It’s no secret that vegetable oil is a key ingredient in brownies. After all, it’s what gives them their characteristic fudgy texture.
But what do you do if you’re vegan, or allergic to vegetable oil? Or maybe you just want to try something new?
In this article, we’ll explore a few different vegetable oil substitutes that will give you the same delicious results as traditional brownies.
So whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option or simply want to try something new, we’ve got you covered!
Substitutes for Vegetable Oil in Brownies:
- Butter
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Mashed Bananas
- Applesauce
- Avocado oil
- Yogurt
- Margarine
- Sunflower oil
- Canola oil
- Cornstarch
Butter
Butter is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes, including brownies. It’s easily available and has a rich, buttery flavor that can make your brownies moist.
The best part is that you can use a 1:1 ratio of butter to oil, so you don’t have to adjust your recipe. Butter also has the benefit of making your brownies richer and more decadent.
When used in place of oil, butter also gives brownies a more tender texture and adds a delicious flavor to brownies that oil cannot match.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has a unique flavor that can really add something special to your brownies. It is also vegan-friendly, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly brownie recipe.
Coconut oil can be used in a 1:1 ratio with vegetable oil, so it’s easy to substitute. It is also a good source of healthy fats, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a healthier brownie recipe.
Just keep in mind that coconut oil has a strong taste, so you may want to use less than the recipe calls for if you are not a fan of coconut flavor.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a fantastic substitute for vegetable oil in brownies. For one, it’s a much healthier alternative. It contains good fatty acids and fewer calories than vegetable oil.
What’s more, you can use it in a 1:1 ratio, so you don’t have to worry about changing the measurements of your ingredients.
When baking with olive oil, be sure to use light or extra light olive oil to prevent your brownies from tasting too greasy or changing their taste.
Olive oil will give your brownies a delicious flavor and make them healthier in the process. So why not give it a try?
Mashed Bananas
Mashed bananas can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil in brownies. When using this substitute, it is best to use ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and to reduce the amount of sugar needed in the recipe.
Mashed bananas can also add a different flavor to your brownies, depending on what type of banana you use. For one cup of oil, use 3/4 mashed bananas.
However, you should add less of it if your recipe already includes bananas; otherwise, the brownie will become very soggy. You should also use half the amount if you want your brownies to be lighter.
The benefits of using mashed bananas as a substitute for vegetable oil are that they are high in fiber, low in calories and saturated fat, and add moisture to your brownie mix.
Mashed bananas are a healthy way to enjoy your favorite chocolate treat!
Applesauce
Applesauce is a healthier option and imparts a fruity flavor to baked goods. It also adds moisture to quick breads and cakes. It is a healthy and delicious way to add moisture to baked goods without adding unnecessary fat.
When using applesauce as a replacement, use unsweetened apple sauce and decrease the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup for every 3/4 cup of applesauce used. Plus, you should use 3/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce in place of 1 cup of oil.
Avocado oil
Avocado oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the pulp of avocados. It is a relatively new product on the market and is often more expensive than other types of vegetable oil.
Avocado oil has a subtle texture and a buttery, creamy flavor. It can be used as a 1:1 replacement for vegetable oil in brownies, so there is no need to make any other adjustments to your recipe. Just substitute the same amount of avocado oil for the vegetable oil and you will be good to go.
When using avocado oil, the amount of avocado pulp leftover from making the oil will add extra moisture and fat to the brownies, resulting in a richer, more indulgent treat.
Yogurt
If you’re looking for a healthier way to make your brownies, plain yogurt (and not flavored) is a great substitute for vegetable oil.
Yogurt has fewer calories and a lower fat content than oil, so it’s a healthier choice overall. Plus, the 1:1 ratio of yogurt to oil means that you can use the same amount of yogurt as you would oil. Your brownies will be just as delicious as ever, but with fewer calories and less fat.
So if you’re looking for a healthier way to make your brownies, give plain yogurt a try.
Margarine
Margarine is a by-product of the butter-making process. It’s made from the same materials as butter – cream, water, and salt – but it has a milder, more neutral flavor.
Margarine gives brownies a smoother exterior without affecting their taste at all.
The same amount of margarine can be used in place of oil, and it will usually produce results that are just as good as oil. Margarine is an inexpensive and readily available ingredient, so it’s a good cooking staple to keep on hand.
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from sunflower seeds. It is a popular cooking oil that can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil in brownies.
Sunflower oil has a neutral flavor, making it a good choice for baked goods that you want to taste like chocolate, not oil. It is also high in healthy fats and vitamin E.
When substituting sunflower oil for butter or margarine, use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, use 1 cup of sunflower oil.
Sunflower oil is a healthy and delicious substitute for vegetable oil in brownies. However, it has a more robust flavor so you should use it with caution.
Canola oil
Canola oil is a versatile cooking oil that can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil in many recipes, including brownies. It has a number of health benefits over other oils, including being lower in saturated fat and rich in nutrients.
Canola oil also has a neutral taste, which allows the flavor of the ingredients to shine through. So you don’t have to worry about the oil changing the delicious flavor of your brownies.
When substituting canola oil for vegetable oil, use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of vegetable oil, use 1 cup of canola oil.
Overall, it is a great substitute for vegetable oil in brownies because it is healthy, versatile, and easy to use.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a common food thickener, but it can also be used as a substitute for vegetable oil in brownies.
When cornstarch is mixed with water and heated, it forms a clear, viscous liquid with no flavor. This makes it an ideal replacement for oil, as it will not alter the taste of your brownies.
Cornstarch can be used in a 1:1 ratio with vegetable oil, so if your recipe calls for 1/3 cup of oil, you would use 1/3 cup of cornstarch mixed with 1/3 cup of water.
Keep in mind that cornstarch will make your brownies slightly more dense than if you had used oil. However, many people prefer the texture of cornstarch-based brownies, as they are less cake-like and fudgier.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to vegetable oil, or if you simply want to try something new, give cornstarch a try in your next batch of brownies.
FAQs
What is the difference between vegetable oil and substitutes?
Vegetable oil is a type of cooking oil that is extracted from plants. It is a popular cooking oil that can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil in brownies.
Substitutes are ingredients that can be used in place of vegetable oil in brownies. They have different flavors, textures, and health benefits than vegetable oil.
Can I use the same amount of vegetable oil as a substitute?
This will depend on the substitute you’re using. For instance, if you’re using canola oil, then you can replace it with an equal amount. But for other substitutes like mashed bananas, you’ll have to use a lower amount.
Are there any drawbacks to using vegetable oil substitutes in brownies?
Some substitutes can change the texture and taste of the brownies a bit, which is why it’s better to do a small batch-test first.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the different vegetable oil substitutes that you can use in your brownies.
While there are a few minor differences between the substitutes, they will all produce delicious results.
So don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect vegetable oil substitute for your brownies.