🫒 Oils & Fats

Coconut Oil Substitute for Baking: Ratios Guide

Find the best coconut oil substitutes for baking cookies, cakes, muffins, and more. Learn proper ratios and techniques for perfect baked goods every time.

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Quick Answer

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 Substitutes

Butter

1:1

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:

cookiescakesmuffinsbrowniespastriespie crusts

Use room temperature butter for best results. Baked goods may spread slightly differently than with coconut oil.

Vegetable Oil

1:1

Vegetable oil works well for moist baked goods like muffins, brownies, and quick breads. It provides moisture without affecting flavor.

Best for:

muffinsbrowniesquick breadssheet cakeswhen 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

1:1

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 crustsbiscuitspastrieswhen you need solid fatflaky textures

Shortening is less healthy than coconut oil but provides excellent structure and flakiness in baked goods.

Applesauce

3/4:1

Applesauce can replace coconut oil in some baking recipes, especially muffins and quick breads. It reduces fat content while adding moisture.

Best for:

muffinsquick breadslow-fat bakingwhen reducing fat content

Use 3/4 cup applesauce for every 1 cup coconut oil. This substitution works best in moist baked goods.

Greek Yogurt

1:1

Greek yogurt can substitute for coconut oil in some baking recipes, adding moisture and protein while reducing fat content.

Best for:

muffinsquick breadssome cakeswhen adding protein

Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best results. This substitution works well in moist baked goods but may not work in all recipes.

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 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 3/4 cup applesauce for every 1 cup coconut oil. This works best in moist baked goods.

Summary

Find the best coconut oil substitutes for baking cookies, cakes, muffins, and more. Learn proper ratios and techniques for perfect baked goods every time.