🫒 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

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.