Mar 30, 2020 You can use the suggested oil amounts to substitute dairy butter, vegan butter alternatives, or margarine. General Stove Top or InstantPot Cooking – A 1:1 substitution will usually work well (1 tablespoon oil for every 1 tablespoon butter) in most saute type recipes.
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Use equal amounts of margarine to butter in cookie recipes. Choose margarine that is at least 80 percent vegetable oil to get as close to the traditional cookie texture as possible. You can also substitute shortening for butter in equal amounts. Shortening, which is also made from vegetable oil, is another cholesterol-free option. Flour, Parmesan cheese, fresh ginger, vegetable oil, baking powder and 7 more One-Bowl Ham and Gruyere Scones Yummly all purpose flour, sliced ham, unsalted butter, black pepper and 10 more. Since oil is lighter than butter (1 cup of melted butter weighs about 227 grams; 1 cup of vegetable or other neutral oil weighs about 218 grams), the texture of oil cakes is lighter too.
Substituting one ingredient for another should only be done when you don't have the necessary ingredient on hand in your kitchen. Substitutions can change the flavor and outcome of the finished baked goods.
The following chart gives substitutions that may be used to achieve a product similar to the original when cooking. Find out what to substitute when you're out of an ingredient – but also remember the following when substituting:
When substituting ingredients, take into account the differences in taste, moisture content, texture and weight.
When substituting for sugar and flour, consider the differences in sweetening and thickening power.
Understand the physical and chemical properties of all ingredients.
Measuring accurately will help avoid disappointment.
A | ||
---|---|---|
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Alcohol Substitutions | see Alcohol Substitutions In Cooking | |
Almond paste | 1 1/3 cups | 1 3/4 cups ground blanched almonds plus 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar plus 1 egg white plus 1 teaspoon almond extract plus 1/4 teaspoon salt |
Allspice | 1 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves |
Anchovies | 1 fillet | 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste |
Anise Seed | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon star anise 1 teaspoon cardamom |
Anise Extract | 1 teaspoon | 1 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seed 1/2 teaspoon anise powder |
Apple pie spice | 1 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice, and either 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom, ginger or cloves |
Arrowroot starch | 1 tablespoon | 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons flour (to thicken) 2 1/4 teaspoons of either potato starch or rice starch |
B | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Baking dish and pan sizes | see Baking Dish and Pan Sizes - How to substitute different pans sizes | |
Baking powder, double acting Rule: 1 teaspoon for every 1 cup flour | 1 teaspoon | 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 5/8 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/3 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter 1/3 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 cup sour milk, buttermilk, or yogurt (decrease liquid amount called for in recipe by 1/2 cup) 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar used with sweet milk to make 1/2 cup (decrease liquid amount called for in recipe by 1/2 cup) 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 cup molasses (decrease liquid amount in recipe by 1 to 2 tablespoons) 1 1/2 teaspoons phosphate or tartate baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons single-action baking powder |
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)Rule: 1/4 teaspoon for every 1 cup flour | 1 teaspoon | You need to use 2 to 3 times more double-acting baking powder than baking soda. Replace acidic liquid ingredient in recipe with non-acidic liquid. 3/4 teaspoon Ammonium bicarbonate |
Bay leaf | 1 whole | 1/4 teaspoon crushed bay leaves |
Beau Monde seasoning | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon seasoning salt 1/2 teaspoon table salt plus dash of garlic salt, onion salt, and celery salt 1/2 teaspoon Mei Yen seasoning see Beau Monde Seasoning Salt recipe |
Beer | 1 cup | 1 cup water, white grape juice, apple cider or apple juice, diluted peach or apricot syrups. (Substitute equal amounts of liquid.) |
Brandy | 1/4 cup | 1 tsp brandy extract plus enough water or liquid called for in recipe to make 1/4 cup Water, white grape juice, apple cider or apple juice, diluted peach or apricot syrups. (Substitute equal amounts of liquid.) |
Bread Crumbs, dry | 1 cup | 1 cup crushed cracker crumbs 1 cup matzo meal 1 cup crushed cornflakes 1 cup ground oats 1 cup crushed potato chips |
Bread Crumbs, Soft | 3/4 cup | 1 slice soft or fresh bread |
Broth, beef or chicken | 1 cup | 1 bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup boiling water 1 cup boiling water 1 teaspoon powdered broth base dissolved in 1 cup boiling water |
