Baking is a great way to spend some time alone in the kitchen and create something delicious. Not only that, but it can be a great activity to do with family and friends while spending the afternoon together. After all, there is nothing better than something fresh out of the oven — especially when you have just made it.
When you add in the right ingredients, it’s guaranteed to be a success. Here are 6 unique ingredients that will make your baked goods better than ever!
Turbinado Sugar
Turbinado sugar is a healthier alternative to your normal white, granulated sugar. It’s from unrefined sugar so it retains its molasses content. It has more flavor than your typical sugar, which is why you are getting all the benefits without the loss of any nutritional value!
It not only adds flavor but it also gives the end result in a fantastic texture that you are probably looking for in every baked good.
Balsamic Vinegar
If you want to add some acidity and tanginess into whatever recipe you are trying to perfect, then balsamic vinegar is the ingredient you need. It’s not too acidic and it has a very subtle flavor that will add great depth to whatever you put it in — sweet or savory.
It’s also wonderful for your health! Balsamic vinegar is filled with antioxidants that can help prevent future problems.
It’s a very unusual ingredient for baked goods which are normally thought of as sweet, but confectionery chefs have already been using this to improve their cooking and it’s really easy to add into your own sweet recipes.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt has become a very popular ingredient when it comes to helping cut calories in recipes for baked goods, but that’s not the only reason you should use it. Other types of yogurt add moisture, and they add flavor, but Greek yogurt does that and then some.
Greek yogurt works great in baked goods and it will add a ton of protein to your recipe which is excellent for you. It’s also rich and creamy so it helps balance out the ingredients in whatever sweet treat you are making.
A less costly alternative to milk and yogurt is whey permeate which can make your desserts more creamy and nutritious.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a well-known ingredient in many types of cuisine. It’s used to make Asian food taste better, it can be found in Indian recipes and it is loved by many southerners who use it when they are cooking with cast iron skillets.
But you shouldn’t limit this ingredient to just savory dishes because it can work very well in baked goods!
Coconut oil has a very mild flavor when it’s added to baked goods, but it does make them taste richer and more indulgent. It also helps things brown nicely and gives them a delicious crunch.
The best thing about coconut oil is that you can use it in any recipe — sweet or savory. It’s especially good if you are trying to cut calories because coconut oil has the same calorie content as fat-free butter.
Cacao Nibs
Cacao nibs are not the same thing as cocoa powder. Cacao nibs are unsweetened dark chocolate that you can put into your baked goods just like crushed chocolate chips. This ingredient is very rich and it also has a great crunch to it which makes it perfect for chocolate cookies or brownies.
Not only that, but cacao nibs are also very healthy! Not only is it rich in antioxidants, but it is chock-full of vitamins and minerals that will make your body happy.
It’s another versatile ingredient because it can make chocolate baked goods even more delicious or you can add them to other things like granola, oatmeal, or trail mix to make it healthier.
Mashed Bananas
You know to use mashed bananas to make banana bread, but how about adding it to other baked goods?
Mashed bananas can be added to just about anything because they are really good for you. It contains a number of nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
You can use them to make brownies or pancakes because they help make things moist and rich. It also adds flavor to them so your sweet treat won’t be bland.
Bananas are best stored in the freezer so that the enzymes are preserved for as long as possible. When they are stored properly then you can keep bananas for up to ten weeks!
The right ingredients can make or break your baked goods. If you want to impress customers or loved ones with a dessert that is rich, moist, and has a great flavor, then these 6 ingredients will work wonders for you!
