What Can You Use Instead Of Vegetable Oil In Brownies?
Who doesn’t love a good, gooey, rich chocolate brownie? The warm, melted chocolate and the soft, cake-like texture just make your taste buds dance with joy.
But what do you do when you’re in the middle of making your favorite brownie recipe and you realize you’re out of vegetable oil?
Panic sets in, and you think your brownie dreams have been dashed. But hold on, don’t give up just yet! We’ve all been there, and we’re here to help.
If you’re in a similar situation and are looking for a substitute for vegetable oil in your brownie recipe, you’re in luck! You can use several alternatives that will still give you delicious, moist, and rich brownies.
With a few simple swaps, you can still whip up a batch of delicious brownies that will make you forget all about that missing vegetable oil.
Can You Make Brownies Without Oil?
Yes, it is possible to make brownies without oil. In fact, there are several alternatives you can use that will still give you a rich and delicious end product.
Some popular options include melted butter, coconut oil, canola oil, and even applesauce. The key is to find a substitute that provides the right texture and flavor to your brownies.
For example, if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try using unsweetened applesauce. It provides a similar moisture level to oil and won’t add any additional flavor to the brownies.
On the other hand, if you’re after a more traditional taste and texture, melted butter or coconut oil might be a better choice. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your personal preferences and what you have available in your kitchen.
Best Substitutes for Vegetable Oil in Brownies
You don’t have to sacrifice the taste or flavor of your favorite brownie recipe next time you find yourself in a bind! We have listed below some excellent vegetable oil substitutes for brownies.
1. Butter
Butter may not be the healthiest option, but it sure is tasty! When you melt butter, let it cool for a few minutes before using it in your recipe. 1 cup of vegetable oil should be replaced with 1 cup of melted butter.
In brownie baking, both butter and oil provide a moist, tender texture, but only butter will provide the aeration brownies need to rise.
It is generally recommended to use butter in cake brownies since it helps the batter rise. In addition, the type of brownies you want to bake will also determine which alternative you use. Generally, oil is better for denser, fudge-type brownies.
If you want to maintain the same flavor and texture of the brownies, bake them two minutes longer than usual with the same amount of butter and vegetable oil.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt makes a great substitute for a thick, creamy brownie batter, not only as a breakfast food but also as an excellent dessert. Probiotics, calcium, and protein are all found in yogurt.
For moist and fudgy brownies, use plain, nonfat yogurt. As a result, the brownies will be less fattening.
Yogurt can be substituted for oil equally or with a mixture of yogurt and oil. A half cup of yogurt should be substituted for every half cup of oil and two eggs in a box recipe.
Yogurt has many health benefits, including improving immune function, reducing inflammation, and managing weight.
Besides being an awesome dairy product that you probably have in your refrigerator, yogurt also makes a great brownie substitute.
Generally, plain yogurt is better than flavored yogurt, as you don’t want any additional flavors to interfere with the chocolate flavor.
3. Olive Oil
If you want to use olive oil, select one with a light taste. Your sweet brownies shouldn’t be flavored with olive oils that have more flavor. Use olive oil in place of vegetable oil at a 1:1 ratio.
Light or extra light olive oil works best when baking brownies since they are highly refined and have more of a neutral flavor, making them less likely to affect the taste or texture of your brownies.
The balance of flavors you work so hard to achieve in baking will be upset if you use olive oil that tastes strong. Additionally, you should use the same amount of olive oil as vegetable oil.
4. Canola Oil
Canola oil is inexpensive, readily available, and has a neutral taste, making it an excellent choice for baking brownies. When baking brownies, it is an excellent substitute for vegetable oil.
There is no distinct flavor to vegetable or canola oils, unlike olive or nut oils, which can overpower your recipe or leave an odd taste in your mouth.
It is claimed that canola oil, which comes from the rapeseed plant, can actually improve your heart health, as it is rich in omega-3 fats.
Canola oil contains less saturated fat than vegetable oil, but most of it comes from genetically modified plants.