ButterRule: Don't use spreads or low-fat butter in baking | 1 cup | 7/8 to 1 cup hydrogenated fat (shortening) and 1/2 teaspoon salt 7/8 cup lard plus 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup margarine 7/8 cup oil plus 1/2 teaspoon salt 7/8 cup oil To reduce fat and calories - applesauce or prune puree for half of the butter in the recipe |
Buttermilk (sour milk) | 1 cup | 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoons vinegar (white or cider) or lemon juice (let stand 5 minutes before using) 1 cup milk plus 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 teaspoons cream of tartar 1 cup mild-flavored soy milk, plus 1 tablespoons vinegar (white or cider) or lemon juice (let stand 5 minutes before using) 1 cup plain or low fat yogurt 1 cup sour cream 1 cup water plus 1/4 cup buttermilk powder |
C | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Cajun Spice | 1 tablespoon | 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper |
Cake Flour | 1 cup | 1 cup all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons |
Can sizes and equivalents | see Can Sizes and Equivalents | |
Cardamon, ground | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon ground anise |
Catsup | 1 cup | 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp vinegar for use in cooking) |
Chervil, fresh | 1 tablespoon chopped | 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley |
Chicken stock base, instant | 1 teaspoon | 1 chicken bouillon cube |
Chicken stock base, instant | 1 tbsp dissolved in 1 cup water | 1 cup canned chicken broth1 cup homemade chicken broth or chicken stock |
Chili sauce | 1 cup | 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, dash of ground cloves, and dash of allspice |
Chives, finely chopped | 2 teaspoons | 2 teaspoons finely chopped green onion tops |
Chocolate chips, semi-sweet Also check out Chocolate Substitution Chart | 1 ounce | 1 ounce sweet cooking chocolate 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate plus 1 tablespoon sugar |
Chocolate chips, semi-sweet chips, melted | 6-ounce package | 2 squares unsweetened chocolate, 2 tablespoons shortening, and 1/2 cup sugar |
Chocolate, semi-sweet | 1 2/3 ounces | 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate and 4 teaspoon sugar |
Chocolate, unsweetened | 1 square or 1 ounce | 3 tablespoons cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon butter or margarine 3 tablespoon carob powder plus 2 tablespoons water |
Chocolate, white | 1 ounce | 1 ounce milk chocolate 1 ounce sweet dark chocolate |
Cocoa powder, natural unsweetened | 3 tablespoons | 1 ounce (square) chocolate (decrease fat called for in recipe by 1/2 tablespoon) 3 tablespoon Dutch-processed cocoa plus 1/8 teaspoon cream tartar, lemon juice or white vinegar 3 tablespoons carob powder |
Cocoa, Dutch Processed | 3 tablespoons | 3 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1/8 teaspoon baking soda 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate plus 1/8 teaspoon baking soda (reduce fat in recipe by 1 tablespoon) 3 tablespoons carob powder |
Coconut | 1 tablespoon grated, dry | 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh grated coconut |
Coconut cream, canned | 1 cup | 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream |
Coconut milk, canned | 1 cup | 1 cup whole milk |
Coffee, strong brewed | 1/4 cup | 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder dissolved in 3 tablespoons hot water |
Condensed cream of mushroom soup | 1 (10.75-ounce can) | 1 (10.75 ounce can) condensed cream of celery, cream of chicken, or golden mushroom soup. |
Cornmeal, self-rising | 1 cup | 7/8 cup plain, 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt |
Cornmeal, stone ground | 1 cup | 1 cup regular milled cornmeal, corn grits, polenta, or maize meal |
Corn syrup | 1 cup | 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 liquid (use whatever liquid is called for in the recipe) 1 cup honey 1 cup light corn syrup 3/4 cup light corn syrup and 1/4 cup molasses 1 cup maple-flavored syrup |
Cornstarch (for thickening) | 1 tablespoon | 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour 2 tablespoon granulated tapioca 1 tablespoon potato or rice starch 1 tablespoon arrowroot 4 teaspoon. instant tapioca |
Cottage cheese | 1 cup | 1 cup farmer's cheese 1 cup ricotta cheese |
Cracker crumbs | 1 cup | 1 cup dry bread crumbs 1 cup ground oats 1 cup matzo meal |
Cream, half-and-half | 1 cup | 1/2 cup whole milk, plus 1/2 cup light cream 7/8 cup milk and 1/2 tablespoon butter or margarine 1 cup evaporated milk, undiluted 3 tablespoons oil plus enough milk to equal 1 cup 1/2 cup coffee cream plus 1/2 cup milk |
Cream, heavy (36 to 40% fat) | 1 cup | 3/4 cup milk and 1/3 cup butter or margarine (for use in cooking or baking) 2/3 cup buttermilk plus 1/3 cup oil 1 cup evaporated skim milk equal parts of part skim milk ricotta cheese and nonfat yogurt beaten until smooth (this mixture cannot be heated because of separation) |
