What's the Best Substitute for Butter?
Whether you're out of Butter or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Rich, creamy dairy product made from churned cream, used for cooking, baking, and spreading In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for butter are oil, margarine, applesauce, Greek yogurt, or plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter.
Best Substitutes for Butter
Vegetable Oil
Ratio
1 cup butter = 3/4 cup oil
Best For
- cakes
- muffins
- quick breads
- cookies
Description
Neutral-flavored oil works well in most baking recipes
Reduce liquid by 2-3 tablespoons per cup of oil used
Margarine
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- spreading
- cooking
Description
Plant-based spread with similar fat content to butter
Choose stick margarine for baking, not tub varieties
Applesauce
Ratio
1 cup butter = 1/2 cup applesauce
Best For
- muffins
- quick breads
- cakes
Description
Natural sweetener that adds moisture and reduces fat
Best for recipes where some sweetness is acceptable
Greek Yogurt
Ratio
1 cup butter = 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Best For
- muffins
- cakes
- quick breads
Description
Creamy dairy product that adds protein and moisture
Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
Coconut Oil
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- cooking
- vegan recipes
Description
Solid at room temperature, works well in baking
May impart slight coconut flavor
Vegan Butter
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- baking
- spreading
- cooking
Description
Plant-based butter alternative made from oils
Choose brands specifically formulated for baking
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Butter, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Choose your substitute based on the recipe's requirements
For creaming method (cakes, cookies): use room temperature butter, margarine, or vegan butter
For flaky pastries: use cold butter or cold coconut oil
For moist baked goods: applesauce or Greek yogurt work well
For high-heat cooking: use oils with high smoke points
For spreading: margarine, vegan butter, or coconut oil work best
When using oil instead of butter, reduce other liquids by 2-3 tablespoons per cup
Coconut oil solidifies at room temperature, making it ideal for pie crusts
Applesauce adds sweetness and moisture but makes baked goods denser
Greek yogurt adds protein and tanginess to baked goods
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications
Frequently Asked Questions
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