There are times when there is no oil available for cooking or maybe you just don’t want to use any. Then what can you use to substitute oil? People may wonder whether they can use butter as an oil substitute or not, considering that butter also contains lots of fat. Let's find out more about it.
Can You Substitute Butter for Oil?
Yes, you can replace oil with butter when you are baking. If a recipe for breads or muffins uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil or 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, you can replace the oil with 1/4 cup of butter. To make boxed cake, keep the same ratio of butter as oil in the original recipe. Here is a specific instruction of how to substitute butter for oil to make box cake.
- Look at the recipe and find out how much oil is being used. Then, measure out the same amount of butter.
- Put butter in a bowl and microwave until the butter has been completely melted (20 seconds is usually enough).
- Make the cake mix as per instructions and add butter wherever oil is needed. Once the mix has been prepared, bake the cake according to the recipe.
Use unsalted butter; otherwise the taste profile of the cake will change.
Note: Although using butter instead of oil is practicable, it is not a healthy option. By doing this, saturated fats and calories in the cake will increase a lot.
Healthy Oil Substitutes
Can you substitute butter for oil? Yes, you can substitute butter for oil when baking, but it is not the healthiest option. Here are some other oil substitutes that are healthier.
1. Oil Substitutes for Baking
- Zucchini
Shredded zucchini is an excellent substitute for oil in cake mixes. You can utilize the natural moistness. If you use zucchini as an alternative, the eventual mix is very similar to that made with oil. Use one cup of zucchini for every cup of oil and peel the zucchini to hide its taste even better.
- Applesauce
Applesauce is another excellent option because of the natural moistness it contains. It is low in calories and fats, and using unsweetened applesauce is a healthier choice. Mention that the flavor and texture of the cake will change a little. Substitute every cup of oil with three-quarters cup of applesauce.
- Yogurt
Any kind of yogurt can be used to replace oil in a cake mix. If you use it as a substitute, remember to reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe to avoid the mix becoming too moist. Use fat-free yogurt to make the cake healthier. Use one cup of yogurt to replace one cup of oil.
- Pureed Prunes
You can buy pureed prunes or make your own puree at home. The texture and taste of the cake will remain very similar to that made with oil, but the dark color of the puree may affect appearance of cakes. So pureed prunes will work best in dark colored chocolate cakes. Substitute oil with pureed prunes in a 1:1 ratio. You can add some milk to the mix if it seems to be very dry.
2. Oil Substitutes for Cooking
Can you substitute butter for oil? The answer is yes when you are baking. So are there any healthy oil substitutes that can be used for cooking?
- Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is extremely rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, making it a very healthy substitute for regular oil. It also helps in lowering the cholesterol levels of the body. The oil has a buttery texture and has avocado tastes. The avocado oil is best used for recipes with seafood.
- Coconut Oil
The fats present in coconut oil are less harmful than other sources. The taste profile of this oil includes hints of vanilla, a bit of sweetness and a somewhat overpowering coconut flavor. Best used for sautéing and baking.
- Grape Seed Oil
This oil, made from grape seeds, is a favorite among chefs. Grape seed oil helps lower the bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol. Its taste profile is very neutral and thus can be used in a wide variety of dishes. It is best used to fry and sauté.
- Pistachio Oil
The oil has a fantastic green color and a taste that is very apparent in dishes. It is, therefore, often used in small quantities for garnishing purposes. Pistachio oil is believed to help fight bad cholesterol as well, thus providing important health benefits along with a delectable taste. It is best used as a garnish for fish, salads, and vegetables.
- Sesame Oil
One of the well-known benefits of sesame oil is that it reduces cholesterol levels in the body. This oil is also rich in antioxidants and helps reduce the blood pressure. Sesame oil is very nutty in taste, but the exact taste will vary with the kind of seeds being used. It is best used to cook fish and vegetables.
- Flaxseed Oil
Can you substitute butter for oil when cooking? No. If you want some oil substitutes, try flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is a fantastic and delicate oil that is rich in omega -3 fatty acids. It is very helpful in reducing the amount of cholesterol in the body. This oil also has some nutty flavor, but the flavor is subtle, so this oil can still be used in a variety of recipes. It is best used in salads, cold pasta preparations, and smoothies.