Cream, light (18 to 20% fat) | 1 cup | 3/4 cup milk and 3 tablespoons butter or margarine (for use in cooking or baking) 1 cup evaporated milk, undiluted |
Cream, whipped | any amount | Chill a 13 ounce can of evaporated milk for 12 hours. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Whip until stiff. Beating until stiff, 1/2 cup ice-cold water and 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk. Slowly add 1/2 cup sugar while beating. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for cooking only) 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed |
Cream cheese | 1 cup | 1 cup pureed cottage cheese 1 cup plain yogurt, strained overnight in a cheesecloth |
Cream of tartar | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar |
Creme fraiche | 1 cup | Combine 1 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon plain yogurt. Let stand for 6 hours at room temperature 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup sour cream plus 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 cup mascarpone cheese |
Currants | 1 cup | 1 cup raisins 1 cup chopped dates 1 cup other dried fruit (cranberries, blueberries, cherries) |
D | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Dill plant, fresh or dried | 3 heads | 1 tablespoons dill seed |
E | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Egg | 1 whole (3 tablespoons or 1.7 ounce) | 3 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon thawed frozen egg 2 1/2 tablespoons sifted, dry whole egg powder and 2 1/2 tablespoons warm water 2 yolks and 1 tablespoon water (in cookies) 2 yolks (in custards, cream fillings, and similar mixtures) 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 1 tablespoon liquid (in baking) 1 egg in every 3 can be replaced with 1 tablespoon cornstarch in baking Soften 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin in 3 tablespoons cold water; add 3 teaspoons boiling water; cool and beat until frothy; add to recipe (reduce other liquid by 2 tablespoons) 1/4 cup commercial egg substitute |
Egg white | 1 white (2 tablespoons) | 2 tablespoons thawed frozen egg white 2 teaspoons sifted, dry egg white powder plus 2 tablespoons lukewarm water |
Egg yolk | 1 yolk (1 1/2 tablespoons) | 2 tablespoons sifted, dry egg yolk powder and 2 teaspoons water 1 1/3 tablespoons thawed frozen egg yolk |
Extracts (such ash lemon or peppermint) | 1 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon | 1/4 teaspoon of oil of similar flavor 2 drops oil of similar flavor |
F | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Fish sauce | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon light soy sauce with salt |
Flour, all-purpose (for thickening) | 1 tablespoon | 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, arrowroot starch, potato starch, or rice starch 1 tablespoon granular tapioca 1 tablespoon waxy rice flour 1 tablespoon waxy corn flour 2 tablespoons browned flour 1 1/2 teaspoon whole wheat flour and 1/2 teaspoon all purpose flour |
Flour, all-purpose Note: Specialty flours added to yeast bread recipes will result in a reduced volume and heavier product. | 1 cup sifted | 1 cup and 2 tablespoons cake flour 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons unsifted all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cup bread crumbs 1 cup rolled oats 1/3 cup cornmeal or soybean flour and 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cornmeal, bran, rice flour, rye flour or whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup whole wheat flour or bran flour and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup rye or rice flour 1/4 cup soybean flour and 3/4 cup all-purpose flour |
Flour, cake | 1 cup sifted | 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons sifted all-purpose flour |
Flour, self-rising | 1 cup | 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour plus 1/1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt |
Flour, whole wheat | any amount | Substitute whole wheat flour for 1/4 to 1/2 of the white flour called for in a recipe |
G | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Garlic | 1 clove, small | 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon instant minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic 1/2 to 1 teaspoon garlic salt (reduce amount salt called for in recipe) |
Garlic Salt | 3/4 teaspoon | 1 medium-size clove or 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic |
Gelatin, powdered (plain or unflavored) | 1 envelope (1/4 ounce), 1 tablespoon granulated | 2 teaspoons agar agar 4 sheets gelatin |
Gelatin, leaf or sheet | 4 leaves or sheets | 1 (1/4 ounce) envelope powdered gelatin |
Gelatin, flavored | 3-ounce package | 1 tablespoon plain gelatin and 2 cups fruit juice |
Ghee | 1 tablespoon | 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon vegetable oil |
Ginger root, fresh | 1 teaspoon freshly grated | 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon candied ginger, rinsed and finely chopped |
