Baking is a science. And when it comes to baking, one of the most important ingredients is unsalted butter.
But what do you do when you run out and don’t have time to go to the store? What can you use that won’t throw off the whole recipe?
This blog post will list some great substitutes for unsalted butter that will help you keep your baking skills sharp, even when you’re in a pinch.
Substitutes for Unsalted Butter
- Salted butter
- Vegetable oil
- Vegetable shortening
- Lard
- Coconut oil
- Margarine
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Olive oil
Salted butter
Salted butter is a great substitute for unsalted butter in many recipes. If a recipe calls for unsalted butter, you can use an equal amount of salted butter.
This substitution is easy and will not affect the flavor or texture of your dish. Using salted butter may even reduce the amount of salt you need to add since the butter itself contains salt.
Another benefit of using salted butter is adding a touch of flavor to the dish. This is especially true if you use high-quality butter with a strong flavor.
So next time you’re in the kitchen, reach for the salted butter and enjoy your delicious creation.
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is a common ingredient in many recipes, and it can also be used as a substitute for unsalted butter.
When substituting vegetable oil for butter, use 7/8 cup of vegetable oil for every 1 cup of butter called for in the recipe.
It is important to note that vegetable oil is not a suitable substitute for unsalted butter when baking. When used in baking recipes, it can cause the finished product to be oily and dense. And it can affect the consistency of the batter, too.
However, it can be used successfully in savory recipes or as a replacement for melted butter in gravies and sauces.
Vegetable shortening
Vegetable shortening is made from vegetable oil and contains 100% fat.
While it is not an exact substitute for unsalted butter, it can be used in many recipes with good results. Vegetable shortening is ideal for creating flaky pie crusts and tender biscuits.
When using vegetable shortening as a substitute for unsalted butter, it is important to use a 1:1 ratio. Plus, since it doesn’t have any flavor of its own, you don’t need to worry about altering the rest of the recipe.
Vegetable shortening is easier to work with than butter because it doesn’t need to be softened before use.
Lard
Lard is a common kitchen staple in many parts of the world, but it can be hard to find in some areas. Lard is rendered pork fat and is therefore not vegan. It can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter in baking and cooking.
When substituting lard for butter, it is important to note that it will affect the recipe. Lard is three-quarters the volume of butter, so if a recipe calls for one cup of butter, you will need to use a 7/8 cup of lard.
Lard can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, and it can add a unique flavor to your food. When used properly, it can be a great way to add flavor and texture to your recipes.
While lard may not be an ingredient that everyone keeps on hand, it is worth seeking out if you want to create truly authentic dishes from certain regions of the world.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a popular vegan substitute for unsalted butter and is derived from the meat of coconuts. Unlike other oils, coconut oil is solid at room temperature. Unlike butter, coconut oil is almost entirely composed of saturated fat.
Coconut oil also has a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health. It is cholesterol-free and contains no trans fats. Coconut oil is also a good source of lauric acid, which has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Coconut oil can be purchased in either refined or unrefined form. Refined coconut oil has been processed and has a milder coconut flavor, while unrefined coconut oil has a stronger flavor.
So when substituting coconut oil for butter, it is important to experiment with the quantities a bit to determine the right amount. The amount will also vary depending on whether you opt for refined or unrefined oil.
If you don’t like the strong taste of coconut, it might be better to look into a different substitute.
Margarine
Margarine is a spread made from vegetable oils, so it shares some characteristics with butter. It is lower in saturated fats than butter, and it may be a healthier choice for people who are trying to reduce their intake of saturated fats.
This substitute contains more salt and water than butter, which can alter the results of some recipes. For example, if you are baking a cake or cookies, margarine may make the finished product more dense and moist.
But it can be an excellent substitute for butter in cases where the butter is being used for its flavor or texture, but not for its color or associations with dairy products.
Unsweetened applesauce
Unsweetened applesauce can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter in many recipes. Because it is fat-free and has no cholesterol, it is a healthier choice than butter.
Applesauce is also naturally sweet, so you may be able to reduce the amount of sugar called for in the recipe.
When using applesauce as a butter substitute, keep in mind that you will need to use half the amount of applesauce as you would butter.
Additionally, it will keep your food moister than butter and prevent it from drying out, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Overall, if you are looking for a delicious and health-conscious way to bake your favorite recipes, consider substituting unsweetened applesauce for unsalted butter.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a popular ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, and it can also be used as a substitute for unsalted butter. While it does have a distinct taste, it can be a good choice for those who are looking for a heart-healthy alternative to butter.
Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, it is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage.
When substituting olive oil for butter, it is important to use a 3:4 ratio. For every four tablespoons of butter, use three tablespoons of olive oil. This will help to ensure that your dish has the same flavor and texture as if you had used butter.
But you might need to experiment a little and adjust the amount accordingly if you don’t like the flavor of olive oil.
FAQ
What is the difference between butter and margarine?
Butter and margarine are both spreads made from vegetable oils, so they share some characteristics. Margarine is lower in saturated fats than butter, and it may be a healthier choice for people who are trying to reduce their intake of saturated fats.
However, margarine contains more salt and water than butter, which can alter the results of some recipes.
What is the difference between unrefined and refined coconut oil?
Refined coconut oil has been processed and has a milder coconut flavor, while unrefined coconut oil has a stronger flavor.
So when substituting coconut oil for butter, it is important to experiment with the quantities a bit to determine the right amount
How does olive oil compare to butter?
Olive oil is a healthier choice than butter because it contains monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, it is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage.
Coconut oil is not as healthy as olive oil because it is high in saturated fats. However, it can be a good substitute for butter in baking.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, salted butter can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter in most recipes. When substituting salted butter for unsalted butter, you will need to use less salt in the recipe. For every tablespoon of unsalted butter, use only 3/4 teaspoon of salt if you are using salted butter.
How is unsalted butter made?
Unsalted butter is made by churning cream until it becomes butter and then removing the whey and water. The resulting butter is then salted to taste.
How can I make my own unsalted butter?
You can make your own unsalted butter at home by following these steps:
- Churn cream until it becomes butter.
- Remove the whey and water.
- Salt to taste (optional).
Conclusion
Unsalted butter is a common baking ingredient, but it can be high in cholesterol and saturated fats. If you are looking for a healthier alternative, consider using one of the substitutes we’ve listed.
Each of these substitutes has its own unique benefits, so experiment with different ones to see which works best for your recipes.
We hope this article has helped you to understand the different unsalted butter substitutes available and how to use them. Thanks for reading!