For centuries, butter has been a fundamental ingredient across the globe. It is an ingredient that has been loved and used in many cultures around the world and by the 12th century, butter businesses flourished throughout northern Europe.
Butter is a rich ingredient that enhances the flavors of dishes.
Considered a guilty pleasure to add to meals due to its high caloric,
fat content, and taste, there are also various alternatives to butter.
Whether your customer is vegan or you ran out of this decadent
ingredient, below are 10 alternatives to butter you can use when baking
or cooking.
Reasons You May Replace Butter
More and more individuals are requesting that baked goods or meals don't include butter. Below are a number of reasons why someone may not want butter in his or her dish or a chef wants to replace it with a similar ingredient:
- Milk allergy: Butter is low on casein, a protein found in cow’s milk. However, even low quantities of casein can still affect individuals who struggle with milk allergies. If severe, it is vital to avoid butter at all costs.
- Intolerant to lactose: If your patrons' sensitivity to lactose is severe, it's best for them to avoid dairy products. Those who can tolerate small amounts of lactose can get away with consuming butter.
- Health problems: Due to its high saturated fat content, large intakes of this ingredient can lead to the risk of heart disease or raised cholesterol.
- Increase costs of butter & dairy: The high popularity, demand, and cost of butter are increasing, making establishments consider other available substitutes for butter.
-
You ran out and need to improvise: There are many
instances where you probably started to bake something without
noticing you ran out of butter and need a quick solution.
Why Butter Is So Important In Baking
Butter is the reason why baked goods are moist and delicious. It causes cookies, cakes, and muffins to rise up and appear fluffy. Without butter, treats become dry, flat, and flavorless. The need for butter in cooking leads individuals to find butter alternatives that will mimic the effects and purpose of butter as much as possible.
Best Butter Substitutes
1. Margarine
Margarine is a dairy-free substitute that is similar to butter. However, it’s advised not to use margarine on baked items that rely heavily on their texture, like dough. Margarine can also affect the sweet flavor of your baked goods so consider avoiding it when making sweet cookies or cakes. If a customer suffers from health problems, it is best to refrain from consuming due to its high levels of trans fat. It can be used at a 1:1 ratio to replace butter.
2. Ghee
Ghee is a very rich and dense ingredient that provides you with extra moist treats. Due to its heavy moisture content, it is best to use less of it than you would butter to prevent baked goods from weighing down. It is great for warm bread or cookies and adds a strong buttery flavor. Ghee also does not have casein or lactose, making it great for people with a milk allergy or who are lactose intolerant. It can replace butter at a 1:1 ratio.
3. Oils
Olive and coconut oil can be tricky to use since they are both in liquid form but behave similarly to butter. They are a great butter substitute for people who suffer from dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Coconut oil and olive oil have high impacts on flavor which needs to be considered when baking goods. Coconut oil suits best for baked items that are more tropical such as incorporating fruity or citrusy flavors or enhancing the flavor of chocolate. Olive oil works perfectly for muffins or pumpkin bread. Use a 3:4 ratio of the amount of olive oil in place of 1 serving of butter or a 1:1 ratio if using coconut oil.
4. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is an excellent butter substitute for frying eggs or cooking vegetables due to its high-fat content and it is rich in water and protein. It is a great ingredient to make mashed potatoes or garlic bread with. Mayonnaise can also be used as a butter substitute for baking a cake since it will increase its moisture content. Next time you run out of butter, give mayonnaise a shot. Use a 1:1 ratio to replace butter.
5. Pumpkin Puree
Great in carrot muffins and a healthy alternative to butter, pumpkin puree is a great vegan-friendly substitute filled with nutrients. It also provides baked goods with moisture, allowing you to use less oil or none. Considering that pumpkin can alter the color and flavor of your baked items, it is best to use the ingredient in chocolate or other dark treats than light ones to not affect the color. Use about a 3:4 ratio of the amount of butter needed in the recipe.
6. Nut Butters
Nut butters are a great plant-based butter alternative due to their high-fat content. In addition, nut butters add their nutty flavors and density to your baked treats. Avoid using nut butters in your recipes if you're looking for less fat and calorie-dense butter substitutes. Avoid using this butter alternative if any of your patrons have a nut allergy. Use a 1:1 ratio of nut butter in replacement of butter.
7. Greek Yogurt
Use greek yogurt in your recipes if patrons do not have a milk allergy. Greek yogurt is an ideal healthy alternative to butter since it is rich in protein and nutrients. Avoid using it in sweet baked items since it causes a tangy flavor. To preserve the creaminess of your treat, consider using full-fat yogurt! Use a 1:2 ratio of greek yogurt for 1 cup of butter.
8. Mashed Bananas
For a healthy alternative to butter, mashed bananas are the perfect addition to your recipes. Mashed bananas reduce the caloric density and fat of your treat. It provides nutrients, moisture, and sweetness to your baked items. However, avoid adding mashed bananas to your recipe if you're looking for a crunchy or light texture. Use in a 1:1 ratio for butter.
9. Avocados
For a healthy plant-based butter alternative, use mashed avocados. Avocados add a rich texture to your baked items, nutrients, and healthy fats. Keep in mind that if used in light-colored treats, it can result in leaving a greenish tint. It is best to use darker-colored baked goods such as chocolate. Use a 1:1 ratio of avocado to replace butter.
10. Applesauce
Applesauce reduces the fat and calories in your baked goods. Applesauce is an ideal healthy alternative to butter for those individuals battling health problems or simply want to avoid butter due to its high fat and calorie content. Since applesauce is quite sweet, there is no need to add a lot of sugar. If a customer wants to cut down on sugar, then you can use an unsweetened applesauce option. It is best not to add this ingredient for crunchy or crispy baked items such as cookies. Use a 1:2 ratio of applesauce for 1 cup of butter.
Butter Substitutes For Spreads
Want to serve a delicious spread to family or friends but don’t know what to use to substitute your butter? Below are some options to add to your next spread for guests to enjoy!
- Olive oil: Add herbs and spices to your olive oil to create a flavorful snack.
- Nut butters: Include any nut butter on bread or crackers.
- Hummus: An ideal dip or spread for vegetables, chips, or bread.
- Avocado: Nobody will turn down sliced avocado on warm toast.
- Vegan butter: A vegan-friendly swap that can be enjoyed on bread.
Swap Out Butter In Any Recipe
Don’t stress about not being able to make your favorite treats with butter! There is an abundance of butter substitutes to choose from. You only have to find what works best for your recipe through trial and error. Thankfully, you don’t have to say goodbye to flavorful and moist delicacies.
