Out of Margarine, one case
Margarine substitute for baking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Butter
Same amount as the margarine
The best margarine substitutes for baking are butter, vegetable shortening, coconut oil, and vegan butter. Use 1:1 ratio for most recipes, but adjust liquid ingredients as needed.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cookies
One casethe full margarine card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of margarine | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buttercookies | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Vegetable shorteningpie crusts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Coconut oilcookies | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Vegan buttercookies | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Applesaucemuffins | ½ cup applesauce per 1 cup margarineYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Butter
enhanced taste, similar texture
Dairy butter provides similar fat content and melting properties to margarine, making it the most direct substitute for baking.
- Best for
- cookies, cakes, pie crusts, muffins, quick breads
Butter has slightly less water content than margarine, so your baked goods may be slightly more tender and flavorful.
Vegetable shortening
similar taste, enhanced texture
Solid fat made from vegetable oils, very similar to margarine in texture and melting properties. Excellent for flaky pie crusts and tender cookies.
- Best for
- pie crusts, cookies, frosting, biscuits, pastry
Creates flakier textures than margarine. Use in recipes where you want a tender, flaky result.
Coconut oil
different taste, similar texture
Solid at room temperature, coconut oil works well in most baking recipes and adds a subtle tropical flavor.
- Best for
- cookies, muffins, quick breads, vegan baking, cakes
Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor, or unrefined for a subtle coconut taste. Solidifies when cold.
Vegan butter
similar taste and texture
Plant-based butter alternatives specifically formulated for baking, providing similar texture and performance to margarine.
- Best for
- cookies, cakes, frosting, vegan baking, all-purpose baking
Choose brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko's that are specifically designed for baking. Check the label for baking suitability.
Applesauce
different taste and texture
Natural sweetener that adds moisture while reducing fat content. Great for healthier baking options.
- Best for
- muffins, quick breads, cakes, brownies, healthy baking
Best for recipes where some sweetness is acceptable. May make baked goods more dense and moist.
How it behaves in this recipe
Baking requires precise fat ratios for proper texture and structure. Margarine's unique water content and melting properties make it ideal for many baked goods. When substituting, consider the recipe's creaming method, desired texture, and flavor profile to choose the best alternative.
Tips for substituting margarine
10 tips- For best results, use stick margarine rather than tub varieties when baking
- If using butter as a substitute, your baked goods may brown more quickly due to the milk solids
- When substituting with oil, reduce other liquid ingredients by 2-3 tablespoons per cup of oil used
- For flaky pie crusts, use vegetable shortening or a combination of butter and shortening
- Coconut oil works best in recipes that benefit from a slight tropical flavor
- Always bring substitutes to room temperature before creaming with sugar
- For vegan baking, choose plant-based butters specifically formulated for baking
- When using applesauce, expect a denser, more moist texture in your baked goods
- Test your substitute in a small batch first to ensure the texture and flavor meet your expectations
- Store homemade baked goods properly as different fats have different shelf lives
Notes on margarine
- For flaky pastries, use a combination of butter and shortening
- For healthier options, replace half the margarine with applesauce or Greek yogurt
- For vegan baking, use plant-based butters specifically formulated for baking
- For tropical flavors, use coconut oil in appropriate recipes
- For neutral flavor, use vegetable shortening or refined coconut oil
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute butter for margarine in all baking recipes?
Yes, butter can be substituted for margarine in most baking recipes using a 1:1 ratio. However, butter has less water content than margarine, so your baked goods may be slightly more tender and flavorful. Some recipes may need slight adjustments to liquid ingredients.
What's the best margarine substitute for cookies?
Butter is the best substitute for margarine in cookies as it provides similar texture and flavor. Vegetable shortening also works well and can create slightly more tender cookies. For vegan options, use a plant-based butter specifically designed for baking.
Can I use oil instead of margarine in baking?
Yes, you can use oil as a margarine substitute in baking, but you'll need to reduce other liquid ingredients by 2-3 tablespoons per cup of oil used. Oil works best in muffins, quick breads, and some cake recipes. It won't work well in recipes that require creaming butter and sugar together.
Why do some recipes specifically call for margarine?
Recipes may call for margarine because it has a higher water content than butter, which can affect the texture of baked goods. Margarine also has a more neutral flavor and is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for certain dietary restrictions. Some bakers prefer margarine for its consistent performance and longer shelf life.
Can I substitute margarine for shortening in baking?
Yes, margarine can often be substituted for shortening in baking using a 1:1 ratio. However, shortening creates flakier textures, so your results may be slightly different. For pie crusts and pastries where flakiness is important, shortening is usually preferred over margarine.