Oh, my goodness I didn’t know about this!

1. Substitute for Butter or Oil: You can swap half or even all of the butter or oil in your recipe with mashed avocado. Simply replace the fat in a 1:1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of butter or oil, use 1 cup of mashed avocado instead.
2. Mash It Well: Make sure to mash the avocado thoroughly until it’s smooth, with no lumps. You can use a fork or a food processor to get the consistency just right. This will help ensure it blends evenly into your batter or dough.
3. In Chocolate Recipes: Avocado pairs especially well with chocolate. The richness of the avocado complements the deep flavors of chocolate, so it’s a perfect match in brownies, chocolate cakes, or even chocolate chip cookies.
4. Watch the Texture: Since avocado can add moisture to your baked goods, you may want to slightly reduce other liquid ingredients (like milk or water) in the recipe. Start with the recommended substitution, and if the batter seems too runny, just add a little less liquid.

Recipes to Try Using Avocado

Now that you know how to use avocado in baking, here are a few delicious recipes where you can swap avocado for butter or oil:

1. Avocado Brownies

These gooey, rich brownies are the perfect way to test out avocado in baking. The creamy avocado creates a soft, fudgy texture, while the chocolate flavor steals the show.

2. Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use avocado in place of butter in your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. You’ll get all the buttery flavor and texture without the extra calories and saturated fat.

3. Avocado Banana Bread

Incorporating avocado into banana bread not only gives it a wonderful, moist texture but also adds a nutritional boost. The sweetness of the bananas pairs beautifully with the avocado’s creaminess.

4. Avocado Muffins

These muffins are light, fluffy, and moist thanks to the avocado. Whether you make them plain or add chocolate chips or berries, they’re a perfect breakfast treat or snack.

Other Surprising Uses for Avocado in the Kitchen

While baking is one way to use avocado, it’s far from the only one. Here are a few other kitchen hacks where you can incorporate avocado into your recipes:

1. Avocado Toast: The ultimate healthy breakfast! Spread mashed avocado on whole grain toast, and top with your favorite toppings like poached eggs, tomatoes, or red pepper flakes.
2. Avocado Smoothies: Add half an avocado to your smoothie for extra creaminess and a nutritional boost. The flavor is subtle, so it pairs well with fruits like berries, bananas, and mangoes.
3. Avocado Sauces and Dips: You can use avocado to create creamy sauces, salad dressings, or even a healthier version of guacamole. It adds richness and smooth texture without the need for sour cream or mayo.
4. Avocado Ice Cream: Believe it or not, avocado makes an amazing ice cream base! When blended with coconut milk or almond milk, it creates a rich, creamy frozen treat that’s both dairy-free and healthy.

Conclusion: A Kitchen Game Changer

If you haven’t yet discovered the power of avocado in your cooking, now is the perfect time to start! Whether you’re looking to make your baked goods a little healthier or simply want to experiment with a new ingredient, avocado is the surprising secret that can elevate your recipes to a whole new level.

So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t be afraid to reach for an avocado. Whether you’re swapping it for butter in your baking or using it in other creative ways, you might just find that “Oh, my goodness! I didn’t know about this!” moment yourself.

Happy cooking!