Out of butter? Look no further! Dive into our list of the best butter substitutes that will still keep your baked goods delicious!
Butter is a staple ingredient in baking, providing moisture, richness, flavor, and structure to various baked goods.
However, if you’re out of butter, looking to reduce fat content, or catering to dietary restrictions like veganism, you might be in need of an alternative.
Here are the best substitutes for butter in baking, ranked by their suitability and availability.
1. Margarine
Margarine is perhaps the most direct substitute for butter.
Made from vegetable oils, margarine can be used in nearly any baking recipe that requires butter. However, make sure to choose a margarine with a fat content similar to butter for the best results.
How to make it work: Use margarine in a 1:1 ratio to butter in your recipes.
2. Shortening
Shortening is another widely available butter substitute.
Shortening has a high fat content, making it a suitable replacement in recipes that require a lot of butter. Note, though, that shortening lacks the flavor of butter, so your baked goods may taste slightly different.
How to make it work: Replace butter with shortening at a 1:1 ratio, but consider adding a bit of extra flavoring, such as vanilla or almond extract, to compensate for the loss of butter’s flavor.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular butter substitute, especially for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
Coconut oil can provide a similar texture to butter in baked goods, although it does have a distinct flavor that might come through in your recipes. Choose refined coconut oil for a more neutral flavor.
How to make it work: Substitute coconut oil for butter in a 1:1 ratio.
4. Olive Oil
Olive oil can serve as a butter substitute in baking.
While olive oil is typically used in savory cooking, it can also work in baked goods, adding a unique flavor profile. However, it’s a liquid, so it’s best used in recipes that call for melted butter.
How to make it work: Replace butter with olive oil at a ratio of 3/4 cup of olive oil for every cup of butter.
5. Applesauce
Applesauce is an effective butter substitute for those looking to reduce the fat content in their baking.
Applesauce can add moisture to baked goods just like butter, although it may alter the texture slightly. Your baked goods might turn out denser due to the extra water content.
How to make it work: For every cup of butter, use 1/2 cup of applesauce and reduce other liquid ingredients in your recipe as needed.
6. Mashed Bananas
Mashed bananas can substitute for butter in your baking recipes.
Like applesauce, mashed bananas can add moisture and sweetness to your baked goods. They work particularly well in recipes like breads and muffins. Be aware, though, that your baked goods will have a banana flavor.
How to make it work: Substitute mashed bananas for butter in a 1:1 ratio, but consider reducing other sweeteners in your recipe due to the bananas’ natural sweetness.
7. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is another lower-fat alternative to butter.
While it doesn’t have the same fat content as butter, Greek yogurt can provide moisture and a slight tang to your baked goods. It’s best used in recipes like cakes and muffins.
How to make it work: For every cup of butter, use 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt.
8. Buttermilk
Buttermilk can be used as a butter substitute in certain recipes.
While buttermilk won’t provide the fat that butter does, it can offer a tangy flavor and tender texture to baked goods like biscuits and cakes.
How to make it work: Substitute 1 cup of buttermilk for every cup of butter, but remember to reduce other liquid ingredients in your recipe.
9. Avocado
Avocado can act as a healthy butter substitute.
With its high fat content, avocado can provide a similar richness to butter in baked goods. Note that it may give your baked goods a green hue and a slight avocado flavor.
How to make it work: Replace butter with avocado at a ratio of 1 cup of mashed avocado for every cup of butter.
10. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree can substitute for butter in your baking recipes.
Like other fruit purees, pumpkin puree can provide moisture to your baked goods, although it may affect the texture. It’s a great option for fall baking recipes.
How to make it work: For every cup of butter, use 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree.
11. Nut Butters
Nut butters, such as almond, cashew, or peanut butter, can be used as butter substitutes.
While they don’t provide the same texture as butter, nut butters can add a rich, nutty flavor to your baked goods. They work best in dense, moist recipes like brownies and cookies.
How to make it work: To substitute, use an equal amount of nut butter for butter.
12. Sour Cream
Sour cream can replace butter in some baking recipes.
Although it doesn’t have the same fat content as butter, sour cream can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor to your baked goods. It’s best used in recipes like cakes and muffins.
How to make it work: To substitute, use 3/4 cup of sour cream for every cup of butter.
13. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese can be used as a substitute for butter in certain recipes.
Cream cheese offers a creamy texture and tangy flavor that can work well in baked goods. Note that cream cheese is denser than butter, so it may alter the texture of your baked goods.
How to make it work: To substitute, use an equal amount of cream cheese for butter.
14. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese can serve as a butter substitute in your baking recipes.
While it doesn’t provide the fat that butter does, ricotta cheese can offer a creamy texture and slight sweetness to your baked goods. It works best in recipes like cakes and muffins.
How to make it work: To substitute, use an equal amount of ricotta cheese for butter.
15. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise might seem like an odd choice, but it can replace butter in certain baked goods.
Mayonnaise can add moisture and a tangy flavor to your baked goods. It’s best used in savory recipes or recipes where the flavor of butter isn’t crucial.
How to make it work: To substitute, use the same amount of mayonnaise as butter.
16. Tofu
Tofu can be used to substitute for butter in baking.
Silken tofu can add moisture to your baked goods without adding a lot of flavor, making it a good substitute in cakes and muffins. However, it won’t provide the same richness as butter.
How to make it work: To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio of pureed silken tofu for butter.
17. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil can serve as a butter substitute in certain recipes.
Like other oils, vegetable oil can add moisture to baked goods, but it won’t provide the same flavor or creaminess as butter. It’s best used in recipes that call for melted butter.
How to make it work: To substitute, use 3/4 cup of vegetable oil for every cup of butter.
18. Prune Puree
Prune puree is an effective, albeit less common, substitute for butter.
While it provides a unique flavor, prune puree can add moisture and natural sweetness to your baked goods. It’s especially good in chocolate-based recipes.
How to make it work: To substitute, use an equal amount of prune puree for butter.
19. Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone cheese can be used as a butter substitute in certain recipes.
Like other types of cheese, mascarpone can add creaminess and a slightly sweet, tangy flavor to your baked goods. It works well in desserts like cheesecakes and tiramisu.
How to make it work: For every cup of butter, use an equal amount of mascarpone cheese.
20. Soy Milk
Soy milk can serve as a substitute for butter in your baking recipes.
While it won’t provide the same richness as butter, soy milk can add moisture to your baked goods. It’s best used in recipes that require a liquid fat.
How to make it work: To substitute, use 1/2 cup of soy milk for every cup of butter and increase the amount of oil in the recipe to add fat.
21. Pureed Black Beans
Pureed black beans can replace butter in certain baked goods.
Although this substitute might seem unconventional, black beans can add moisture to your baked goods and are great for gluten-free baking. They work particularly well in brownie recipes.
How to make it work: To substitute, use an equal amount of pureed black beans for butter.
The Takeaways
Baking without butter doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
There are numerous alternatives available, each with their unique properties and flavors.
Margarine and shortening are closest to butter in terms of texture and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
However, for those looking for a healthier or plant-based alternative, options such as coconut oil, olive oil, applesauce, and mashed bananas are excellent choices.
Remember that each butter substitute will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to your baked goods.
It’s important to experiment and see what works best for your specific recipe.
Keep baking and have fun exploring these alternatives!