Green onions, fresh | 1/2 cup chopped | 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped leek 1/2 cup chopped shallots |
H | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Herbs, fresh | 1 tablespoon finely cut | 1 teaspoon dried ground herbs 1 teaspoon dried crumbled herbs |
Herring | 8 ounces | 8 ounces sardines |
Honey | 1 cup | 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup liquid (use liquid called for in recipe) 1 cup light molasses, light or dark corn syrup, light treacle syrup, or maple syrup |
Horseradish | 1 tablespoon fresh | 2 tablespoons bottled |
Hot pepper sauce | 1 teaspoon | 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper plus 1 teaspoon vinegar |
I | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Italian Seasoning | Combine 1 teaspoon basil, 1 tablespoon fresh or dried parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon oregano | |
L | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed | 1 tablespoon juice | 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice |
Lemon, whole | 1 medium | 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 2 to 3 teaspoons lemon rind (zest) |
Lemon peel, dried | 1 teaspoon | 1 to 2 teaspoons grated fresh lemon peel (zest) grated peel of 1 medium lemon 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract |
Lemon zest (peel) | 1 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract 2 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lime zest |
Lemon grass | Equal amount of grated lemon zest moistened with a bit of fresh lemon juice | |
Lime juice, freshly squeezed | 1 tablespoon juice | 1 tablespoon bottled lime juice 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice |
Lime zest (peel) | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon grated fresh lemon peel (zest) |
M | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Macaroni, (4 cups cooked) | 2 cups uncooked | 2 cups spaghetti, uncooked 4 cups noodles, uncooked |
Maple sugar | 1/2 cup | 1 cup maple syrup (reduce liquid in recipe by 1/4 cup) 3/4 cup granulated white sugar plus 1 teaspoon pure maple extract 1 cup granulated white sugar |
Maple Syrup | about 2 cups | Combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water, bring to clear boil; take off heat; add 1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring 1 cup honey |
Marshmallows, miniature | 1 cup | 8 to 10 large marshmallows |
Marshmallow creme | 1 jar | melt 16 ounces of marshmallows and 3 1/2 tablespoons corn syrup in a double broiler |
Mascarpone cheese | 1 cup | 1 cup creme fraiche 1 cup sour cream |
Mayonnaise (for use in salads and salad dressings | 1 cup | 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 cup either yogurt, salad dressing, or sour cream 1 cup cottage cheese pureed in blender |
Me Yen seasoning | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon Beau Monde seasoning 1/2 teaspoon table salt |
Milk, evaporated (whole or skim) | 1 cup plus | 1 cup liquid whole milk 1 cup regular cream, whipping, or heavy cream |
Milk, skim | 1 cup | 4 to 5 tablespoons non-fat dry milk powder and enough water to make one cup, or follow manufacturer's directions |
Milk, skim | 1/4 cup | 4 teaspoons non-fat dry milk powder and enough water to make 1/4 cup, or follow manufacturer's directions 2 tablespoons evaporated skim milk and 2 tablespoons water |
Milk, sweetened condensed | 1 can (about 1 1/3 cups) | Heat the following ingredients until sugar and butter are dissolved: 1/3 cup and 2 tablespoons evaporated milk, 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons butter or margarine |
Milk, whole | 1 cup | 1 cup reconstituted non-fat dry milk and 2 tsp butter or margarine 1/2 cup evaporated milk and 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup condensed milk plus 1/2 cup water 4 tablespoons whole dry milk and 1 cup water, or follow manufacturer's directions 1 cup fruit juice or 1 cup potato water (for use in baking) 1/4 cup non-fat dry milk and 2 tsp butter or margarine and 7/8 cup water 1 cup soy or almond milk 1 cup water plus 1 1/2 tsp butter in baking 1 cup buttermilk plus 1/2 tsp baking soda (decrease baking powder in recipe by 2 tsp) |
Mint leaves, fresh chopped | 1/4 cup | 1 tablespoon dried mint leaves |
Molasses | 1 cup | 1 cup honey, dark corn syrup, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, or barley malt syrup 3/4 cup sugar, increase liquid by 5 tablespoons, decrease baking soda by 1/2 teaspoon, and add 2 teaspoons baking powder to recipe |
Mushrooms, fresh | 1 pound | 3 ounces dried mushrooms plus 1 1/2 cups water 1 (10-ounce) can |
Mustard, dry | 1 teaspoon | 1 tablespoon prepared mustard 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds |
Mustard, Dijon | 1 tablespoon | 1 tablespoon dry mustard mixed with 1 teaspoon water, 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, and a pinch of sugar |
N | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Nuts, chopped, ground or whole | 1 cup | 1 cup similar nuts (your favorite) prepared in the same way 1 cup rolled oats, browned (in baked products) |
O | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Oil (for sauteing) | 1/4 cup | 1/4 cup melted margarine, butter, bacon drippings, shortening, or lard |
Old Bay Seasoning | see Old Bay Seasoning Recipe | |
Onion, fresh | 1 small | rehydrate 1 tbsp instant minced onion |
Onion | 1 small | 1/4 cup chopped, fresh green onions 1 1/3 teaspoons onion salt 1 to 2 tablespoons instant minced onion 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 tablespoons dried minced onion |
Orange, whole | 1 medium | 6 to 8 tablespoons juice and 2 to 3 tablespoon grated rind (zest) |
Orange juice, freshly squeezed | 1 cup | 1 cup reconstituted frozen orange concentrate 1 cup other citrus juice (of your choice) |
Orange peel (zest), fresh | 1 medium | 2 to 3 tablespoons grated fresh orange peel (zest) 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon orange extract |
P | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup | 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese or grated Romano cheese |
Parsley, fresh | 1 teaspoon chopped | 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chervil |
Peanut Butter | 1 cup | 1 cup of another nut butter (such as almond or hazelnut butter) 1 cup tahini (sesame paste) |
Pepper, white | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon black pepper |
Peppers, green bell | 1 tablespoon dried | 3 tablespoons fresh green pepper, chopped |
Peppers, red bell | 1 tablespoon dried | 3 tablespoons fresh red bell pepper, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped pimento |
Peppermint, dried | 1 tablespoon | 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint |
Pimento | 2 tablespoons, chopped | rehydrate 1 tablespoon dried red bell peppers 3 tablespoons fresh red bell pepper, chopped |
Polenta, dry | 1 cup | 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup maize meal 1 cup corn grits |
Poultry seasoning | 1 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon ground sage, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary |
Pumpkin pie spice | 1 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/8 teaspoon allspice, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg |
R | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Raisins | 1 cup | 1 cup dried currants 1 cup dried blueberries, cranberries, or cherries 1 cup other dried fruit (chopped into small pieces) |
Rennet | 1 tablet | 1 tablespoon liquid rennet |
Rice (3 cups cooked) | 1 cup regular, uncooked | 1 cup uncooked converted rice 1 cup uncooked brown rice 1 cup uncooked wild rice 1 cup bulgur or pearl barley, cooked |
Ricotta cheese | 1 cup | 1 cup cottage cheese |
Rum | 1/4 cup | 1 tablespoon rum extract plus enough liquid to make 1/4 cup |
S | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Saffron | equal amount of Turmeric | |
Shortening, melted | 1 cup | 1 cup cooking oil (cooking oil should not be substituted if recipe does not call for melted shortening) |
Shortening, solid (used in baking) | 1 cup | 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons lard 1 cup butter 1 cup margarine |
Sour cream, cultured | 1 cup | 3/4 cup sour milk and 1/3 cup butter or margarine 3/4 cup buttermilk and 1/3 cup butter or margarine Blend until smooth: 1/3 cup buttermilk, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 cup cottage cheese 1 cup plain yogurt 3/4 cup milk, 3/4 tsp lemon juice, and 1/3 cup butter or margarine |
Spearmint, dried | 1 tablespoon | 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint |
Star Anise, ground | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon ground anise seed 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed |
Sugar, brown (light or dark) | 1 cup firmly packed | 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup unsulpured molasses 1/2 cup liquid brown sugar 1 cup raw sugar |
Sugar, superfine | 1 cup | 1 cup granulated white sugar processed in a food processor or grinder |
Sugar, white | 1 cup | 1 cup corn syrup, decrease liquid called for in recipe by 1/4 cup (never replace more than 1/2 cup sugar called for in recipe with corn syrup) 1 1/3 cup molasses (decrease liquid called for in recipe by 1/3 cup) 1 cup caster (superfine) sugar 1 cup powdered (confectioners') sugar 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark), firmly packed 1 cup honey (decrease liquid called for in recipe by 1/4 cup) |
T | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Tahini | 1 tablespoon | 1 tablespoon peanut butter |
Tapioca, instant or quick-cooking | 1 tablespoon | 2 tablespoons pear tapioca, soaked |
Tapioca, quick-cooking for thickening | 1 tablespoon | 1 tablespoon of flour |
Tomatoes, canned | 1 cup | 1 1/3 cups diced fresh tomatoes simmered 10 minutes |
Tomatoes, fresh | 2 cups, chopped | 1 (16-ounce) can tomatoes |
Tomatoes, packed | 1 cup | 1/2 cup tomato sauce plus 1/2 cup water |
Tomato Juice | 1 cup | 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 1/2 cup water |
Tomato Sauce | 2 cups | 3/4 cup tomato paste plus 1 cup water |
Tomato Soup | 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can | 1 cup tomato sauce plus 1/4 oz. can cup water |
