11 Best Tasting Butter Substitutes
Substituting butter in recipes can be a challenge, but knowing the best tasting butter substitutes can come in handy, especially when faced with an empty butter container or if you are lactose intolerant. While the taste and characteristics of butter cannot be perfectly replicated, there are several ingredients that can come close to mimicking its rich flavor and smooth texture. In this article, we will explore the top 11 best tasting butter substitutes that you can use in your cooking and baking endeavors.
1. Shortening
Shortening is an excellent dairy-free butter substitute that can be used in a variety of applications. Made from vegetable fats and oils, shortening has a taste and texture similar to butter. When replacing butter with shortening, use 1 tablespoon of shortening for every 1 tablespoon of butter. Nutiva Organic Shortening is a recommended product to choose for this purpose.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a rich and flavorful substitute for butter, especially in recipes that call for coconut shavings or coconut-flavored baked goods. When substituting coconut oil for butter, use 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (not melted) for every 1 tablespoon of butter (not melted). Vivanaturals Organic Coconut Oil is a recommended product to use as a butter substitute.
3. Lard
Lard, which was commonly used as a “shortening” in baking and cooking prior to the 1900s, can be used sparingly as a butter substitute. While it has been phased out in favor of healthier alternatives, small amounts of lard can mimic the qualities of butter, especially when it comes to flakiness. Use 1 tablespoon of unmelted lard for every 1 tablespoon of butter. Epic Lard is a recommended product for those who want to try this substitute.
4. Cooking Oil
Cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, can be an easy and readily available substitute for butter. When replacing butter with cooking oil, use 1 tablespoon of cooking oil for every 1 tablespoon of melted butter. BetterBody Avocado Oil is a recommended product to use as a butter substitute.
5. Cooking Spray
If you don’t have enough butter to coat your baking pan, using a cooking spray can be a convenient alternative. Original PAM Cooking Spray is an example of a cooking spray that can be used to coat surfaces and save butter. While cooking spray is not a baking or cooking ingredient, it can be used to create an insulating layer on utensils.
6. Nut Butter
Nut butters, such as almond butter or peanut butter, are an excellent vegan and dairy-free substitute for butter. Although nut butter contains no milk solids, it provides similar benefits to butter due to its fatty and rich nature. Use 1 or 1/2 tablespoon of nut butter for every 1 tablespoon of butter. 365 Whole Foods Almond Butter is a recommended product for those who want to try nut butter as a butter substitute.
7. Applesauce
Applesauce is a vegan and dairy-free option that can be used as a butter substitute in muffins, cakes, cookies, and more. It provides a richness and texture similar to butter and can even be a healthier alternative, especially for those looking to minimize their fat intake. Use 1/2 tablespoon applesauce for every 1 tablespoon butter. 365 Whole Foods Applesauce is a recommended product for replacing butter with applesauce.
8. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is another vegan-friendly option for replacing butter. While it provides a texture similar to butter, it may change the taste of the final product. Pumpkin puree also contains sugar, so it is important to adjust the total amount of sugar in your recipe accordingly. Farmer’s Market Pumpkin Puree is a recommended product for those who wish to use pumpkin puree as a butter substitute.
9. Mashed Bananas
Mashed bananas can be a healthy and creamy substitute for butter in a variety of baked goods. They can add moisture and a smooth texture to your recipes. Use 1 tablespoon of banana puree for every 1 tablespoon of butter. Mashed bananas are especially good for banana-themed recipes.
10. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt can be a tangy and creamy substitute for butter in certain recipes. It adds moisture and richness to baked goods. Use 1/2 cup Greek yogurt for every 1 cup butter. It is important to note, however, that the tanginess of Greek yogurt can change the flavor of the final product.
11. Avocado
Avocado can be a unique and healthy butter substitute. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it ideal for certain recipes, such as baked goods and spreads. Use 1/2 cup mashed avocado for every 1 cup butter. Avocado can add a nutritional boost to your recipes as it is rich in healthy fats and vitamins.
Conclusion
While butter cannot be perfectly replicated, there are several alternatives that can come close to mimicking its taste and texture. Shortening, coconut oil, lard, cooking oil, cooking spray, nut butter, applesauce, pumpkin puree, banana puree, Greek yogurt, and avocado are all excellent options for replacing butter in your cooking and baking. Each substitute has its own unique characteristics and may work better in certain recipes. Experimenting with these substitutes can give you a range of options for achieving delicious results while accommodating dietary restrictions or preferences. So the next time you find yourself out of butter or in need of a dairy-free alternative, consider trying one of these great-tasting butter substitutes.
FAQS
Can I use butter substitutes in all types of recipes?
While butter substitutes can work well in many recipes, it’s important to consider their individual characteristics. Some substitutes, such as shortening or coconut oil, can be used in a wide range of recipes. Others, such as applesauce or banana puree, may be more suitable for certain types of baked goods.
Are butter substitutes suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets?
Yes, many of the butter substitutes mentioned in this article are suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets. Options such as coconut oil, nut butter, applesauce and avocado are all dairy-free alternatives that can be used to replace butter in various recipes.
Will using butter substitutes change the taste of my recipes?
Butter substitutes can impart a slightly different flavour to butter itself. However, the extent of the flavour change will depend on the specific butter substitute used and the recipe being prepared. It’s always a good idea to experiment and adjust the amount of substitute ingredients to achieve the desired taste.
Can I use any cooking oil instead of butter?
In general, you can replace butter with cooking oils such as olive oil or avocado oil. However, it’s important to note that the flavour and characteristics of the final dish may vary. It’s best to choose a cooking oil that complements the flavours of your recipe and consider the smoking point of the oil for high temperature cooking.
Are there any health benefits to using butter substitutes?
Butter substitutes can offer certain health benefits, depending on the substitute chosen. For example, using nut butter or avocado as a substitute can provide healthy fats and additional nutrients. However, it’s still important to use these substitutes in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How do I know how much butter substitute to use?
The recommended amounts given in the article are general guidelines for butter substitutes. However, it’s always a good idea to start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste and texture preferences. It may take some experimentation to find the perfect balance for your specific recipe.