Want to enjoy baked treats without all the refined sugar? Honey might be the perfect solution. It adds natural sweetness, antioxidants, and helps retain moisture, making your desserts soft, flavorful, and a touch healthier.
A few years ago, I decided to swap out refined sugar in my baking for natural alternatives like honey, maple syrup, agave, and coconut sugar. These options still satisfy a sweet craving while offering extra nutritional benefits and unique flavours.
Living in Vermont, it’s no surprise that honey is my go-to, enhancing recipes like Carrot Cake, Almond Flour Banana Bread, Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins, Almond Flour Chocolate Cupcakes, and Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies—all without refined sugar.
If you’re looking for natural, organic honey to elevate your desserts, you’re in the right place with honey and greens, your source for wholesome, flavorful ingredients that make every treat healthier and more delicious.
The Benefits of Baking with Honey
• A Healthier Sweetener – Honey offers natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars.
• Locks in Moisture – Its humectant qualities help keep cakes, muffins, and breads soft, tender, and fresh for longer.
• Nutrient-Rich – Beyond sweetness, honey provides trace vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that add a subtle health boost.
• Boosts Flavour – Honey enhances the taste of baked goods, giving them a warm, rich flavour that pairs well with many ingredients.
Baking Tips for Using Honey
• Watch the Browning – Honey caramelises faster than sugar, so keep an eye on your baked goods. If they brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Measure Easily – Lightly oil your measuring cup to help honey slide out smoothly without sticking.
• Warm if Needed – If honey is too thick to mix, gently warm it for easier incorporation.
• Adjust Substitutions – When replacing granulated sugar, use about ¾ cup of honey for every 1 cup of sugar, as honey is naturally sweeter.
• Experiment with Flavours – Different honeys carry unique tastes. Try cinnamon, matcha, or ginger-infused honey for a distinct twist—cinnamon for warm, cosy desserts, matcha for subtle earthy notes, and ginger for a spicy, vibrant flavour.
Easy Honey Treat Ideas
Granola Bars – Combine oats, nuts, dried fruits, and honey for a nutritious, on-the-go snack. Press the mixture firmly and either bake briefly or chill for no-bake bars. Using matcha-infused honey adds a gentle, earthy flavour.
Honey Lemon Tart – A bright and zesty tart featuring naturally sweet honey and tangy lemon curd. Top with a creamy Greek yoghurt whip and serve on a light, gluten-free crust for a refreshing dessert.
Lemon Lime Green Grape Sorbet – This refreshing sorbet combines lemon, lime, and green grapes, naturally sweetened with honey. Made in a blender with just four ingredients, it’s an effortless and perfect summer treat!
Honey Brownies – These rich, chewy brownies are naturally sweetened entirely with honey, giving each bite a subtle, warm sweetness and a perfectly fudgy texture.
Honey Banana Bread – This moist and flavorful banana bread is naturally sweetened with honey, making it an easy, delicious, and healthier alternative to traditional recipes.
Tahini Cookies – Delightfully chewy and packed with flavour, these cookies feature rich tahini and a coating of sesame seeds. Perfectly Paleo, grain-free, and dairy-free!
Honey Mug Cake – A quick and satisfying dessert made in minutes! This egg-free, dairy-free mug cake uses simple pantry ingredients and is naturally sweetened with honey—perfect for when you need a fast, delicious treat.
Simple Secret Ingredient Fudgesicles – A fun and easy summertime treat! Made with just five ingredients and naturally sweetened with honey, these fudgy popsicles are quick to whip up and perfect for cooling off.
Homemade Honey-Sweetened Cinnamon Marshmallows – Light, fluffy, and naturally sweetened with honey, these cinnamon marshmallows are easy to make in just 30 minutes. Perfect for enjoying on their own or melting into a cosy cup of hot chocolate!
Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies – Wholesome, tender, and packed with whole grains, these breakfast cookies are naturally sweetened with honey and applesauce—completely free of refined sugar!
Sweet Ending
Baking with honey isn’t just about sweetness—it’s a simple way to make your treats healthier, more flavorful, and naturally delicious. For the best results, grab some organic, natural honey from Honey & Greens. With a variety of flavors to explore, every recipe becomes a little adventure—and you’ll be supporting local beekeepers at the same time!
Which honey-sweetened treat are you excited to try first?
Reference:
Faber, C., 2022. 71 Refined Sugar Free Desserts (Naturally Sweetened) [Blog]. Life Around The Table. Available at: https://lifearoundthetable.ca/refined-sugar-free-desserts-naturally-sweetened/ [Accessed 17 October 2025].