🫒 Oils & Fats

Coconut Oil Substitute: for Baking, Cooking & More

Find the best coconut oil substitutes for baking, cooking, melting chocolate, and more. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect results every time.

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Quick Answer

The best coconut oil substitutes depend on your use case: Butter (1:1) for baking, Vegetable Oil (1:1) for cooking, Olive Oil (1:1) for sautéing, and Avocado Oil (1:1) for high-heat cooking. Each substitute works differently depending on temperature and application.

Best Substitutes

Butter

1:1

Butter is the most common substitute for coconut oil, especially in baking. It provides similar moisture and fat content, making it perfect for cookies, cakes, and pastries.

Best for:

bakingcookiescakespastrieswhen you want rich flavor

Butter has a different melting point than coconut oil, so baked goods may spread differently. Use room temperature butter for best results.

Vegetable Oil

1:1

Vegetable oil works well for most cooking applications and some baking. It has a neutral flavor and similar fat content to coconut oil.

Best for:

cookingsautéingfryingbrowniesmuffins

Vegetable oil is liquid at room temperature, so it won't provide the same structure as solid coconut oil in some recipes.

Olive Oil

1:1

Olive oil is excellent for cooking and some baking applications. It adds a distinct flavor and works well for Mediterranean-style dishes.

Best for:

sautéingroastingsalad dressingssome bakingMediterranean cooking

Extra virgin olive oil has a strong flavor that may not work in all recipes. Use light olive oil for more neutral taste.

Avocado Oil

1:1

Avocado oil is perfect for high-heat cooking and has a neutral flavor. It's rich in healthy fats and works well for frying and roasting.

Best for:

high-heat cookingfryingroastinggrillingwhen you want neutral flavor

Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-temperature cooking where coconut oil might burn.

Shortening

1:1

Shortening works well in baking applications where you need a solid fat. It provides similar structure to coconut oil in pastries and pie crusts.

Best for:

pie crustspastriesbiscuitswhen you need solid fatbaking

Shortening is hydrogenated and less healthy than coconut oil, but it provides excellent structure for baked goods.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For baking, use room temperature butter instead of melted coconut oil for better structure
  • 💡When substituting liquid oils for coconut oil in baking, reduce other liquids slightly
  • 💡For high-heat cooking, choose oils with high smoke points like avocado or grapeseed oil
  • 💡When melting chocolate, use a neutral oil like grapeseed or canola instead of coconut oil
  • 💡For granola, use melted butter or vegetable oil as coconut oil substitutes
  • 💡In soap making, substitute coconut oil with palm oil or lard for similar properties
  • 💡For skin care, use shea butter or cocoa butter as coconut oil alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute coconut oil for butter in baking?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for butter in most baking recipes using a 1:1 ratio. However, butter has a different melting point, so your baked goods may spread differently. For best results, use room temperature butter.

What's the best coconut oil substitute for melting chocolate?

For melting chocolate, use a neutral oil like grapeseed oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. These oils won't affect the chocolate's flavor and will help create a smooth, glossy finish.

Can I use olive oil instead of coconut oil?

Yes, olive oil can substitute for coconut oil in cooking and some baking applications. Use a 1:1 ratio, but be aware that olive oil has a distinct flavor that may not work in all recipes. Light olive oil has a more neutral taste.

What's the healthiest substitute for coconut oil?

Avocado oil is considered one of the healthiest substitutes for coconut oil. It's rich in monounsaturated fats, has a high smoke point, and has a neutral flavor. Other healthy options include olive oil and grapeseed oil.

Can I substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil in brownies?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil in brownies using a 1:1 ratio. The brownies may have a slightly different texture and flavor, but they should still turn out well. For best results, use melted coconut oil.

What can I use instead of coconut oil in granola?

For granola, you can use melted butter, vegetable oil, or olive oil as coconut oil substitutes. Use a 1:1 ratio and mix well with the dry ingredients before baking.

Summary

Find the best coconut oil substitutes for baking, cooking, melting chocolate, and more. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect results every time.