Looking for a recipe makeover? Think of California Avocados as your go-to ingredient to add nutrients and flavor when cooking and baking. You may not immediately think of avocados as something to use in baking, but this versatile fruit is the perfect creamy substitute for butter, oil or cream for many sweet treats.

Health-conscious bakers can substitute avocado for many traditional baking ingredients, such as butter or shortening. Simply replace these ingredients with an equal amount of avocado (e.g., replace 1 cup of butter or shortening with 1 cup of mashed avocado) in any muffin, quick bread and even some brownie and cookie recipes.

By substituting avocado, you get the healthy benefits of the fruit and the nutritional value of baked goods may be increased with the fruit’s contribution of nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, along with heart-healthy “good fats” (poly and monounsaturated fats). Additionally, the overall calories in a recipe can be reduced by substituting avocado for a higher-calorie ingredient like butter.

And, when it comes to creamy potato or pasta salads, which often call for mayonnaise, substituting mashed avocado is a creative way to deliver delicious creaminess while reducing fat and calories. Compare it for yourself: A serving of mayonnaise is 1 tablespoon, which has 90 calories, 10g fat, 5g cholesterol and 90mg of sodium. A serving of avocado (⅓ of a medium avocado or 50g) has 80 calories, 8g fat, 0g cholesterol and 0mg sodium.

Using California Avocados as a fat substitute in baking and cooking is an easy as well as delicious and nutritious choice! Give it a try in these recipes from the California Avocado Commission:

• Avocado Banana Bread
• Butternut Squash Avocado Muffins
• Guacamole Potato Salad
• California Avocado Salmon Bean Salad

Ready to get cooking? Drop by our stores to pick up California Avocados today!