Out of Vegetable oil, one case
Vegetable oil substitute for brownies
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Melted butter
Same amount as the vegetable oil
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.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- fudgy brownies
One casethe full vegetable oil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of vegetable oil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Melted butterfudgy brownies | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Canola oilcakey brownies | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Coconut oilvegan brownies | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Avocado oilhealthy brownies | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Applesaucelow-fat brownies | ½ cup per 1 cup oilTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Greek yogurtprotein-rich brownies | ½ cup per 1 cup oilWorks | Works |
Melted butter
enhanced taste and texture
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 brownies, chewy brownies, rich brownies, homemade brownies
Melt and cool slightly before using. Creates chewier, more flavorful brownies with golden edges.
Canola oil
similar taste and texture
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 brownies, box mix brownies, neutral flavor brownies
Most similar to vegetable oil. Maintains the original brownie texture and flavor profile.
Coconut oil
enhanced taste, similar texture
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 brownies, tropical brownies, chocolate-coconut brownies
Melt before measuring. Adds subtle coconut flavor that complements chocolate well.
Avocado oil
similar taste and texture
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 brownies, neutral flavor brownies, all brownie types
Neutral flavor, high smoke point. Won't affect the chocolate flavor of brownies.
Applesauce
enhanced taste, different texture
Applesauce creates denser, slightly sweeter brownies while significantly reducing the fat content. Good for those looking for a healthier alternative.
- Best for
- low-fat brownies, healthy brownies, dense brownies
Use unsweetened applesauce. Creates denser, slightly sweeter brownies.
Greek yogurt
similar taste, enhanced texture
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 brownies, moist brownies, healthy brownies
Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt. Adds protein and creates moist brownies.
How it behaves in this recipe
Brownies require a specific fat content to achieve the right texture - whether fudgy, cakey, or chewy. The fat helps create the proper crumb structure and moisture level. Different substitutes will affect the final texture and flavor profile significantly.
Tips for substituting vegetable oil
10 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 well
- 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
Notes on vegetable oil
- Mashed banana (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for natural sweetness
- Pumpkin puree (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for seasonal brownies
- Sour cream (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for extra moistness
- Buttermilk (reduce other liquids) for tender crumb
- Peanut butter (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for peanut butter brownies
Questions
5 questionsCan 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 (½ 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.