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Butter Substitutes

Exact conversion ratios for any recipe

Finding an butter substitute is easy—finding the right one for your specific recipe takes more consideration. Butter contributes binding, moisture, and texture properties that vary in importance depending on what you're cooking. For general use, Coconut Oil delivers the most reliable results at 1 cup per cup, producing Similar to butter, slight coconut flavor texture impact across cookies, cake, brownies. Vegetable Oil at ¾ cup per cup creates Moister, doesn't cream, different texture changes while providing an alternative for those with specific ingredient preferences or restrictions. Each substitute has optimal use cases and limitations—Coconut Oil, despite its versatility, underperforms in frosting. The calculator below lets you compare all 7 options with exact ratios, dietary filters, and texture ratings to match your exact situation.

Updated Feb 2026

Substitution Calculator

Automatically adjusts substitutes based on your recipe type.

Tip: Changing what you're making may change the recommended substitutes.

⚠️ When NOT to Use These Substitutes

Not every substitute works in every situation. Here are important warnings to keep in mind:

  • CookiesAffects: Unsweetened Applesauce, Greek Yogurt, Mashed Avocado
  • When coconut flavor is unwantedAffects: Coconut Oil
  • Frostings (different melting point)Affects: Coconut Oil
  • Recipes requiring creamingAffects: Vegetable Oil
  • Cookies (will spread too much)Affects: Vegetable Oil
  • FrostingsAffects: Vegetable Oil
  • When whole-food ingredients preferredAffects: Vegan Butter
  • Soy allergies (check brand)Affects: Vegan Butter

💡Pro Tips for Best Results

  • ✓Coconut oil solidifies when cold—use for recipes requiring cold butter.
  • ✓Vegan butter sticks work 1:1 but may contain more water—reduce other liquids slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about these substitutes

What are the best substitutes for butter?
The top butter substitutes are Coconut Oil (1 cup per cup), Vegetable Oil (3/4 cup per cup), and Vegan Butter. Coconut Oil works best in cookies and brownies. Vegetable Oil is ideal for cake and brownies. Each option has different texture impacts—use our calculator to compare exact ratios for your recipe.
What is the ratio for substituting butter?
Standard butter substitution ratios: Coconut Oil uses 1 cup per cup, while Vegetable Oil uses 3/4 cup per cup. These ratios may vary by recipe type—our calculator adjusts amounts based on context (baking, cooking, sauces) and your specific quantity needs. Always check the texture impact rating when choosing between options.
Will my recipe taste different with a butter substitute?
Taste and texture changes depend on your substitute choice. Coconut Oil produces medium taste impact with Similar to butter, slight coconut flavor texture changes. Vegetable Oil has none taste impact. Substitutes rated "similar" or "neutral" taste closest to original. For best results, match the substitute to your recipe type—baked goods vs. cooking vs. sauces all have different recommendations.
When should I NOT use a butter substitute?
Avoid using Coconut Oil in frosting because it may affect texture negatively. When coconut flavor is unwanted Check each substitute's "avoid in" list before choosing—our calculator shows warnings for recipe types that don't work well with specific alternatives.
Can I use multiple butter substitutes in one recipe?
Yes, combining substitutes can work, but requires careful ratio adjustments. For example, you might use half Coconut Oil (1 cup per cup ÷ 2) and half Vegetable Oil (3/4 cup per cup ÷ 2) to balance texture and flavor. This works best when one substitute provides richness and another adds moisture. Start with small batches to test results.
What is the best butter substitute without banana?
If you want to avoid banana, try Vegetable Oil at 3/4 cup per cup per butter. This option has Moister, doesn't cream, different texture texture impact and none taste impact. It works well in cake and brownies and doesn't add any banana flavor to your recipe.
Will substituting butter change the texture of my recipes?
Texture may change slightly depending on your substitute choice. Coconut Oil produces Similar to butter, slight coconut flavor texture impact—most people find this acceptable. Vegetable Oil creates Moister, doesn't cream, different texture changes. For closest results to traditional recipes, choose substitutes rated "similar" in texture impact. The calculator below shows texture ratings for all options.
How much Coconut Oil do I need for 2 butters?
For 2 butters, use 2 cups of Coconut Oil. Double-check using our calculator above—enter "2" in the quantity field to see exact amounts for all substitute options, not just Coconut Oil. Larger quantities generally work proportionally, though you may need slightly less for 3+ butters.
What is the best vegan butter substitute for recipes?
The best vegan butter substitute for recipes is Coconut Oil at 1 cup per cup. It produces Similar to butter, slight coconut flavor texture impact and works especially well in cookies and brownies. Filter by "vegan" in the calculator to see all 5 plant-based options available.

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