Treacle | 1 cup | 1 cup light or dark brown sugar |
V | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Vanilla bean | 1/2 bean | 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract |
Vanilla Extract, pure | 1 teaspoon | 1/2 vanilla bean 1/2 to 1 teaspoon other extract (such as almond, peppermint, lemon, orange, etc.) |
Vegetable Shortening, solid | 1 cup | 1 cup butter 1 cup lard 1 cup margarine |
Vinegar, Balsamic | 1 tablespoon | 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or cider vinegar |
Vinegar, regular (white or cider) | 1 tablespoon | 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice |
W | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon bottled steak sauce |
Y | ||
Ingredient | Amount | Substitutes |
Yeast, active dry | 1 tablespoon | 1 yeast cake, compressed 1 package active dry yeast 1 tablespoon instant or fast-rising active yeast |
Yogurt, plain | 1 cup | 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup cottage cheese blended until smooth 1 cup sour cream |
It might seem impossible, but you really can substitute oil for butter in almost any type of recipe. Trust me, I've tested them all – sauces, spreads, cakes, pie crusts, and yes, even cookies.
When we went strictly dairy free, there weren't dairy-free butter alternatives readily available at the grocery store. Buttery spreads as we know them today didn't exist, and every margarine brand in my town contained some form of dairy. But I was determined to bake cookies. I must have tested dozens of batches before I finally created the perfect chocolate chip cookie with oil. Even with all of the vegan butters that have emerged, those are still my favorite cookies, and have been requested countless times by friends for parties. Everyone loves them. And today, I'm going to share my oil secrets with you.
You can Jump to Any Section in this Quick Guide with the Following Links:
How to Substitute Oil for Butter in Almost Any Recipe
Oil works so well that I haven't purchased a dairy-free buttery spread in years. No joke. I even make my own vegan butter from oil at home (recipe in Go Dairy Free if you have it!) when I want something to spread, or for making certain recipes even more special.
Why Oil can be Better than Vegan Butter
Butter isn't always the easiest thing to replace in recipes. It's a stable emulsion that generally doesn't separate, and it sets up easily but remains relatively soft. It also has a fairly consistent taste.
Vegan butter alternatives are an option, but they don't always perform perfectly, sometimes they taste off, they might have ingredients concerning to you, and most stores usually have just one or two options. And remember, they are made from oil. So if you're trying to avoid 'too much oil' you won't be saving much by purchasing vegan butter or margarine. And vegan butter alternatives must be refrigerated.
Oil is reliable and shelf-stable, so you can keep an inventory of it stocked in your pantry. It's not emulsified, it's pure fat so there isn't variation in composition, and there are no added ingredients. What you see is what you get, and batch after batch will yield consistent results. But it is important to know a few differences between oils.
An Essential Guide to the Types of Oil (Essential Reading!)
This section covers the general types of oil based on certain key properties for cooking and baking. I'm not covering the health aspects, but rather what you need to know for successful recipes.
Highly Saturated vs Highly Unsaturated Oil
Coconut oil and palm oil (often whipped into non-hydrogenated shortening) are the two highly-saturated, plant-based oils readily available in stores. They have a high percentage of saturated fat, which means they solidify at lower temperatures. These two fats help when you need solidifying properties like butter. If you want to avoid these oils, vegan butter alternatives aren't your answer. They all contain one or both of these oils. You can experiment with cocoa butter, which is the highly-saturated fat from chocolate (yes, cocoa butter is dairy free). It can also provide richness and density in recipes, but it sets up very firmly and isn't as easy to find in stores.
The highly-unsaturated oil list is much bigger. It includes everything from canola oil and vegetable oil to flaxseed oil, olive oil, and avocado oil. Since these oils have a much lower amount of saturate fat, they don't easily set up, even in the freezer. They'll remain fluid for all recipe needs.
Refined vs Unrefined Oil
Oil is often refined for two primary reasons: to make it more heat stable and to create a more neutral flavor. Most expeller-pressed oils have a very low smoke point, which means they will 'smoke' when heated above that temperature. This is the oil burning, so you don't want to reach the smoke point. Studies have shown that 'healthy' oil which is burnt is more harmful to our bodies than refined oils. So you aren't gaming the system if you buy a 'healthy' oil and use it improperly. This includes baking.
