Out of Olive oil, one case
Olive oil substitute for baking
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Canola oil
Same amount as the olive oil
The best olive oil substitutes for baking are canola oil, vegetable oil, and coconut oil. Use neutral oils like canola or vegetable for most recipes, and coconut oil for vegan baking. Avoid strong-flavored oils that could overpower your baked goods.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- neutral taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- cakes
One casethe full olive oil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of olive oil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canola oilcakes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Vegetable oilcakes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Coconut oilvegan baking | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 4 | Avocado oilbrownies | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 5 | Grapeseed oilcakes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Applesaucemuffins | ¾ cup applesauce per 1 cup olive oil | No verdict on record |
Canola oil
neutral taste, similar texture
Neutral-flavored oil that won't interfere with your recipe's taste. Has a similar texture and moisture content to olive oil, making it the most reliable substitute for most baked goods.
- Best for
- cakes, brownies, cookies, muffins, quick breads
Best overall substitute for baking - neutral flavor and similar texture to olive oil.
Vegetable oil
neutral taste, similar texture
A blend of neutral oils that provides the same moisture and texture as olive oil without any flavor interference. Good for recipes where you want the other ingredients to shine.
- Best for
- cakes, brownies, cookies, muffins, pancakes
Most similar to olive oil in baking properties with completely neutral flavor.
Coconut oil
neutral (refined) or slight coconut (unrefined) · similar texture
Solid at room temperature, so melt it before measuring. Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor, while unrefined adds a subtle coconut taste that works well in certain desserts.
- Best for
- vegan baking, cookies, brownies, tropical-flavored desserts
Solid at room temperature - melt before using. Adds slight coconut flavor unless using refined.
Avocado oil
mild, buttery · similar texture
Mild, buttery oil that adds a subtle richness to baked goods. Works particularly well in chocolate recipes and rich desserts where the slight flavor enhancement is welcome.
- Best for
- brownies, chocolate cakes, rich desserts, muffins
Mild, buttery flavor that works well in rich baked goods like brownies and chocolate cakes.
Grapeseed oil
neutral taste, similar texture
Light, neutral oil with a high smoke point. Won't add any flavor to your baked goods and provides excellent moisture and texture.
- Best for
- cakes, cookies, muffins, bread, general baking
Neutral flavor and high smoke point make it excellent for all types of baking.
Applesauce
slight apple sweetness
A healthy alternative that reduces calories and fat content. Works best in moist baked goods like muffins and quick breads. May result in slightly denser texture.
- Best for
- muffins, quick breads, some cakes, low-fat baking
- Texture
- slightly denser
Reduces calories and fat while adding moisture. May make baked goods slightly denser.
How it behaves in this recipe
Baking requires oils that provide moisture and texture without interfering with the recipe's intended flavor. Neutral oils work best for most applications, while specialty oils like coconut oil are good for vegan baking. The key is maintaining the right moisture content and texture while avoiding strong flavors that could overpower your baked goods.
Tips for substituting olive oil
7 tips- For most baking recipes, use neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil to avoid flavor interference
- When using coconut oil, melt it first and let it cool slightly before adding to other ingredients
- For chocolate recipes, avocado oil's mild buttery flavor can enhance the richness
- If substituting applesauce, reduce other liquids slightly to compensate for the added moisture
- For recipes that specifically call for extra virgin olive oil, consider using a light olive oil instead to reduce the strong flavor
- When baking bread, canola or vegetable oil work best as they won't interfere with the yeast or gluten development
- For vegan baking, coconut oil is often the best choice as it solidifies at room temperature like butter
Notes on olive oil
- Mashed banana can replace olive oil in some recipes (use ½ cup mashed banana for 1 cup oil)
- Greek yogurt works well in some moist baked goods (use ¾ cup yogurt for 1 cup oil)
- Pumpkin puree can replace olive oil in fall baking recipes
- Butter can substitute for olive oil in many recipes, though it will change the texture slightly
- For low-fat options, consider using cooking spray or reducing the oil amount and increasing other moist ingredients
Questions
6 questionsCan I substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in brownies?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in brownies, but use light olive oil to minimize the olive flavor. The texture will be similar, though you may notice a slight flavor difference. Canola oil or vegetable oil would be better neutral substitutes.
What's the best substitute for olive oil in cake recipes?
Canola oil or vegetable oil are the best substitutes for olive oil in cake recipes. They provide the same moisture and texture without adding any unwanted flavors that could interfere with your cake's taste.
Can I use coconut oil instead of olive oil in baking?
Yes, coconut oil works well as an olive oil substitute in baking. Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor, or unrefined if you want a subtle coconut taste. Remember to melt it first since it's solid at room temperature.
How much applesauce should I use to replace olive oil?
Use ¾ cup applesauce for every 1 cup of olive oil. This substitution works best in moist baked goods like muffins and quick breads, and may result in a slightly denser texture.
Can I substitute avocado oil for olive oil in cookies?
Yes, avocado oil can substitute for olive oil in cookies. It has a mild, buttery flavor that can actually enhance certain cookie recipes, especially chocolate or rich-flavored varieties.
What oil should I use for bread baking instead of olive oil?
Canola oil or vegetable oil are the best substitutes for olive oil in bread baking. They won't interfere with yeast activity or gluten development, and they provide the same moisture and texture benefits.