Making delicious cakes and cookies does not necessarily require refined sugar. There are many natural alternatives that provide the desired sweetness, such as dates, apples, honey, and rice syrup, which are also healthier choices for the body.
It is noted that many recipes can tolerate a reduction in the amount of sugar without affecting the taste, explaining that using 75 grams of sugar instead of 100 grams is often sufficient. However, a warning is given against completely eliminating granulated sugar, because it not only adds flavor but also helps bind the dough and gives it a balanced texture.
It is explained that excessive sugar consumption can lead to addiction and is linked to an increased risk of obesity and tooth decay. It can also disrupt the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, potentially causing digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
Dates and Fruit Paste as Effective Alternatives
Reducing sugar does not mean giving up a sweet taste. It is confirmed that there are several natural ways to sweeten dough. One of the most prominent is using dried dates, which are chopped, soaked in water, and then mashed to obtain a smooth paste used as a natural sweetener.
It is cautioned that replacing sugar with other alternatives is not always done with the same weight, as there are no precise conversion tables. Therefore, it is preferable to use tried-and-tested recipes containing the specific alternative or to experiment with adjustments gradually until the desired result is achieved.
Key Sugar Alternatives in Baking
Alternatives that can be used to sweeten baked goods include:
Dates or Dried Figs: Prepared as a paste used to sweeten dough.
Apple: Sweet apples are peeled, cooked, and then mashed to obtain a natural puree without added sugar.
Banana: Mashed with a fork; the riper it is, the sweeter it becomes.
Coconut Blossom Sugar: Characterized by its light brown color and caramel-like flavor.
Birch Sugar (Xylitol): Similar in sweetness to sugar but lower in calories, and can be replaced one-to-one in many recipes.
Rice Syrup: Less sweet than sugar, requiring a reduction in the amount of liquid in the recipe.
Honey: Provides natural sweetness, but the dough browns more quickly during baking.
Agave Syrup: Sweeter than sugar but similar in calories; recommended for use in moderation.
Date Paste Cookie Recipe
To prepare cookies sweetened with date paste, first prepare the paste from 100 grams of dried dates and 70 ml of water.
Then mix the following ingredients:
- 150 grams of spelt flour type 630 (a type of wheat very similar to all-purpose white flour).
- 100 grams of ground almonds.
- Half a packet of baking powder.
- Two pinches of natural salt.
- 100 grams of cold organic butter.
Knead the ingredients until a smooth dough forms, then chill for 30 minutes. Roll out to a thickness of 4–5 millimeters, cut into shapes, and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.
Low-Sugar Apple Cake with Date Paste
A low-sugar fruit cake can also be made using apples or any other seasonal fruit.
- Ingredients (for a 22 cm diameter pan):
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