5. Sunflower Oil
Maybe you have sunflower oil if you don’t have vegetable oil? A brownie recipe can be made with sunflower oil since it is a major ingredient in most vegetable oils.
A sunflower seed produces a non-volatile oil called sunflower oil. High in vitamin E, sunflower oil is commonly used as a frying oil.
Nevertheless, sunflower oil should generally be used sparingly, since its flavor is more powerful than vegetable oil. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetable oil substitutes when making brownies.
You can master various cooking methods and recipes with so many alternatives available. Who knows, you may find an alternative that actually works better for you!
Coconut oil, safflower, grapeseed, and soybean oil are substitutes for vegetable oil. You can use fruit puree in your baking recipe as well.
6. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a great substitute for vegetable oil when baking brownies if you’re looking for a healthier option.
The healthiest oil available, avocado oil is preferred by those leading a healthier lifestyle. You could use it in your brownie recipe even though it is more expensive than some of the other vegetable oil substitutes.
To replace vegetable oil in your recipe, use equal amounts of avocado oil. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, which means it is also great for frying different ingredients since it is unrefined, high in healthy fat, and has vitamin E.
Compared to nut oils like peanut or hazelnut oil, avocado oil has a much more subtle flavor, so your brownie batter won’t taste like it has been changed.
Because it is produced in smaller amounts and is generally harder to come by, it is generally more expensive than vegetable oil.
7. Applesauce
You may also have applesauce in your pantry that you can use in brownie recipes instead of vegetable oil. You can reduce fat with applesauce if you are trying to lose weight. There will be a slight fruity taste to your brownies.
As a moistening agent in cakes, muffins, cookies, and of course, brownies, applesauce is not only delicious, but also versatile.
For a less sweet taste, opt for unsweetened applesauce. The recipe should be able to be altered to use less sugar, even with unsweetened applesauce.
You can replace 1 cup of vegetable oil with 3/4 cup of applesauce. You should use half applesauce and half coconut or avocado oil since applesauce contains no fat.
For brownies, you should use three-quarters of a cup for one cup of flour and slightly reduce the sugar.
It’s a good idea to do this because apple sauce has sugars that will give the recipe a bit more sweetness. Don’t overdo it!
8. Mayonnaise
Who said mayonnaise could only be used on sandwiches? The texture of mayonnaise is creamy and fattening. Therefore, vegetable oil can be substituted for it in brownies.
Mayonnaise has the same texture and flavor as butter. There is even a chance that you will enjoy more delectable and creamier bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the best vegetable oil substitutes for brownies. Do you still have questions about what you’ve learned? Nothing to worry about. Read these frequently asked questions about how to replace vegetable oil in brownies.
1. Can I make brownies without vegetable oil?
There is no need for vegetable oil to make brownies (or any other kind of fat). However, it’s not recommended.
Fat binds ingredients and gives brownies their decadent flavor and texture. A crumbly result can result if it is not mixed thoroughly.
2. What Happens If You Make Brownies Without Vegetable Oil?
The fat in your brownies comes from vegetable oil. In addition to making the batter liquid, this ensures a rich, indulgent end product.
You will end up with a crumbly mess without any oil to bind the dry ingredients together. The main difference between vegetable oil and butter is that vegetable oil contains a much lower percentage of water than butter.
This method is useful for baked goods like cakes, where you want them to rise and have an open structure.
The batter for brownies tends to be gooier and denser, so less water is needed. This is why brownie recipes tend to call for oil as a fat source.
3. Can I Substitute Peanut Butter For Oil In Brownies?
Peanut butter lovers who want to add a peanut buttery finish to their brownies can do it, especially if they’re peanut butter aficionados.
The brownies may turn out thicker and chewier this way. It is also possible to make brownies with other types of butter, such as sunflower, cashew, or almond.
Final Words
In most brownie recipes, vegetable oil is recommended. Even without it, you can succeed. There are many viable substitutes that will work like a charm. Make delicious brownies with whichever of these you have on hand!
