Baking Substitutions

I can't always afford to keep a pantry stocked with everything I might need for any given recipe. Even before I was out on my own I was always experimenting with substitutions for common ingredients. Here is a great list for you to keep handy for when you just can't find what you're looking for in your pantry!


Cream of Tartar  (1/2  tsp)                    1/2 tsp of white vinegar or lemon juice

Heavy Cream      (1 cup)                   2/3 cup milk plus 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter

Honey                                                 3 parts maple syrup 1 part white granulated sugar

Butter milk (1 cup)                             1 tbs lemon juice 1 cup milk, let stand for 5-10 mins

Ricotta Cheese                                    Cottage Cheese

Freshly Ground Ginger Root    (1 tbs)    1 1/2 tsp dried ground ginger plus 1/2 tsp lemon juice

Bread Crumbs (1 cup)                            1 cup cracker crumbs, crushed potato chips, ground oats
                                                                          matzo meal or crushed cornflakes

Unsweetened Chocolate (1 oz)             3 tbs natural cocoa powder plus one tbs unsalted butter,
                                                              vegetable oil, or shortening

Sour Cream (1 cup)                              1 cup plain yogurt

Marscapone   (1 cup)                           3/4 cup cream cheese beaten with 1/4 cup heavy whipping
                                                             cream


Well, these are my top 10. What substitions have you used that work well? Or failed miserably? Comment below!