Butter is an essential ingredient in pretty much all baked goods, from pies to brownies. In case you find yourself out of butter or in need of a vegan substitute, there are a few products that can replace it without taking away from the recipe.
Plant Butters
Plant butter is a non-dairy combination of water and plant-based oil, like olive or avocado. It works best for things like brownies or chocolate chip cookies. Be aware that plant butter tends to slightly alter the flavor of what you’re making.
Olive Oil
If you don’t want to buy any specialty products, go with olive oil. It works as a great butter substitute in muffins and banana bread as it creates a tender crumb. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, making it a heart-healthy choice for baking.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil behaves like butter, in the sense that it solidifies at a cool temperature and melts at room temperature. You can use it in the place of melted butter in cakes. Experts recommend using unrefined varieties because they are flavorless and will not overpower the other flavors and aromas in the baked goods.
