Substitute for Butter (12 Easy Options)

What to use instead of butter

If you are looking for a substitute for butter in cooking or baking, I have 12 options you can use. They’re easy and you probably have them in your home right now.

There are many reasons why you might need a butter substitute. The most common reason is usually you ran out of butter or you need to eat dairy free.

My favorite butter substitute is coconut oil. I use it often and it never fails!

Most of these butter alternatives can be used in a one-to-one ratio in place of butter. However, keep in mind that each of these substitutes will have a slightly different taste and texture, so you may need to experiment to find the one that works best for your recipe.

It’s also a good idea to consider the purpose of the butter in the recipe – for example, if it is used for flavor or texture – and choose a substitute accordingly.

What is butter used for in baking? 

Butter is often used in baking as a source of fat. In baking, fat serves several important functions, including adding flavor and providing moisture.

The fat in butter helps to create a flaky texture in pie crusts and pastries. It creates the air bubbles in a croissant.

When butter is used in baking, it is typically added to the dry ingredients and mixed until it forms small crumbs, which helps to distribute the fat evenly throughout the dough. This creates a tender and flaky texture in the finished product.

Butter replacement in baking

Here are 12 possible substitutes for butter in baking. All of them except for Greek yogurt are non dairy butter substitutes.

1. Applesauce: Applesauce is often used as a fat substitute in baking, as it adds moisture to the recipe.
2. Avocado: Mashed avocado can be used as a substitute for butter in a lot of baking recipes, though it may change the flavor of the baked goods. Many people spread mashed avocado on their toast instead of butter.

3. Coconut oil: In most recipes, coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter. I have used it instead of butter in baking and as fat when cooking something like eggs. If you feel the flavor of coconut oil is too strong use refined coconut oil.

4. Ghee: Ghee is made from butter but it has the milk solids removed so people with a dairy sensitivity can usually use ghee.
5. Greek yogurt: Plain, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for butter in some recipes, as it adds moisture.
6. Mashed bananas: Mashed bananas can be used as a substitute for butter in some baking recipes, as they add moisture and sweetness.
7. Mashed sweet potatoes: Mashed sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for butter in some baking recipes, as they add moisture and sweetness.
8. Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is made from oil, eggs, and vinegar, and can be used as a substitute for butter in some recipes.

9. Nut butter: Nut butters, such as peanut butter or almond butter, can substitute for butter in some baking recipes.

10. Olive oil: Any type of oil can be used in place of butter, though the taste may be slightly different.
11. Pumpkin puree: Pumpkin puree can be used as a substitute for butter in some baking recipes, as it adds moisture and flavor.
12. Tofu: Silken tofu can be blended and used as a substitute for butter in some recipes.

Butter replacement in cooking

Try using these instead of butter when cooking.

1. Coconut oil
2. Ghee
3. Mayonnaise (Depends on what you are making)
4. Olive oil (Any kind of oil that is suitable for sauteing)

Butter substitute for toast

These would make perfect butter substitutes for spreading on toast.

1. Mashed avocado (make sure to sprinkle on some salt)
2. Apple butter
3. Pumpkin butter
4. Coconut butter
5. Hazelnut spread
6. Peanut butter (cashew butter, almond butter, sun butter, etc)
7. Ghee

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