Golden blueberry muffins with deep purple bursts, some nestled on a pink cake stand and others on a marble slab with fresh berries scattered nearby

Dr. Oetker’s Guide to Healthier Baking

At Dr. Oetker, we believe that little changes can make a big difference especially when it comes to baking.

Whether you’re looking to cut down on sugar, boost nutrients, or simply make more mindful ingredient choices, it’s easier than you think to bake smarter without sacrificing flavour.

Here’s a guide to healthier baking! We’ve included tips, ingredient swaps, and techniques to make your baked goods more nutritious without losing the joy of a freshly baked treat.

Choose Better Flour Alternatives

Plain or self-rising flour does lack in fibre and essential nutrients. Try these healthier substitutes:
Whole Wheat Flour – This has higher fibre and nutrients; great for muffins, bread, and cookies.
Almond Flour – Adds healthy fats and protein. It also gives the bakes a nicer texture. It is best used for gluten-free baking.
Oat Flour – This has lower calories and is made from ground oats, it provides fibre. It does contain natural sweetness, so adjust the sugar by 1-2 tbsp.
Coconut Flour – this is lower in carbs and is higher in fibre. Top Tip when using coconut flour- it is very absorbent, so use less than white flour (250g per 500g white flour).

Tip: Mix whole wheat and white flour (50:50) to maintain a light texture while still adding in more nutrition.
Tip: Reduce Baking Time Slightly – Whole-grain flours dry out faster.
Tip: Use Steam or Extra Moisture – Helps prevent dryness when using whole-grain flours.
Tip: Make sure you add a raising agent to the flours that do not contain it, any raising agents. Check out Baking Powder and Bicarbonate of Soda .

Reduce Sugar Without Losing Sweetness

Any sugar can be replaced or reduced with these healthier alternatives, but be cautious that it can change the flavour, colour, or texture of the bake. Here are the alternatives that is best to use:
Honey or Maple Syrup – these are natural sweeteners which also has added nutrients.
Mashed Bananas or no added sugar Applesauce – these both add natural sweetness and moisture. Instead of 200g of sugar, try 100g sugar + 100g no added sugar applesauce.
Coconut Sugar – this is a lot lower in the glycaemic index compared to regular sugar. It also added more flavour to the bake.
Date Paste – this is packed with fibre, as well as having a natural sweetness. It is made by blending dates with water.

Why not try: Reducing the sugar by 25-50% – Most recipes work fine with less sugar. Start with a small reduction and adjust to taste.

Tip: Add Spices & Extracts – Cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg enhance sweetness without added sugar.
Check out our helpful guide for Sugar Substitutes in Baking

Use Healthier Fats

Butter and shortening, are high in fats. You can replace them with healthier alternatives which include:
Greek Yogurt – this has a lot less fat but also increases the protein in the bake.
Avocado – Replaces butter in some recipes, but not all. It adds heart-healthy fats to the bake while making the bake moist.
Coconut Oil – A good alternative to butter, especially in dairy-free baking. Be careful as this could alter the flavour of the bake.
Nut Butters – Almond or peanut butter can add healthy fats. And is also high in protein.

Tip: Swap half the butter for a healthier alternative to maintain texture.
Check out our helpful guide for Butter Substitutes in Baking

Boost the Nutrients

You can enhance your baking by adding in ingredients that are higher in nutrients. These include:
Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds – Adds fibre and omega-3s.
Nuts and Seeds – Provides healthy fats, protein, while also adding in a crunchy texture.
Grated Vegetables (Carrots, Zucchini, Sweet Potatoes, Avocado) – Adds vitamins and moisture.
Dark Chocolate (70%+ Cocoa) – A healthier alternative to milk chocolate.

Egg Replacements

Eggs do contain good fats, however, when added to other fatty ingredients the calories and fats do increase. With small changes with eggs, you can reduce these by:

Use Egg Whites Instead of Whole Eggs – Reduces fat while maintaining structure. Replace 2 whole eggs with 3 egg whites.

Check out our simple guide for Substituting Egg .

Healthier Dairy Choices

You can make the calories lower in your baking by making simple easy swaps with the dairy
Use Plant-Based Milk – Almond, oat, or coconut milk can reduce dairy intake.
Opt for Low-Fat or Greek Yogurt – Provides protein and creaminess without excess fat.
Use Skinny Milk- This will lower the calories and fat in the bake.

Check out our helpful guide for Milk Substitutes in Baking

Cook Smarter for Fewer Calories

Bake Instead of Frying – Skip deep-fried doughnuts; try baked versions instead.
Use Non-Stick Spray Instead of Butter – Lightly coat pans to save hundreds of calories.
Reduce Baking Time Slightly – Helps prevent dryness when using lower-fat ingredients.