Out of Vegetable oil, one case
Vegetable oil substitute for baking
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Canola oil
Same amount as the vegetable oil
The best vegetable oil substitutes for baking are canola oil (1:1), light olive oil (1:1), coconut oil (1:1), and applesauce (½ cup per 1 cup oil). Choose based on your recipe and desired flavor profile.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cakes
One casethe full vegetable oil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of vegetable oil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canola oilcakes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Light olive oilcakes | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 3 | Coconut oilcakes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Applesaucecakes | ½ cup per 1 cup oilTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Melted buttercakes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Avocado oilcakes | Same amountWorks | Works |
Canola oil
similar taste and texture
Canola oil is the closest substitute to vegetable oil for baking. It has a neutral flavor, similar smoke point, and provides the same moisture and texture to baked goods.
- Best for
- cakes, muffins, quick breads, cookies, all baking
Most similar to vegetable oil in baking. Neutral flavor, same texture and moisture content.
Light olive oil
slightly different · similar texture
Light olive oil works well in baking and adds a subtle fruity note. Avoid extra virgin olive oil as it can overpower delicate baked goods.
- Best for
- cakes, muffins, quick breads, Mediterranean-style baking
Use light olive oil, not extra virgin, to avoid strong flavor in baked goods.
Coconut oil
enhanced taste, similar texture
Coconut oil is excellent for baking, especially vegan recipes. It adds a subtle coconut flavor and creates tender, moist baked goods.
- Best for
- cakes, muffins, cookies, vegan baking, tropical recipes
Melt before measuring. Adds subtle coconut flavor. Solid at room temperature.
Applesauce
enhanced taste, different texture
Applesauce is a healthy, low-fat substitute that adds natural sweetness and moisture. Good for reducing calories while maintaining texture.
- Best for
- cakes, muffins, quick breads, low-fat baking
Use unsweetened applesauce. May make baked goods denser and slightly sweeter.
Melted butter
enhanced taste and texture
Melted butter adds richness and flavor to baked goods. It creates a more tender crumb and golden color compared to oil.
- Best for
- cakes, muffins, cookies, rich baked goods
Melt and cool slightly before using. Adds rich flavor and golden color.
Avocado oil
similar taste and texture
Avocado oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it excellent for all types of baking without affecting taste.
- Best for
- cakes, muffins, cookies, all baking
Neutral flavor, high smoke point. Great for all baking applications.
How it behaves in this recipe
Baking requires oils that can withstand moderate heat and provide moisture without affecting the chemical reactions that make baked goods rise and set properly. The best substitutes maintain similar fat content and don't interfere with gluten development or leavening agents.
Tips for substituting vegetable oil
10 tips- For neutral flavor: Use canola oil or avocado oil
- For added richness: Use melted butter or coconut oil
- For healthy baking: Use applesauce (reduce amount by half)
- For vegan recipes: Coconut oil or avocado oil work best
- For Mediterranean flavors: Light olive oil adds subtle fruitiness
- Always melt solid fats (butter, coconut oil) before measuring
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results
- Don't overmix batter when using oil substitutes
- For cookies, oil substitutes may affect spread - adjust baking time
- For cakes, oil substitutes generally work well without adjustments
Notes on vegetable oil
- Greek yogurt (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for added protein and tang
- Mashed banana (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for natural sweetness
- Pumpkin puree (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for seasonal baking
- Sour cream (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for extra moistness
- Buttermilk (reduce other liquids) for tender crumb
Questions
5 questionsCan I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil in baking?
Yes, but use light olive oil, not extra virgin. Light olive oil has a neutral flavor that won't overpower your baked goods, while extra virgin olive oil has a strong flavor that can be too intense for most baking recipes.
What's the best oil substitute for baking brownies?
Canola oil or melted butter work best for brownies. Canola oil maintains the fudgy texture, while melted butter adds richness and a slightly chewier texture. Avoid olive oil as it can make brownies taste bitter.
Can I use applesauce instead of oil in all baking recipes?
Applesauce works well in cakes, muffins, and quick breads, but use half the amount (½ cup applesauce per 1 cup oil). It may not work as well in cookies or recipes that need the oil for structure.
Does coconut oil work in all baking recipes?
Coconut oil works in most baking recipes, but it adds a subtle coconut flavor. It's especially good in tropical recipes, chocolate desserts, and vegan baking. Make sure to melt it before measuring.
What oil substitute is best for cake mix?
Canola oil or light olive oil work best with cake mixes. They provide the same moisture and texture as vegetable oil without affecting the flavor profile of the mix.