Cheat Sheets
Updated March 2026
🔄Common Cooking Substitutions
Quick-reference for ingredient replacements covering eggs, dairy, flour, and sugar alternatives for every dietary need.
⚡Quick Reference
Missing an ingredient? Egg → 1/4 cup applesauce or 1 banana. Butter → coconut oil (1:1). Milk → oat milk. Buttermilk → milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Ingredient Substitutions
| Instead of | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 egg | 1/4 cup applesauce | Best for moist cakes and muffins |
| 1 egg | 1 mashed banana | Adds banana flavor; good for pancakes |
| 1 egg | 3 tbsp aquafaba | Chickpea water; great for meringues |
| 1 cup butter | 1 cup coconut oil | Solid at room temp; 1:1 swap |
| 1 cup butter | 3/4 cup olive oil | For savory dishes; slightly less amount |
| 1 cup milk | 1 cup oat milk | Closest texture to dairy milk |
| 1 cup milk | 1 cup almond milk | Lighter; add 1 tbsp oil for richness |
| 1 cup buttermilk | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice | Let sit 5 min before using |
| 1 cup heavy cream | 1 cup coconut cream | Full-fat canned coconut milk (chilled) |
| 1 cup sour cream | 1 cup Greek yogurt | Similar tang and thickness |
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | 1 cup almond flour | Gluten-free; may need more binding |
| 1 cup sugar | 3/4 cup honey | Reduce liquid by 1/4 cup; lower oven 25°F |
Dietary Restriction Alternatives
| Diet | Avoid | Common Substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | Eggs, dairy, honey | Flax eggs, plant milk, maple syrup |
| Gluten-free | Wheat, barley, rye | Almond flour, oat flour, rice flour |
| Dairy-free | Milk, butter, cheese | Oat milk, coconut oil, nutritional yeast |
| Egg-free | Eggs | Applesauce, banana, flax/chia eggs |
| Nut-free | Tree nuts, peanuts | Sunflower seed butter, coconut, seeds |
| Low-sugar | Refined sugar | Stevia, monk fruit, date paste |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best egg substitute for baking?
For binding: 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water). For moisture: 1/4 cup applesauce. For lift: 3 tbsp aquafaba.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, use 3/4 cup olive oil per 1 cup butter. Works best in savory dishes and some cakes. Not ideal for frosting.
What is a good gluten-free flour substitute?
1:1 gluten-free flour blends work best. For single flours: almond flour for moisture, rice flour for lightness, oat flour for flavor.
How do I make a flax egg?
Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water. Let sit 5 minutes until gel-like. Replaces 1 egg.