Olive Oil Substitute for Baking - Best Alternatives for Cakes, Brownies & More
Discover the best olive oil substitutes for baking cakes, brownies, cookies, and bread. Learn which oils work best for different baked goods and how to maintain texture and flavor.
Quick Answer
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.
Best Substitutes
Canola Oil
1:1Neutral-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:
Best overall substitute for baking - neutral flavor and similar texture to olive oil
Vegetable Oil
1:1A blend of neutral oils that provides the same moisture and texture as olive oil without any flavor interference. Perfect for recipes where you want the other ingredients to shine.
Best for:
Most similar to olive oil in baking properties with completely neutral flavor
Coconut Oil
1:1Solid 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:
Solid at room temperature - melt before using. Adds slight coconut flavor unless using refined
Avocado Oil
1:1Mild, 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:
Mild, buttery flavor that works well in rich baked goods like brownies and chocolate cakes
Grapeseed Oil
1:1Light, neutral oil with a high smoke point. Won't add any flavor to your baked goods and provides excellent moisture and texture.
Best for:
Neutral flavor and high smoke point make it excellent for all types of baking
Applesauce
3/4 cup applesauce = 1 cup olive oilA 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:
Reduces calories and fat while adding moisture. May make baked goods slightly denser
Cooking 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 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 3/4 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.
Summary
Find the best olive oil substitutes for baking cakes, brownies, cookies, and bread. Learn which oils work best for different baked goods and how to maintain perfect texture and flavor.