Banana bread, muffins, cookies and other baked favorites may not be the first foods that come to mind when you think of fresh avocado. But this versatile fruit can be a surprisingly delicious addition to your baking. With its creamy texture and mild flavor, avocado can be incorporated into a variety of baked goods, adding naturally good fats and nutrients along the way. Ready to give it a try?
Why Bake with Avocado?
Avocados contribute naturally good fats, with more than 75% of their fat coming from unsaturated fats. They’re also a good source of fiber, with 3 grams per serving (50 g), and are naturally sodium- and cholesterol-free.
Beyond nutrition, ripe avocado can be mashed or pureed into a smooth, creamy consistency that blends easily into batters. Its mild flavor also makes it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with fall favorites like cinnamon, pumpkin and chocolate.
How to Substitute Avocado in Baking
Ready to experiment? It can be surprisingly simple.
For many recipes, pureed or mashed avocado can replace an ingredient higher in saturated fat using a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for ½ cup of an ingredient higher in saturated fat, try ½ cup of pureed avocado instead. Avocados also have a high-water content, which can help keep baked goods moist.
Try incorporating avocado into:
- Banana and other breads
- Muffins
- Cakes and cupcakes
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Frostings and icings
Baking tip: For the smoothest texture, use a ripe avocado and mash or puree it thoroughly before incorporating it into your wet ingredients.
Try It: Cinnamon Walnut Avocado Banana Bread
Looking for a delicious place to start? Try our Cinnamon Walnut Avocado Banana Bread, a new spin on classic banana bread featuring fresh avocado.
Avocado and extra-ripe bananas are blended with applesauce, vanilla and eggs before being combined with whole wheat and all-purpose flours, cinnamon and chopped walnuts.
The result is a moist, tender loaf with warm cinnamon and crunchy walnuts that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack or an afternoon treat. Each slice provides 5 grams of fiber and 1.5 grams of saturated fat.
More Avocado Baking Ideas to Try
Once you discover avocado belongs in the mixing bowl, there are plenty of ways to experiment. For another seasonal favorite, try Pumpkin Chocolate Avocado Bread, made with pumpkin puree, avocado, cocoa and pumpkin pie spice. Or explore avocado in chocolate cupcakes, spice cakes, cookies and creamy frostings.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to put a fresh spin on a family favorite, there are plenty of delicious ways to bring avocado into your baking.
