15+ Best Butter Substitutes for Baking and Cooking

Butter, the golden ambassador of richness and flakiness, is a mainstay in the world of baking. From decadent cookies to fluffy cakes, its magic touch elevates countless recipes. 

But what happens when you reach for the butter dish and find…emptiness? 

Don’t let a missing ingredient derail your baking plans! The world of butter substitutes offers a treasure trove of alternatives, each with its own unique strengths and considerations.  

Let’s explore this diverse group of options, from plant-based wonders to fruit purees and even savory contenders. We’ll delve into how each substitute influences the taste, texture and overall success of your baked goods. So, preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowls and get ready to discover a world of possibilities beyond butter.

Table of Contents

• Margarine
• Shortening
• Ghee
• Olive oil
• Vegetable oil
• Coconut oil
• Avocado oil
• Vegan butter
• Cream cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise 
• Sour cream
• Applesauce
• Mashed bananas 
• Pumpkin puree
• Nut butters

1. Margarine

One of the best butter substitutes is margarine, which is made from vegetable oils. Margarine has a consistency and texture similar to butter. You can use it for baked goods, spread it on bagels or cream it for frosting. While it’s not the real thing, it’s as close as it gets and gets the job done. Make sure to read the food label since some margarines aren’t vegan. 

How much to use: The same amount of margarine as butter 

Best for: Baking, spreading and creaming

2. Shortening

Shortening is another substitute for butter made from vegetable oils. This processed fat has little to no water compared to butter. Shortening can make baked goods more crumbly or tender. While you can use it as a 1:1 swap for butter, it may affect the overall texture. Shortening has a thick consistency and low smoke point, so avoid using it for cooking, spreading or creaming.

How much to use: The same amount of shortening as butter 

Best for: Baking 

3. Ghee

Ghee, or clarified butter, is made by simmering butter to remove the milk solids and water. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat cooking. However, ghee adds a nutty flavor to dishes, so it’s not ideal for all recipes. Use ghee as a 1:1 butter substitute for sauteing, pan-frying and some baking.

How much to use: The same amount of ghee as butter 

Best for: Baking and cooking

4. Olive oil

One of the most commonly used substitutes for butter is your trusty bottle of olive oil. Olive oil is a good option for replacing butter when sauteing vegetables, making pasta dishes and baking a savory focaccia bread. Because it’s liquid, a good oil to butter conversion to use is ¾ cup of olive oil for every 1 cup of butter. Keep in mind that olive oil has an earthy flavor and may alter the taste of your dish.

How much to use: ¾ cup of olive oil for every 1 cup of butter

Best for: Cooking

5. Vegetable oil

You can substitute butter for vegetable oil in most baking recipes. Vegetable oil encompasses soybean, canola, sunflower, corn and other oils. Due to its neutral flavor, vegetable oil can be used instead of butter for muffins, quick breads and even cakes. When substituting for butter, follow the same ratio as olive oil.

How much to use: 3/4 cup of vegetable oil for every 1 cup of butter

Best for: Baking

6. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a solid fat extracted from coconuts. Like butter, it’s solid at room temperature. It adds a slight coconut flavor, so opt for refined coconut oil if you want a more subtle taste. Use it to elevate your brownies, tasty breads or a large batch of muffins for a breakfast potluck.

How much to use: The same amount of coconut oil as butter 

Best for: Baking and cooking

7. Avocado oil

Avocado oil is a substitute for butter in many recipes. It boasts a high smoke point, making it perfect for high-heat cooking methods like sauteing or stir-frying. Avocado oil is also a good source of healthy fats. The best part is that it has a neutral flavor, so it won’t alter the taste of your dish. If you don’t have any avocado oil on hand, you can use mashed, ripened avocados as a 1:1 alternative for baking. 

How much to use: The same amount of avocado oil as butter 

Best for: Baking and cooking 

8. Vegan butter

Vegan butter is a great alternative to butter for those following a vegan diet or wanting a dairy-free option. Dairy-free butter is made from plant-based oils like coconut or palm oil and other ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of regular butter. Vegan butter can be used for baking, spreading on toast or sauteing vegetables, just like regular butter.

