Out of Coconut oil, one case
Coconut oil substitute for baking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Butter
Same amount as the coconut oil
For baking, the best coconut oil substitutes are Butter (1:1), Vegetable Oil (1:1), and Shortening (1:1). Butter provides the best flavor and structure, while vegetable oil works well for moist baked goods like muffins and brownies.
- Best for —
- cookies
One casethe full coconut oil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of coconut oil |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buttercookies | Same amount |
| 2 | Vegetable oilmuffins | Same amount |
| 3 | Shorteningpie crusts | Same amountTweak it |
| 4 | Applesaucemuffins | ¾ × the amount |
| 5 | Greek yogurtmuffins | Same amount |
Butter
richer · similar texture
Butter is the most popular substitute for coconut oil in baking. It provides excellent flavor, moisture, and structure for cookies, cakes, and pastries.
- Best for
- cookies, cakes, muffins, brownies, pastries, pie crusts
Use room temperature butter for best results. Baked goods may spread slightly differently than with coconut oil.
Vegetable oil
neutral taste, moister texture
Vegetable oil works well for moist baked goods like muffins, brownies, and quick breads. It provides moisture without affecting flavor.
- Best for
- muffins, brownies, quick breads, sheet cakes, when you want moist texture
Since it's liquid at room temperature, it won't provide the same structure as solid coconut oil in some recipes.
Shortening
neutral taste, similar texture
Shortening provides similar structure to coconut oil in baking. It's excellent for pie crusts, biscuits, and pastries where you need a solid fat.
- Best for
- pie crusts, biscuits, pastries, when you need solid fat, flaky textures
Shortening is less healthy than coconut oil but provides excellent structure and flakiness in baked goods.
Applesauce
slightly sweet
Applesauce can replace coconut oil in some baking recipes, especially muffins and quick breads. It reduces fat content while adding moisture.
- Best for
- muffins, quick breads, low-fat baking, when reducing fat content
- Texture
- moister
Use ¾ cup applesauce for every 1 cup coconut oil. This substitution works best in moist baked goods.
Greek yogurt
slightly tangy
Greek yogurt can substitute for coconut oil in some baking recipes, adding moisture and protein while reducing fat content.
- Best for
- muffins, quick breads, some cakes, when adding protein
- Texture
- moister
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best results. This substitution works well in moist baked goods but may not work in all recipes.
How it behaves in this recipe
In baking, coconut oil serves as both a fat and moisture source. The best substitutes depend on the type of baked good and desired texture. Solid fats like butter work best for structured items like cookies and pie crusts, while liquid oils work well for moist baked goods.
Tips for substituting coconut oil
7 tips- For cookies, use room temperature butter instead of melted coconut oil for better structure
- When using liquid oils, you may need to reduce other liquids in the recipe slightly
- For pie crusts, use cold butter or shortening and work quickly to maintain flakiness
- For muffins and quick breads, liquid oils work well and create a tender crumb
- For brownies, both butter and vegetable oil work well - butter adds richness, oil adds moisture
- When substituting applesauce, reduce sugar slightly as it adds natural sweetness
- For best results, always use room temperature ingredients when possible
Notes on coconut oil
- For vegan baking, use vegan butter or margarine instead of coconut oil
- For gluten-free baking, ensure your substitute is also gluten-free
- For keto baking, use ghee or MCT oil as coconut oil substitutes
- For low-fat baking, use applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce fat content
- For nut-free baking, avoid nut-based oils and butters
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute butter for coconut oil in baking?
Yes, butter is an excellent substitute for coconut oil in baking. Use a 1:1 ratio and make sure to use room temperature butter for best results. Your baked goods may have a slightly different texture and flavor.
What's the best coconut oil substitute for cookies?
Butter is the best substitute for coconut oil in cookies. It provides similar structure and adds rich flavor. Use room temperature butter and cream it with sugar for the best cookie texture.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of coconut oil in muffins?
Yes, vegetable oil works well in muffins as a coconut oil substitute. Use a 1:1 ratio. The muffins will be moist and tender, though they may have a slightly different texture than with coconut oil.
How do I substitute coconut oil in brownies?
For brownies, you can use either butter or vegetable oil as coconut oil substitutes. Butter adds richness and fudgy texture, while vegetable oil creates a more cake-like texture. Use a 1:1 ratio for both.
Can I use applesauce instead of coconut oil in baking?
Yes, applesauce can substitute for coconut oil in some baking recipes, especially muffins and quick breads. Use ¾ cup applesauce for every 1 cup coconut oil. This works best in moist baked goods.