Baking sugar free: how does it work?

It's no secret: sugar is dangerous. It contains many calories but few nutrients and, if consumed in excess, can lead to obesity, diabetes, dental problems and many other secondary diseases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that adults should not consume more than 25 grams of added sugar per day, which is equivalent to about six teaspoons.

So now we come to the question: Baking without sugar - is it possible? 

Baking without sugar can be challenging as sugar plays an important role in baking to create volume, texture and flavour. However, there are alternatives to conventional sugar that can be used to create healthier baked goods. Here we have some options:

Natural sweeteners: for example, fruit purees such as bananas or apples, date paste, maple syrup or honey can be used to sweeten the dough. These natural sweeteners also have extra nutrients and fibre, compared to conventional sugar.

Sugar substitutes: There are also different types of sugar substitutes that can be used for baking, such as stevia, erythritol, xylitol or sucralose. These tend to have fewer calories and affect blood sugar levels less than sugar, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully as they often need to be dosed differently.

Spices: Using spices such as cinnamon, vanilla or cardamom can add a natural sweetness to the batter without having to add extra sugar.

Yes it is possible: baking without sugar is definitely possible. However, it is important to note that substituting sugar can affect the taste, texture and baking time of baked goods. It often requires a bit of experimentation and adjusting recipes to achieve the desired result. Also, people with certain health conditions such as diabetes who are concerned about the use of sugar in their food should consult their doctor or nutritionist before making any changes to their diet.

Whatever you want to try without sugar, we recommend our baking paper blanks in both the round and square shapes to help you get the best results. Especially if you're working with sugar alternatives for the first time, take a relatively simple recipe, such as a sponge cake, and try the changed consistency and structure of the dough with our XXL baking cups. They keep their shape even after baking and the baked dough is easy to release. Try it out!