What if a brownie recipe calls for vegetable oil and you don’t have any on hand? You’ll be happy to know that we’ve found 7 easy substitutes for vegetable oil in brownies – still making the perfect brownies.
Table of Contents
Best Substitutes for Vegetable Oil in Brownies
1. Butter (Our Top Pick)
While butter isn’t a healthier option, it’s definitely a tasty one! Melt the butter first and be sure to let it cool before mixing it into your recipe.
Replace 1 cup of vegetable oil with 1 cup of melted butter.
2. Olive Oil
While olive oil is a great option to use, it’s important to select a light tasting olive oil. Some olive oils have more flavor and you don’t want that flavor to transfer to your sweet brownies.
Replace vegetable oil with olive oil at a 1:1 ratio.
3. Coconut oil
Considered to be one of the healthier oils available, coconut oil will add a bit of a coconut flavor to your brownies.
Replace vegetable oil with coconut oil at a 1:1 ratio.
4. Avocado Oil
Preferred by those who are following a healthier lifestyle, avocado oil is considered to be one of the healthiest oils available. It is more expensive than some of the other vegetable oil substitutes but would work well in your brownie recipe.
Use equal amounts of avocado oil in your recipe to replace the vegetable oil.
5. Applesauce
If reducing fat is your goal, applesauce is an excellent option. Note that your brownies will have a slightly fruity taste.
Opt for unsweetened applesauce to avoid an overly sweet taste. In fact, even with unsweetened applesauce, you should be able to reduce the amount of sugar called for in the recipe. Replace 1 cup of vegetable oil with 3/4 cup of applesauce. Note that because applesauce contains no fat, you may want to use half applesauce and half coconut or avocado oil.
6. Mashed Bananas
Full of creamy rich flavor, mashed bananas can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil. Your brownies will be moist with a pleasant banana flavor. Use a ratio of ¾ the amount of pureed bananas to the amount of vegetable oil called for in the recipe. for brownies that are denser. If you prefer lighter brownies, substitute only half the amount of oil with banana puree.
7. Yogurt
Opt for plain, nonfat yogurt for moist and fudgy brownies. You’ll also reduce the amount of fat in the brownies. You can use equal amounts of yogurt for the oil or use part yogurt and part oil. Note that if you’re using a box recipe, replace every half cup of oil and two eggs, with a half cup of yogurt.
Substitute for Regular Vegetable Oil in Brownies (Ranked)
| Rank | Substitute | Features |
| 1. | Butter | Real butter taste with a moist texture |
| 2. | Olive Oil | Use light tasting varieties for the best result |
| 3. | Coconut Oil | Adds a coconut flavor to your brownies |
| 4. | Avocado Oil | Rich and creamy brownies |
| 5. | Applesauce | Adds a sweeter and fruity flavor |
| 6. | Mashed Bananas | Adds a sweeter flavor |
| 7. | Yogurt | Choose plain yogurt for the best result |
Best Vegetable Oils that You can Use in Brownies
Canola Oil (with a Neutral Taste)
Canola oil is economical, easy to source, and neutral in taste, great for making brownies.
Sunflower Oil
Also neutral in taste, sunflower oil is an excellent ingredient for brownies.
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How to Substitute Vegetable Oil in Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter to replace vegetable oil
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add enough water to a medium saucepan so that it is 1 to 2 inches deep. Heat water until barely simmering.
- Combine butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium heat-safe bowl. Rest the bowl over simmering water. Stir the mixture occasionally until the butter has melted and the mixture is quite warm.
- Remove the bowl from heat and set aside for 3 to 5 minutes until it is only warm, not hot. Stir in the vanilla with a spoon. Then add the eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one.
- Then add the flour and stir until fully incorporated, then beat with the wooden spoon until well combined.
- Bake the brownies for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted into the center and come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
A comprehensive list of seven best substitutes for vegetable oil in brownies, offering options for everyone, whether they’re looking for healthier alternatives or just ran out of vegetable oil. From butter and olive oil to more unique substitutes like applesauce and mashed bananas, this guide ensures your brownies stay moist and delicious, regardless of the substitution. It’s a fantastic resource for bakers looking to experiment with different ingredients.