Butter substitute
1 cup (2 sticks) butter = 3/4 cup neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable
Substitutes for 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
Option 1
3/4 cup neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable
For cakes, muffins and quick breads. Not for cookies or pastry, which need solid fat.
Option 2
1 cup stick margarine
A 1:1 swap in baking. Do not use soft tub margarine, which has more water.
Option 3
1 cup coconut oil, solid
A 1:1 swap in baking. Gives a faint coconut taste.
Option 4
1 cup shortening
A 1:1 swap, but cookies and pastry will taste less rich.
Amounts are for a US recipe. Need to convert them? See cups to grams.
Questions
What can I use instead of butter?
For 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, you can use 3/4 cup neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable; or 1 cup stick margarine; or 1 cup coconut oil, solid; or 1 cup shortening.
What is the best substitute for butter?
For most recipes, use 3/4 cup neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable. For cakes, muffins and quick breads. Not for cookies or pastry, which need solid fat.