 cup, substitute sour milk: 1 Tbsp.
semisweet chocolate pieces;or1 ounce unsweetened chocolate plus 1 Tbsp.
shortening
Chocolate, unsweetened:for 1 ounce, substitute 3 Tbsp.
unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1 Tbsp.
cooking oilorshortening, melted
Condensed milk:Make our Test Kitchen’s easycondensed milk substitutewith milk and sugar.
Cooking oil:For 1 Tbsp., substitute 1 Tbsp.
Cornstarch (for thickening):for 1 Tbsp., substitute 2 Tbsp.
Another option is to combine 1 Tbsp.
ground flaxseed plus 3 Tbsp.
Use our othervegan baking alternatives for eggs.
xanthan gum (makes 8 cups).
Flour,self-rising:for 1 cup, substitute 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 tsp.
baking powder, 12 tsp.
salt, and 14 tsp.
baking soda
Fruit liqueur:for 1 Tbsp., substitute 1 Tbsp.
fruit juice
Ginger, grated fresh:for 1 tsp., substitute 14 tsp.
ground ginger
Half-and-half or light cream:for 1 cup, substitute 1 Tbsp.
Margarine:for 1 cup, substitute 1 cup butteror1 cup shortening plus 14 tsp.
vanilla extractorvanilla bean paste
Vinegar, balsamic:For 1 Tbsp., substitute 1 Tbsp.
cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus 12 tsp.
sugar
Vinegar, white:For 1 tsp., substitute 1 tsp.
lemon/lime juice or 2 tsp.
North Dakota State University Extension.
McDowell, Erin Jean.
How to Substitute Flours.The New York Times.