How much to use: The same amount of vegan butter as traditional butter

Best for: Baking, spreading, creaming and sauteing 

9. Cream cheese

Cream cheese can work as a butter substitute in some baking recipes. However, it has a higher moisture content and tangy flavor compared to butter, so it can affect the final texture and flavor. Cream cheese is best used in recipes where this tanginess complements the flavors or when you want a richer, more moist result. You can use cream cheese in place of butter for chewy cookies, coffee cakes or pumpkin bread.

How much to use: Half the amount of cream cheese as butter 

Best for: Baking

10. Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is another substitute for butter that brings more richness to baked goods. While Greek yogurt adds moisture and protein, it lacks the fat content of butter, resulting in denser baked goods. It also has a tangy flavor that might not complement the recipe. It works best when used in limited amounts or in Greek yogurt recipes where a denser texture is acceptable, like muffins or pancakes.

How much to use: Half the amount of Greek yogurt as butter 

Best for: Baking

11. Mayonnaise

Some folks swear by using mayonnaise instead of butter to make the ultimate grilled cheese. But you can also use mayonnaise as a butter substitute for other recipes like cornbread or dinner rolls. The creamy texture of mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, and its tangy flavor can elevate certain ingredients. However, keep in mind that mayo is higher in calories and fat than butter, and its distinct taste may not work in all recipes, particularly sweet baked goods.

How much to use: ¾ cup of mayonnaise for every 1 cup of butter

Best for: Baking and cooking

12. Sour cream

Sour cream can be used in place of butter in some dishes, like certain cakes or dips. It adds moisture and a touch of tanginess but lacks the fat content of butter, resulting in denser baked goods. Due to its high water content, it’s best used in small amounts and may require adjustments to other ingredients in the recipe. Consider the final taste and texture you desire before using sour cream as a butter substitute.

How much to use: Half the amount of sour cream as butter 

Best for: Baking

13. Applesauce

Applesauce is a great way to lighten up baked goods like muffins and pancakes. It adds a natural sweetness and moisture while reducing the overall fat content. However, applesauce won’t create the same flakiness or richness as butter. This can make baked goods denser and more moist, so only use it when a denser texture is acceptable. Start by substituting part of the butter with applesauce, gradually increasing as needed.

How much to use: ¾ cup of applesauce for every 1 cup of butter

Best for: Baking 

14. Mashed bananas

Mashed bananas can be a healthy butter substitute for baked goods like pancakes and breads. They add natural sweetness while reducing the overall fat content. However, like applesauce, ripened mashed bananas lack the fat content of butter, so they won’t create the same flakiness or richness. Use mashed bananas when a denser texture is acceptable.

How much to use: ¾ cup of mashed bananas for every 1 cup of butter

Best for: Baking 

15. Pumpkin puree

Enjoy festive fall flavors by using pumpkin puree instead of butter for your favorite baked goods. Pumpkin puree adds fat and sweetness to cakes, cupcakes and your favorite cookies. Keep in mind that pumpkin puree will change the color of your baked goods.

How much to use: ¾ cup of pumpkin puree for every 1 cup of butter

Best for: Baking

16. Nut butters

Nut butters like almond, cashew and peanut are great vegan, dairy-free butter substitutes. Their creamy and smooth texture make it the perfect alternative. Use it as a spread on bagels or to elevate your baked goods. Start by substituting part of the butter with nut butter, gradually increasing the amount to find your preference. 

How much to use: ½ cup of nut butter for every 1 cup of butter 

Best for: Baking 

Churning for butter substitutes

As you can see, there are many interesting options to explore when looking for butter substitutes! Whether you’re following a specific diet, aiming to lower fat content or simply looking to add a new twist to your recipes, there’s a substitute out there that can meet your needs. 

Ready to bake but missing some key ingredients? Instacart can deliver butter (or a substitute) and all your other grocery needs right to your door. Head over to our online grocery store today and start browsing our wide selection of ingredients.