Vegetable oil substitutes

Best swap: Melted butter. Use 1 cup melted butter, cooled per 1 cup.

Vegetable oil is a neutral liquid fat that keeps bakes moist. Any other neutral oil or melted solid fat can take its place; applesauce can cut the fat if you want.

I need cups of vegetable oil Change this and every amount below updates.

What to use instead of vegetable oil

1. Melted butter

Best Pantry staple

1 cup melted butter, cooled

Best for: Cakes, muffins, brownies

One-to-one, and adds buttery flavour. Let it cool so it does not cook the eggs.

2. Melted coconut oil

Vegan

1 cup melted coconut oil

Best for: Cakes, quick breads

One-to-one. Mix with room-temperature ingredients so it does not resolidify.

3. Unsweetened applesauce (to cut fat)

Vegan

¾ cup unsweetened applesauce

Best for: Lighter muffins and cakes

Replace up to half the oil for a good balance. All applesauce gives a denser bake.

Vegetable oil substitutes: common questions

What can I use instead of vegetable oil in baking?

Melted and cooled butter or melted coconut oil both swap one-to-one and keep bakes moist. To cut fat, replace up to half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Can I use butter instead of oil in a cake?

Yes, melt and cool the butter and use it cup for cup. It adds flavour, though the crumb can be very slightly less moist than with oil.

More ingredient swaps

🥛 Buttermilk 4 substitutes 🥚 Eggs (in baking) 4 substitutes 🧂 Baking powder 2 substitutes 🧂 Baking soda 1 substitute