Refined oils typically have a higher smoke point to make them more versatile in the kitchen. But smoke points vary from type to type. Check the bottle to see what the manufacturer has indicated as the smoke point. If you have a copy of my book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook, it includes a smoke point chart for various oils and more specific oil recommendations.
Naturally, oil also has flavor from the plant it was derived from. Walnut oil tastes a little nutty, coconut oil tastes a little coconutty, olive oil tastes rich and a little grassy, and so on. If you want a very neutral-tasting oil, then you might want to choose a refined oil. The refining process strips the pronounced flavors and scents from the oil. There are a few oils that I've found to be fairly neutral in taste, even when they are unrefined, including rice bran oil and grapeseed oil.
Making the Right Choice for You and Your Recipe
Oil works so well that I haven't purchased a dairy-free buttery spread in years. No joke. I even make my own vegan butter from oil at home (recipe in Go Dairy Free if you have it!) when I want something to spread, or for making certain recipes even more special.
Why Oil can be Better than Vegan Butter
Butter isn't always the easiest thing to replace in recipes. It's a stable emulsion that generally doesn't separate, and it sets up easily but remains relatively soft. It also has a fairly consistent taste.
Vegan butter alternatives are an option, but they don't always perform perfectly, sometimes they taste off, they might have ingredients concerning to you, and most stores usually have just one or two options. And remember, they are made from oil. So if you're trying to avoid 'too much oil' you won't be saving much by purchasing vegan butter or margarine. And vegan butter alternatives must be refrigerated.
Oil is reliable and shelf-stable, so you can keep an inventory of it stocked in your pantry. It's not emulsified, it's pure fat so there isn't variation in composition, and there are no added ingredients. What you see is what you get, and batch after batch will yield consistent results. But it is important to know a few differences between oils.
An Essential Guide to the Types of Oil (Essential Reading!)
This section covers the general types of oil based on certain key properties for cooking and baking. I'm not covering the health aspects, but rather what you need to know for successful recipes.
Highly Saturated vs Highly Unsaturated Oil
Coconut oil and palm oil (often whipped into non-hydrogenated shortening) are the two highly-saturated, plant-based oils readily available in stores. They have a high percentage of saturated fat, which means they solidify at lower temperatures. These two fats help when you need solidifying properties like butter. If you want to avoid these oils, vegan butter alternatives aren't your answer. They all contain one or both of these oils. You can experiment with cocoa butter, which is the highly-saturated fat from chocolate (yes, cocoa butter is dairy free). It can also provide richness and density in recipes, but it sets up very firmly and isn't as easy to find in stores.
The highly-unsaturated oil list is much bigger. It includes everything from canola oil and vegetable oil to flaxseed oil, olive oil, and avocado oil. Since these oils have a much lower amount of saturate fat, they don't easily set up, even in the freezer. They'll remain fluid for all recipe needs.
Refined vs Unrefined Oil
Oil is often refined for two primary reasons: to make it more heat stable and to create a more neutral flavor. Most expeller-pressed oils have a very low smoke point, which means they will 'smoke' when heated above that temperature. This is the oil burning, so you don't want to reach the smoke point. Studies have shown that 'healthy' oil which is burnt is more harmful to our bodies than refined oils. So you aren't gaming the system if you buy a 'healthy' oil and use it improperly. This includes baking.
Refined oils typically have a higher smoke point to make them more versatile in the kitchen. But smoke points vary from type to type. Check the bottle to see what the manufacturer has indicated as the smoke point. If you have a copy of my book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook, it includes a smoke point chart for various oils and more specific oil recommendations.
Naturally, oil also has flavor from the plant it was derived from. Walnut oil tastes a little nutty, coconut oil tastes a little coconutty, olive oil tastes rich and a little grassy, and so on. If you want a very neutral-tasting oil, then you might want to choose a refined oil. The refining process strips the pronounced flavors and scents from the oil. There are a few oils that I've found to be fairly neutral in taste, even when they are unrefined, including rice bran oil and grapeseed oil.
Making the Right Choice for You and Your Recipe
I'm not going to debate or judge in terms of which oil is healthier, more socially responsible, etc. Choose the oils that are right for your dietary needs, your taste, and your budget. But also keep in mind what you want in your recipe. Make sure the flavor profile of the oil fits with the overall flavor of your recipe. And pay attention to what you want from the recipe – do you need the firmness of a highly-saturated oil, or would that actually be a problem?
