Out of Mayonnaise, one case
Mayonnaise substitutes for baking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Greek yogurt
Same amount as the mayonnaise
The best mayonnaise substitutes for baking are Greek yogurt (1:1 ratio), sour cream (1:1 ratio), or applesauce (1:1 ratio). Greek yogurt provides moisture and tangy flavor, while sour cream adds richness and tenderness to baked goods.
- Best for —
- cakes
One casethe full mayonnaise card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of mayonnaise |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greek yogurtcakes | Same amount |
| 2 | Sour creamcakes | Same amount |
| 3 | Applesaucecakes | Same amount |
| 4 | Vegetable oilcakes | Same amount |
| 5 | Mashed bananacakes | Same amount |
Greek yogurt
tangy and creamy
Plain Greek yogurt provides moisture, tangy flavor, and helps create tender baked goods. It's lower in fat than mayonnaise but adds similar moisture content.
- Best for
- cakes, muffins, quick breads, when you want tangy flavor
- Texture
- adds moisture and tenderness
Use plain Greek yogurt for best results. It adds moisture and helps create tender texture. Works well in most baking recipes.
Sour cream
tangy and rich
Sour cream provides richness, moisture, and helps create tender, moist baked goods. It has similar fat content to mayonnaise and works well in most recipes.
- Best for
- cakes, cookies, muffins, when you want richness
- Texture
- adds moisture and richness
Use full-fat sour cream for best results. It adds richness and helps create moist, tender texture. Works well in most baking recipes.
Applesauce
sweet and fruity
Unsweetened applesauce provides moisture and natural sweetness while being lower in fat. It works well in many baking recipes and adds a subtle apple flavor.
- Best for
- cakes, muffins, quick breads, when you want lower fat
- Texture
- adds moisture
Use unsweetened applesauce for best results. It adds moisture and natural sweetness. May add subtle apple flavor to baked goods.
Vegetable oil
neutral taste · adds moisture and fat
Vegetable oil provides moisture and fat content similar to mayonnaise. It's a simple substitute that works well in most baking recipes.
- Best for
- cakes, cookies, muffins, when you want simple substitute
Use neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil. It provides moisture and fat content. Works well in most baking recipes.
Mashed banana
sweet and fruity
Ripe mashed banana provides moisture, natural sweetness, and binding properties. It works well in many baking recipes and adds a subtle banana flavor.
- Best for
- cakes, muffins, quick breads, when you want natural sweetness
- Texture
- adds moisture and binding
Use very ripe bananas for best results. It adds moisture and natural sweetness. May add subtle banana flavor to baked goods.
How it behaves in this recipe
In baking, mayonnaise serves as a source of fat and moisture that helps create tender, moist baked goods. The best substitutes work because they provide similar fat content and moisture while adding complementary flavors that enhance the overall baked product.
Tips for substituting mayonnaise
7 tips- Greek yogurt is the most popular choice for baking as it provides moisture and tangy flavor
- Sour cream works well when you want richness and tenderness in baked goods
- Applesauce is great for lower-fat baking while maintaining moisture
- For best results, use room temperature substitutes when mixing with other ingredients
- Adjust sugar content when using sweet substitutes like applesauce or banana
- Test your substitute in a small batch first to ensure proper texture and flavor
- For extra moisture, you can mix Greek yogurt with a small amount of oil
Notes on mayonnaise
- For moisture and tangy flavor, use Greek yogurt
- For richness and tenderness, use sour cream
- For lower-fat baking, use applesauce or mashed banana
- For simple substitution, use vegetable oil
- For natural sweetness, use applesauce or mashed banana
Questions
5 questionsCan I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in baking?
Yes, Greek yogurt works great as a mayonnaise substitute in baking! It provides moisture and tangy flavor while being lower in fat. Use a 1:1 ratio and it works well in most baking recipes.
What's the best mayonnaise substitute for cake baking?
For cake baking, Greek yogurt or sour cream are the best mayonnaise substitutes. They provide moisture and help create tender, moist cakes. Use a 1:1 ratio and choose based on your flavor preference.
Can I use applesauce instead of mayonnaise in baking?
Yes, applesauce can work as a mayonnaise substitute in baking, especially for lower-fat recipes. It provides moisture and natural sweetness. Use a 1:1 ratio and consider reducing sugar in your recipe.
How do I substitute mayonnaise in cookie recipes?
For cookie recipes, use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or vegetable oil as mayonnaise substitutes. Use a 1:1 ratio and choose based on your desired texture and flavor. Greek yogurt works well for chewy cookies.
Is sour cream a good substitute for mayonnaise in baking?
Yes, sour cream is an excellent substitute for mayonnaise in baking. It provides similar fat content and moisture while adding tangy flavor. It works well in cakes, muffins, and quick breads.