Delicious Ingredient Swaps for Holiday Baking

Featuring Whitney Stuart, MCN, RDN, LD

The holiday season brings such delightful charm, warmth, laughter, and a wonderful mix of flavors! Yet, as the festivities wind down, it’s natural to feel a bit sluggish from all the sweets. But what if your favorite holiday treats could energize you and promote gut health, too? That’s the exciting journey we’ll embark on today! Let’s discover how to enjoy the best of the holidays while feeling fantastic!

Cultivating a Festive Balance: Flavor, Joy, and Wellness

Let’s dive into the delightful flavors and joyous vibes of the season by swapping out processed ingredients for wholesome, tasty alternatives! This is the essence of my approach to enjoying festive foods. Rather than heading into a post-New Year detox, how about we cultivate habits that enable us to savor lighter, nourishing versions of our favorite holiday treats?

In this post, I’m excited to share three dietitian-approved ingredient swaps that are easy to incorporate and can truly make a difference. These simple substitutions reduce saturated fat, cut back on excess sugar, and boost nutrient density, allowing you to enjoy the season without worrying about a sugar crash!

Thanks to wonderful brands like North Coast Organic, Sprinkle Bites, and OLIPOP, we can fully embrace the holiday spirit while steering clear of sugar overload. Let’s come together to celebrate a season overflowing with joy and deliciousness!ther!

Thoughtful Baking Swaps

1. Applesauce for Oil/Butter

When you’re whipping up tasty muffins, quick breads, or cakes, why not try swapping out half or all of the oil or butter for unsweetened applesauce? This wonderful alternative not only keeps your treats delightfully moist and perfectly structured, but it also cuts down on saturated fat and calories. Plus, it brings a lovely natural sweetness that everyone will appreciate! Happy baking!

Why Choose North Coast Organic?

• Made from whole, certified organic apples (never from concentrate)
• Free of added sugars or preservatives
• Rich in natural pectin and fiber

You’ll find North Coast Organic products at various locations across Texas, including H-E-B, Whole Foods, and Sprouts. Imagine using it in your holiday baking—from spiced banana muffins to delectable apple-cinnamon loaves—enjoying lighter recipes that still pack a flavor punch!

Easiest Ever: 2-Ingredient Applesauce Cupcakes

This hack is perfect for dramatically reducing fat and calories in a boxed mix while keeping the cake moist. This works best with yellow, white, or spice cake mixes.

Ingredients	Method
1 box of Yellow or Spice Cake Mix	Preheat oven to  and line a muffin tin with papers.
1 standard  jar of North Coast Organic Unsweetened Applesauce	Combine the cake mix and applesauce in a large bowl. You do not need the oil, eggs, or water listed on the box!
Optional:  Cinnamon or Nutmeg	Mix until just combined. The batter will be thicker than traditional batter.
	Scoop into muffin cups and bake for  minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

You’ll be saving on saturated fat while retaining that moist texture we all crave! Happy baking!

2. Sprinkle Bites for Decorative Flourishes

Decorating cookies, pancakes, or yogurt? There’s no need for sugar overload! Enter Sprinkle Bites — a creative option that’s:

• Gluten-free
• Sugar-free
• Protein-packed

They offer a burst of color, a satisfying crunch, and a protein boost to your festive treats — all without the empty sugars. Let your cookies, waffles, and parfaits sparkle with joy and a smarter choice!

Healthy Holiday Swaps for Gut-Healthy Beverages & Dessert Hacks

3. OLIPOP as a Functional Swap

When it comes to beverages and dessert sauces, they can often be hidden sources of sugar. That’s where OLIPOP shines! These “better-for-you sodas” are equipped with:

• Plant fiber & prebiotics that support gut health
• Only  of sugar per can
•  of fiber
• Delightful seasonal flavors like Ginger Ale and Apple Crisp

My Favorite Hack: You can substitute a whole can of OLIPOP for the liquid, oil, and eggs in a box of cake mix! The carbonation acts as the leavening agent, giving you a fun, fluffy cake with minimal added ingredients.

Easiest Ever: 2-Ingredient OLIPOP Cupcakes

This is the ultimate shortcut for a high-fiber, reduced-sugar dessert. The flavor combination is key!

Ingredients	Method
1 box of Cake Mix (any flavor)	Preheat oven to  and line a muffin tin with papers.
1 can  of OLIPOP (Apple Crisp or Ginger Ale are great for holiday spice cakes!)	Combine the cake mix and the entire can of OLIPOP in a large bowl. You do not need the oil, eggs, or water listed on the box!
	Mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this will release the carbonation.
	Scoop into muffin cups and bake for  minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Here’s a fun tip! Try mixing Spice Cake Mix with Ginger Ale OLIPOP for delightful, fluffy gingerbread-style cupcakes, or go for Strawberry Cake Mix with Cream Soda OLIPOP for a cheerful, festive experience! Enjoy baking!

Big Takeaway

By embracing these thoughtful swaps, you’ll:

• Reduce refined sugar and saturated fat
• Add fiber, natural sweetness, and protein
• Support your gut health and energy levels
• Enjoy the warmth, joy, and flavor of your beloved holiday classics

Let’s transform this holiday season into a celebration of joy, health, and delectable flavors!