by Eva Anelauskas

As the holiday season approaches, kitchens everywhere fill with the sweet scents of baking. But this year, let's make it a goal to keep those festive treats as nutritious as they are delicious. With a few simple tweaks to your traditional recipes, you can create healthier versions of your holiday favorites without sacrificing flavor. Let's explore some healthy baking hacks that will keep your treats on the nice list!

EMBRACE THE SWEETNESS OF NATURE

Holiday baking doesn't have to mean cups of refined sugar. Natural sweeteners like pure maple syrup, honey, or even apple sauce can impart a rich flavor to your baked goods while also providing additional nutrients. For example, you can replace sugar with unsweetened applesauce in a 1:1 ratio in most recipes, which not only cuts calories but also adds moisture.

WHOLE GRAINS FOR WHOLE HEALTH

Refined flours can easily be replaced by whole grain flours to increase the nutritional value of your festive treats. Whole wheat flour, oat flour, and almond flour not only add fiber but also provide a nuttier, more complex flavor to your baked goods. If you're not ready to fully commit, start by substituting half of the regular flour with a whole grain alternative.

HEALTHY FATS, HAPPY HEART

While butter is a traditional baking staple, adding variety with healthy fats can enhance nutritional content. Consider complementing butter with oils rich in unsaturated fats, like olive or canola oil, in your recipes. You could also mix in nut butters, which offer protein and healthy fats. These swaps can often be made in a 1:1 ratio with butter, but it's good to experiment to find the right balance for your taste and texture preferences.

MODERATION IN DECORATION

Decorations add the final festive touch to holiday baking, but often at a sugary cost. Get creative and use nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of dark chocolate to add elegance and a nutritional punch to your holiday confections. Not only do these toppings reduce overall sugar, but they can also introduce a variety of textures and flavors.

SPICE UP YOUR SWEETS

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring the holiday spirit and pack a healthful punch. These spices can often allow for less sugar in a recipe, as they add an abundance of flavor on their own. Plus, many spices come with their own health benefits, like anti-inflammatory properties and digestive aids.

Find recipes on the app

This is just a little teaser of what we're providing for ECTZMAS. You'll find more healthy cooking tips and recipes that you can follow, all Christmas-themed! So, if you'd like some inspiration for this season be sure to keep an eye out!