🫒 Oils & Fats

Vegetable Oil Substitute for Brownies - Best Alternatives for Fudgy & Cakey Brownies

Discover the best vegetable oil substitutes for brownies. Learn which alternatives work best for fudgy, cakey, and chewy brownies with proper ratios and tips.

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Quick Answer

The best vegetable oil substitutes for brownies are melted butter (1:1), canola oil (1:1), and coconut oil (1:1). Melted butter creates chewier brownies, while oils maintain the fudgy texture. Avoid olive oil as it can make brownies taste bitter.

Best Substitutes

Melted Butter

1:1

Melted butter is the most popular substitute for vegetable oil in brownies. It creates a chewier texture, richer flavor, and those coveted golden edges that many people prefer.

Best for:

fudgy brownieschewy browniesrich brownieshomemade brownies

Melt and cool slightly before using. Creates chewier, more flavorful brownies with golden edges.

Canola Oil

1:1

Canola oil is the closest substitute to vegetable oil for brownies. It maintains the same moisture content and texture without affecting the chocolate flavor.

Best for:

cakey browniesbox mix browniesneutral flavor brownies

Most similar to vegetable oil. Maintains the original brownie texture and flavor profile.

Coconut Oil

1:1

Coconut oil works excellently in brownies and adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. It's especially popular in vegan brownie recipes.

Best for:

vegan browniestropical brownieschocolate-coconut brownies

Melt before measuring. Adds subtle coconut flavor that complements chocolate well.

Avocado Oil

1:1

Avocado oil has a neutral flavor that won't interfere with the chocolate taste of brownies. It's a healthy alternative that maintains the same texture as vegetable oil.

Best for:

healthy browniesneutral flavor browniesall brownie types

Neutral flavor, high smoke point. Won't affect the chocolate flavor of brownies.

Applesauce

1/2 cup per 1 cup oil

Applesauce creates denser, slightly sweeter brownies while significantly reducing the fat content. Perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative.

Best for:

low-fat brownieshealthy browniesdense brownies

Use unsweetened applesauce. Creates denser, slightly sweeter brownies.

Greek Yogurt

1/2 cup per 1 cup oil

Greek yogurt adds protein and creates incredibly moist brownies. It's a great option for those wanting to boost the nutritional content while maintaining good texture.

Best for:

protein-rich browniesmoist brownieshealthy brownies

Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt. Adds protein and creates moist brownies.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For fudgy brownies: Use melted butter or coconut oil
  • 💡For cakey brownies: Use canola oil or avocado oil
  • 💡For chewy brownies: Use melted butter (creates those golden edges)
  • 💡For vegan brownies: Coconut oil works perfectly
  • 💡For healthy brownies: Use applesauce or Greek yogurt (reduce amount by half)
  • 💡For box mix brownies: Canola oil maintains the intended texture
  • 💡Always melt solid fats (butter, coconut oil) before measuring
  • 💡Don't overmix the batter - this can make brownies tough
  • 💡For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them
  • 💡Let brownies cool completely before cutting for clean edges

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil in brownies?

It's not recommended. Olive oil can make brownies taste bitter and may not provide the right texture. If you must use olive oil, choose light olive oil and expect a different flavor profile.

What makes brownies chewier - butter or oil?

Melted butter makes brownies chewier and creates those golden, crispy edges that many people love. Oil tends to create a more tender, cake-like texture.

Can I use applesauce in brownie mix?

Yes, but use half the amount (1/2 cup applesauce per 1 cup oil). The brownies will be denser and slightly sweeter, but still delicious. This works well with box mixes.

What's the best oil substitute for fudgy brownies?

Melted butter or coconut oil work best for fudgy brownies. They provide the right fat content and texture. Canola oil also works well if you want to maintain the original recipe's texture.

Can I substitute butter for vegetable oil in box brownie mix?

Yes! Melted butter is actually preferred by many people for box mix brownies. It creates richer, chewier brownies with better flavor than oil.

Summary

Find the best vegetable oil substitutes for brownies. Learn about melted butter, canola oil, coconut oil, and applesauce alternatives for fudgy, cakey, and chewy brownies.