Are you interested in baking with Stevia?

First off, stevia is a natural, non-nutritive sweetener extracted from the leaf of the stevia plant. More than 200 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia is essentially calorie- and carb-free.

Stevia-based sweeteners shouldn’t be used to replace sugar cup for cup in your favorite recipes. Most bakers agree that for the best results you should leave at least 1/4 cup of sugar in the recipe to help with browning and provide texture. You likely will need to use a lower baking temperature and increase the baking time.

Healthine states, ” Stevia may help manage your weight and blood sugar levels, and animal studies show that it may improve heart disease risk factors. However, it’s an intense sweetener that could negatively affect your health.” (READ MORE)

The Basic Substitution for baking with Stevia: Substitute 1 cup of sugar for 18 to 24 stevia sweetener packets, 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon of undiluted stevia powder or 1 teaspoon of a liquid stevia extract. Experts recommend that you choose the amount of stevia based on how sweet you wish your baked goods to be.

Instead of a Mounds Bar, try these Chocolate Covered Katie’s No Bake Coconut Fudge Bars made with a liquid sweetener (maple syrup, agave, etc.) or with stevia. If you choose to use stevia for this recipe, Katie recommends that you add 1/4 cup additional coconut oil to make up the liquid difference.

“With smooth dark chocolate between layers of coconut, it’s like an inside-out Mounds bar!”

Divabetic’s June 2020 podcast is in solidarity with and dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice. We are making time to reflect, share our feelings, listen and identify ways in which to fight for real and meaningful change. Guests include Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Leisa Chester Weir, and Jeff James.