Out of butter or just looking for a dairy-free option? Check out these fantastic butter substitutes for baking! The key is to choose the right substitute based on what you’re baking and your dietary needs.

1.Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a multitasking marvel in the kitchen! It adds moisture, fluffs up your bakes, and keeps everything tender. Use it in bread, cakes, or fluffy pancakes for amazing results.

But here’s where it falls short: it’s not the best for pastry butter substitutes or cookie dough. Don’t have buttermilk? No problem!

Mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, and you’re good to go. Pro tip: Swap 1 cup of butter for 1/2 cup of buttermilk for a lighter, fluffier texture.

2.Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a fantastic substitute for butter in baking, and it’s packed with goodness. It adds a nice coconut flavor and keeps your bakes tender and moist.

Refined coconut oil is your go-to for a neutral taste, while virgin coconut oil is perfect if you love that coconut vibe. Either way, your bakes will turn out deliciously soft and moist.

Coconut oil shines in sweet treats like cakes, cupcakes, and brownies. To substitute, simply swap 1 cup of butter for 1 cup of coconut oil. Plus, it’s a great dairy-free option!

3.Avocado

Looking for a unique way to add moisture and nutrition to your bakes? Try swapping butter for avocado!

While it might sound a bit unusual, this substitution brings serious moisture to the table, along with vitamins K, C, and E.

Just like other fruits and veggies on this list, your bake will be a bit denser, but the payoff in texture is totally worth it.

One thing to note: avocados will give your batter or dough a greenish tint, so they’re especially great in chocolate recipes. How to make the switch?

Simply replace 1 cup of butter with 1 cup of avocado and enjoy the benefits!

4.Greek Yogurt

Looking for a secret ingredient to make your baked goods extra moist and flavorful? Greek yogurt is here to save the day!

It’s not just for snacking or smoothies–this magic worker is perfect for cakes, waffles, quick bread, and especially banana bread.

Plus, it adds a nice boost of protein to your treats, making that breakfast cake totally justifiable.

Your bakes might turn out a bit denser than usual, but trust us, that’s because they’re packed with all that lovely moisture. Want a pro tip?

Swap 1 cup of butter for 1 cup of Greek yogurt in your recipe. Just a heads-up: it’s not the best fit for cookies, as it makes the dough too soft. But for everything else? Game. Changer.

5.Margarine

Margarine is a fantastic butter substitute that’s budget-friendly and easy to find. Plus, it’s usually dairy-free, making it a great option for vegan baking.

While it’s softer than butter, it works beautifully in most cakes and baked goods. It creams nicely with sugar, blends smoothly with eggs and flour, and can even be used in liquid form.

The flavor might not be as rich as butter, but the texture will stay pretty much the same. To substitute, just swap 1 cup of butter for 1 cup of margarine.

One thing to note: skip margarine for frosting–it can make it taste greasy and unpleasant.

6.Pumpkin Puree

Looking for a nutrient-dense addition to your recipes? Pumpkin puree is packed with antioxidants and immunity-boosting vitamins. Plus, it adds a fun pop of color to your dishes!

Keep in mind that pumpkin puree can be a bit watery, especially if it’s homemade or store-bought.

If it’s too runny, try this simple fix: strain it through a paper towel-lined strainer and let it drip before using. Pumpkin puree is super versatile and shines in muffins, pancakes, cakes, and quick bread.

Here’s a handy tip: swap 1 cup of butter with 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree for a healthier, flavorful twist.

7.Mashed Bananas

Bananas are a game-changer in the kitchen! They’re packed with nutrients, low in fat, and bursting with natural sweetness.

Plus, they add incredible moisture and flavor to your baked goods, much like applesauce, though they give a denser texture. The best part? They still turn out delicious!

Since bananas are naturally sweet, you might want to cut back on the sugar in your recipe. They shine in cakes, quick bread, pancakes, and cookies.

Here’s a handy tip: swap 1 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of mashed bananas for a tasty, healthier twist.

8.Ghee

Ever wondered what ghee is? It’s basically butter that’s been cooked to remove the milk solids, leaving it clear and free from lactose and casein. This makes it a fantastic option for anyone avoiding dairy.

Ghee is super versatile – you can use it solid or melted, and it has this amazing slightly nutty flavor, kinda like brown butter.

One thing to note: since it doesn’t have milk fats, your baked goods might turn out a bit drier. No worries, though!

Just add an extra egg yolk to your cake batter or brownies to keep things moist. To substitute, swap 1 cup of butter for 1 cup of ghee.

Pro tip: Ghee has a low melting point, so if you’re making biscuits or cookies, make sure to chill the dough before baking.

9.Olive or Vegetable Oil

Oils are a fantastic alternative to butter in baking because they add moisture and tenderness to your creations. That’s why you’ll often find oil in recipes like cakes and brownies.

Vegetable oil is your go-to choice here–it has a neutral flavor that blends right in without overpowering your final product.

If you’re a fan of that distinct olive oil taste, it’s a great option for bread or citrus-infused bakes. It shines in lemon cakes and even adds depth to chocolate cakes.

Just keep in mind that olive oil can be pricier, so vegetable oil is a budget-friendly way to go. For substitution, swap 1 cup of butter with 3/4 cup of oil.

One thing to note: this won’t work for recipes that require solid butter, like cookies, as it’ll make the dough too soft.

Oil is a simple, effective way to keep your bakes moist and delicious without breaking the bank.

10.Applesauce

Applesauce is a fantastic vegan substitute for butter, offering a sweet, moist, and low-fat option.

It’s a great choice even if you’re not vegan, and since most people already have a jar in their pantry, it’s super convenient.

Keep in mind that applesauce will give your bakes a denser texture since it’s low in fat, but it also makes them incredibly moist and flavorful.

It’s perfect for recipes like pancakes or muffins, which are typically denser anyway. Plus, since applesauce adds natural sweetness, you might want to reduce the sugar in your recipe.

To substitute, swap 1 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of applesauce. It’s a simple, smart way to keep your bakes delicious and a little healthier!