Food 
Can you believe the holiday season is almost here? The air’s getting crisp, and every corner has that infectious buzz of excitement. I’m gearing up for some major holiday baking sessions. But, if you want to healthy up your baked goodies with natural sweeteners over refined sugar, I’ve got some deliciously sweet tips for you!
Discovering Holiday-Flavored Maple Syrups
Alright, first up, let’s talk maple syrup. And not just any maple syrup—I’m talking about those luscious holiday-flavored varieties that can take your baking game to the next level. Think gingerbread, cinnamon, or even peppermint-infused maple syrup. Imagine your holiday pancakes drizzled with some of that magic.
I still remember the first time I stumbled upon a cinnamon maple syrup at a local farmers market. The vendor promised I’d never taste anything like it. He wasn’t wrong! Just to give you a taste (pun intended), try adding 1/4 cup (60ml) of holiday-flavored maple syrup to your vegan gingerbread cookies. It adds an aromatic depth that refined sugar simply can’t match. Plus, it keeps your cookies beautifully moist.
Experimenting with Coconut Sugar
Next on the list is coconut sugar. This is a personal favorite because it has a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs so well with holiday spices. If you’ve never tried it, now’s the time. It’s perfect for everything from cakes to cookies to even your holiday lattes.
To swap out refined sugar for coconut sugar in your recipes, use a 1:1 ratio. So, if your recipe calls for 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar, use 1 cup (170g) of coconut sugar instead. Not only does it give bakes a wonderful color, but it also adds just the right touch of sweetness without being overpowering. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
The Magic of Date Paste
This one’s like a hidden treasure in the baking world. Dates are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients, making them the ideal sweetening agent for your holiday goodies.
I recently tried making a batch of my holiday spiced brownies with date paste, and the result was nothing short of magical. To make your own date paste, soak 1 cup (150g) of pitted Medjool dates in warm water for about 30 minutes. Drain them, then blend with 1/2 cup (120ml) of water until smooth. Use it as a replacement for sugar, and you’ll get a rich, almost fudgy texture in your bakes. Plus, your kitchen will smell like heaven.
Enhancing Bakes with Agave Nectar
Last but definitely not least, let’s swoon over agave nectar. This natural sweetener has a smooth, syrup-like consistency and is perfect for those holiday treats that need a little extra sweetness. Plus, it blends easily into batters and doughs, making it super versatile.
My brother Naveen tried my vegan agave-sweetened pecan and he still raves about it. I usually replace 1 cup (200g) of sugar with 2/3 cup (160ml) of agave nectar. Because it’s sweeter than sugar, you can use less, which is another bonus. Agave’s mild flavor means it won’t overpower the spices in your holiday recipes, letting those lovely seasonal notes shine through.
So, there you have it! Four fabulous, natural sweeteners to make your holiday baking healthier and even more scrumptious. Let’s make this holiday season the sweetest one yet. ???
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