How Do You Use Xylitol In Cakes?

In the case of cakes, an important aspect is a sweet taste, which is usually achieved by using sugar. The good news is that sugar can be replaced with xylitol. In this way, those who do not want to consume sugar can enjoy the delicious flavors of the cake.

But how should you use xylitol in pastry making? The purpose of this article is to explain to you how xylitol can be used to substitute sugar in baking.

You can use xylitol in cakes in the same way as you use simple sugar. Since the sweetness of xylitol is the same as that of sugar, you can substitute it for sugar in recipes in a 1:1 ratio. Xylitol looks and tastes like white sugar. Unlike other sweeteners, it has no unpleasant aftertaste.

However, xylitol differs from sugar in two ways: 
• The first difference is that it cannot caramelize, so it is not suitable for recipes that require caramel. 
• The second difference is that xylitol does not promote yeast fermentation like sugar does. In the case of yeast doughs, it can only provide a sweet taste.

• When making sponge cakes, you can beat the eggs with xylitol in the same way as if you were working with sugar.

• You can add xylitol to cooked frostings and other cake fillings.

• You can whip butter with xylitol and use it to flavor whipped cream.

• Syrup made from xylitol and water is suitable for sprinkling the sponge during the cake assembly.

• You can also make all kinds of fruit jams using xylitol to fill cakes and cookies, the possibilities are almost endless.

Talking of sugar alternatives, you may also wish to read my article on why some sugar substitutes cause an unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth.

How do you make confectioner sugar from xylitol?

Xylitol is produced in granulated form, similar to white granulated sugar. However, many cakes and cookie recipes call for powdered sugar. What can we do in this case? Can you grind xylitol into powder?

You can easily make powdered xylitol. Using a coffee grinder or blender, grind the xylitol until it becomes a powder. Keep the powdered xylitol in a well-sealed container so it does not absorb moisture from the environment.

Can you bake cookies with xylitol?

You can bake cookies with xylitol, I often make them this way. Their taste and texture are just as good as sugar cookies.

You can grind the cookies and mix them with butter to make the base of the cheesecake.

Does xylitol dissolve like sugar?

Yes, xylitol dissolves in liquid just like sugar.

Due to this property, it can be used to flavor all kinds of beverages, such as tea, cocoa, or coffee. You can also cook compotes and fruit sauces with xylitol. You can also use it to make milk-based ice cream or water-based fruit sorbets.

Is it safe to bake with xylitol?

Xylitol is completely safe to use in baking. It behaves in the same way as sugar in sponge cakes, pies, and cookie doughs. It will not adversely affect the quality of your cakes, cookies, and pies.

However, if you have concerns about its effects on health, I would like to point out that it is considered a safe, internationally approved sweetener.

Research shows that due to its antibacterial effect, xylitol inhibits the development of the bacteria responsible for dental caries. It is therefore used as a sweetener in the production of sugar-free chewing gums. Due to its antibacterial effect, it also protects the respiratory tract from infections, but at the same time does not harm gut bacteria.

Xylitol can also be well integrated into many weight loss diets, as it contains 40% fewer calories than sugar.

What is xylitol made from?

Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, belongs to the group of sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols occur in small quantities naturally in plants, including in birch, from which it was first extracted.

Xylitol is mostly made from corn, as it is more economical than extracting it from trees. It can also be produced using corn stover, wheat straw, and bran. It is worth paying attention to choosing xylitol made from organically grown corn, which is GMO-free.

Can diabetics eat xylitol?

Diabetics can eat xylitol in moderate amounts, as it does not raise blood sugar quickly. Its glycemic index is only 7, which is considered low. Xylitol is poorly absorbed from our intestinal tract, and our body does not need insulin to metabolize it.

How much xylitol can I take a day?

The recommended daily intake of xylitol is 50 g according to the European Scientific Committee on Food. Consumed in larger quantities, it may cause mild negative effects in some people.

What are the negative effects of xylitol?

The negative effects of xylitol only occur when consuming large amounts. It mostly causes diarrhea or bloating as we cannot digest it completely.

Xylitol is dangerous for dogs because it causes hypoglycemia. For our four-legged pets, consuming even a small amount is deadly. Dog owners should pay attention to this and keep xylitol away from their pets.

Final thoughts

So, xylitol can be used to bake cakes, which do not differ in taste and texture from those made with sugar. Since it is just as sweet as sugar, you need the same amount of it in cakes as if you were using sugar. However, since xylitol cannot caramelize, it is not suitable for making caramel.

The use of xylitol is safe in moderate amounts, and its consumption can even be beneficial for our health.