Bake a healthier pie

Tips for baking a healthier pie this holiday season.


Holiday pies are a tasty dessert, but they are also loaded with calories. Don’t skip it – perfect it with these simple substitutions. Amounts will vary based on your recipe. Use a food substation chart for the best results.

Apple pie

Apples are full of antioxidants and are a good source of fiber and potassium.

  • Instead of pie crust, consider an oatmeal crumble
  • Instead of refined white sugar, consider alternative sugar, such as coconut sugar
  • Instead of vegetable oil, consider coconut oil

Quick Tip: Add walnuts to your recipe for a healthy boost of omega-3 fatty acids.

Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin is a great source of beta-carotene, fiber and potassium.

  • Instead of eggs, consider egg whites (no yolks)
  • Instead of refined white sugar, consider honey
  • Instead of whole milk, consider unsweetened soy, almond or rice milk

Quick Tip: Up for a new spin on this classic? Try a pumpkin parfait topped with low-fat granola.

Pecan pie

Pecans are a good source of dietary fiber, protein, monounsaturated fat, vitamins and minerals.

  • Instead of white sugar, consider unrefined sugar such as sucanat (natural cane sugar) or muscovado (partially refined sugar)
  • Instead of corn syrup, consider maple syrup

Quick Tip: Cut the recipe’s sugar amount in half! You’ll get a healthier pie with a stronger pecan flavor.

Source: Sharp Health News


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