Baking Swap.

1

 UNSWEETENED APPLESAUCE
SWAP FOR: OIL OR BUTTER

Fruit for fat? Yeah. For sweeter recipes like brownies and fruity muffins, this swap is a definite winner. Applesauce offers the same consistency as butter or oil, but with zero fat, a little extra natural sweetness, and fewer calories (though it will add a touch more sugar). It even works in boxed mixes! Try it in some blueberry muffins for a twist on classic flavors.

2

 AVOCADO PUREE
SWAP FOR: BUTTER

Doubting this swap? We did, too—until we whipped up some dark chocolate avocado cookies. Mashed or pureed avocado has a similar texture to butter with more heart-healthy fats and a smooth, rich taste that pairs perfectly with chocolate. We're looking forward to trying this swap in many batches of brownies and cakes to come!

3

 MASHED BANANAS
SWAP FOR: OIL OR BUTTER

This one is similar to the avocado swap but it's a whole lot sweeter, and ripe bananas add potassium and fiber to our favorite recipes. It's a proven star in sweet stuff, too (banana bread, am I right?). And when combined with other baking fat swaps, it's easy to make an oil and butter-free banana bread as delicious as traditional recipes.

A PROVEN STAR IN SWEET FOODS, RIPE BANANAS ADD POTASSIUM AND FIBER AS WELL AS FLAVOR TO OUR FAVORITE RECIPES.

4

 PRUNE PUREE
SWAP FOR: BUTTER

Prunes don't always get the best reputation when it comes to taste and versatility, but 1/3 cup of prune puree can easily replace a stick of butter in denser baked goods. It's also great for dark and dense cookies, brownies, and even cakes.

5

 RICOTTA CHEESE
SWAP FOR: CREAM CHEESE

Ricotta—even the whole milk variety—is a lighter option than cream cheese when it comes to the calorie count. And it bakes into an excellent cheesecake with a lighter, fluffier texture.

6

 MARSHMALLOW FLUFF
SWAP FOR: BUTTER AND SUGAR (FROSTING)

It's legendarily sweet, but marshmallow fluff actually contains fewer calories and less sugar than conventional frosting. Bonus: having leftover fluff for some super quick s'mores.

7

 GROUND FLAX SEED
SWAP FOR: OIL OR BUTTER

Rich in omega-3 fats and with a distinct nutty flavor, ground flax seed is one of the most surprising fat swaps out there. Mix three tablespoons of ground flax with one tablespoon of water for a paste that subs in for every tablespoon of oil or butter. Ground flax is perfect for recipes that already have a strong nutty flavor. And here's a fun fact: One tablespoon of ground flax plus 2-3 tablespoons of warm water makes a "vegan egg" and can be used as an egg replacement, too.