The Oil Substitution Quick Guide by Recipe Type
You can use the suggested oil amounts to substitute dairy butter, vegan butter alternatives, or margarine.
Can I Use Vegetable Oil Instead Of Butter For Mac And Cheese Frosting
Cooking
- General Stove Top or InstantPot Cooking – A 1:1 substitution will usually work well (1 tablespoon oil for every 1 tablespoon butter) in most saute type recipes.
- Sauces – A 1:1 substitution will usually work well (1 tablespoon oil for every 1 tablespoon butter) in most sauce and roux-based recipes, but oil-based sauces can separate more easily. If it does, just whisk or blend to combine before serving. Recipe Sample: Vegan Gravy.
Baking
Can I Use Vegetable Oil Instead Of Butter For Mac And Cheese Velveeta
- Bread, Muffins, Rolls, Cakes, Cupcakes – A 1:1 substitution usually works well (1 cup oil for every 1 cup butter). But you can reduce the oil by up to 3 tablespoons per cup if you want to keep the fat level the same in your recipe. If you do this, you can optionally increase the liquid by 1 to 3 tablespoons per cup. Recipe Samples: Wacky Chocolate Cupcakes and Vegan Blueberry Muffins.
- Pie Crusts, Crumbles, Biscuits, Scones, Fine Pastries – A 1:1 substitution with highly-saturated oil (coconut oil, palm oil, or palm shortening) works best. Use them in their solid or mostly solid form. This helps crumbs form and maintains flakiness. Unsaturated oil will usually work, but the results won't be as flaky. Recipe Samples: Quick Shortcake Biscuits and Oil Pie Crust.
- Cookies (Oil Option) – Use half the amount of oil in cookie recipes that call for butter, but add liquid as needed. So if your recipe calls for 1 cup butter, substitute 1/2 cup oil and add liquid until the dough comes together and looks properly hydrated. I usually add about 2 tablespoons of liquid. If the dough is too greasy, add a little more flour. Recipe Samples: Sweet Potato Cookies and Snappy Molasses Cookies.
- Cookies (Shortening Option) – For a simpler option, non-hydrogenated shortening (which is whipped oil) performs very well in a 1:1 ratio for butter in cookies. Recipe Samples: Triple Chocolate Brownie Cookies and Classic Soft Sugar Cookies.
- Butter Brush – Some recipes call for butter to be brushed on before baking. This helps the top brown and enhances the flavor. You can brush on oil, milk beverage, or honey (for sweeter) with good results. For savory richness, whisk a rich oil (like avocado or coconut) with a pinch of salt before brushing it on.
No Bake / No Cook
- Frosting – For seamless results, substitute non-hydrogenated shortening (whipped oil) in a 1:1 ratio for butter. It performs very well, but some people don't like the taste. I use homemade vegan butter (made with oils). You can use coconut oil, but it won't be stable for long at warmer room temperatures. Sample Recipes: Coconut Oil Frosting and Maple 'Buttercream'.
- No Bake Cookies – In most cases, the butter helps the cookies set up, so you'll want to use a highly-saturated oil, like coconut oil or palm oil (or shortening). You can use a 1:1 ratio of oil (or shortening) for the butter. The dough will feel greasy if you use oil, but it will set up more normally when chilled. You can also increase the oats (or other dry ingredient) a little bit to offset this. Sample Recipes: Classic Chocolate No Bake Cookies and Raw Cookie Dough Bites.
- Fudge – Use a 1:1 ratio of oil for the butter, but be more specific about the oil. Use all coconut oil or palm oil if you want it to firmly set. If you want it slightly softer set, substitute 7 tablespoons coconut or palm oil plus 1 tablespoon highly-unsaturated oil for every 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) of butter. Keep the fudge refrigerated. Sample Recipe: Vegan Maple Cream Fudge.
- Caramel – Use a 1:1 ratio of coconut or palm oil for the butter in caramel sauces, butterscotch sauces, and caramel-like recipes. Sample Recipe: Salted Caramel Sauce.
More Quick Tips
Can I Use Vegetable Oil Instead Of Butter For Mac And Cheese Frosting
- If your recipe calls for melted butter specifically or ghee, you should be able to substitute oil in a 1:1 ratio with good results.
- For most sweet recipes, you'll want to use a lighter tasting oil, but chocolate recipes, like chocolate cake, taste good with richer oils, like olive and avocado.
- Cocoa butter works well in no bake applications like no bake cookies and fudge, but you have to use less. It sets up quite solid, so you need to balance it with a liquid or highly-unsaturated oil.
For more butter substitution ideas, see my Butter Substitution Guide.