Quick Answer: What Are The Substitutes For Vegetable Oil Brownies?
Vegetable oil brownies substitutes are a healthy, vegan alternative to traditional brownies. The healthier way to enjoy its alternatives are by including applesauce, avocado oil, sunflower oil, cornstarch, mashed bananas, margarine, shortening, vanilla extract, fruit puree, buttermilk.
Those delightful little squares created from chocolate are the ideal dessert after a meal. When prepared, they can come out fudgy or cake-like, depending on the desired density. The brownies can also have frosting, nuts, or chocolate chip filling.
However, people who would love a healthier brownie might love preparing it minus the vegetable oil, which is known to result in health issues after prolonged use.
The good thing is that there are several effective vegetable oil substitutes for brownies.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrition Value Table | Calories (Per 100g) |
| Canola Oil | 884 |
| Butter | 717 |
| Yogurt | 59 |
| Olive Oil | 884 |
| Applesauce | 68 |
| Sunflower Oil | 884 |
| Avocado Oil | 884 |
| Coconut Oil | 862 |
| Cornstarch | 381 |
| Mashed Bananas | 89 |
| Margarine | 717 |
| Shortening | 884 |
| Fruit puree | 50 |
| Vanilla Extract | 288 |
| Mayonnaise | 680 |
| Buttermilk | 40 |
| Greek Yogurt | 59 |
| Ghee | 900 |
| Lard | 898 |
19 Delightful Vegetable Oil Brownies Substitutes That Work Beautifully
Vegetable oil brownies substitutes are a healthy, vegan alternative to traditional brownies. The healthier way to enjoy its alternatives are by including applesauce, avocado oil, sunflower oil, cornstarch, mashed bananas, margarine, shortening, vanilla extract, fruit puree, buttermilk.
Ingredients
- Canola Oil
- Butter
- Yogurt
- Olive Oil
- Applesauce
- Sunflower Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Cornstarch
- Mashed Bananas
- Margarine
- Shortening
- Fruit puree
- Vanilla Extract
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk
- Greek Yogurt
- Ghee
- Lard
1. Canola Oil
Canola oil is one of the best alternatives for vegetable oil thanks to its various nutritional benefits.
It has low saturated fats and valuable nutrients such as linolenic acid that promote heart health.
Its neutral taste makes the perfect substitute because it won’t affect the taste of your brownie.
How To Substitute
When using this oil, there will not be much difference in taste; the main difference will lie in the nutritional value of your brownie. A 1:1 ratio is advisable. Mix the oil and cocoa powder to effectively make the batter.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt works well, but it might not be a great option for lactose-intolerant individuals or vegans. However, it is a great option to reduce your calorie intake.
Yogurt has great calcium and protein content, and in the case of baking brownies and substituting vegetable oil, plain yogurt works best.
How To Substitute
When substituting vegetable oil or yogurt in your brownies, use the 1:1 ratio in your mixture. You might want to substitute all your vegetable oil or part of it. Just ensure that the portions are equal.
3. Butter
Butter is the most common ingredient when you think of substitutes for vegetable oil for brownies.
It might not be the healthiest option, but it is the most widely available. When you substitute butter for vegetable oil, your brownies will have this buttery flavor and come out rich, tender, and moist.
With butter, your brownies will also taste delicious.
How To Substitute
Use butter to replace vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio of 1 cup of oil with 1 cup of melted butter. Bake your brownie for two minutes longer than the required time to ensure its rich flavor and texture.
4. Applesauce
Applesauce is another delightful ingredient that can successfully work as a substitute for various oils, vegetable oil included.
It is a great option if you want your brownies to have this amazing fruity flavor and fruity brownies never disappoint.
Ensure that you use the unsweetened version of applesauce to mild the sweet taste of the brownies.
Using applesauce will also reduce your calorie intake because this substitute has a low-fat content and comes with health benefits since it is created from apples.
How To Substitute
When substituting vegetable oil for applesauce, use ¾ cup of applesauce for 1 cup of vegetable oil. Also, make the brownie sweetness proportionate and not too much if you use sweetened applesauce.
5. Sunflower Oil
is an ingredient in vegetable oil, but it also makes a great alternative when baking brownies.
Sunflower oil has this neutral flavor, too, which does not change the taste of your brownies. However, it is advisable to use it with caution because too much of it can affect the taste of the brownies.
In addition, this oil has high Vitamin E content, which increases the nutritional value of your brownies.
How To Substitute
When substituting, use the 1:1 ratio, which means one cup of sunflower instead of one cup of vegetable oil.
6. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil comes about from pressing avocado pulp. It has this subtle flavor that never changes the delicious taste of brownies. If you want creamy and buttery brownies, this is the substitute to consider.
Avocado oil is often expensive, but it is one of the best substitutes that will enrich the taste and flavor of your brownie.
This oil is also heart-healthy and known for its high oleic acid content. It is also rich in vitamin E and aids the body in absorbing other fat-soluble vitamins.
How To Substitute
When substituting, use the 1:1 ratio to be safe, which means 1 cup of avocado oil for 1 cup of vegetable oil. Use a saucepan to mix the sugar, water, and dark chocolate and stir over low heat until the chocolate melts and the sugar dissolves.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a great substitute for vegetable oil because it is a healthier option. In addition, olive oil’s natural extraction methods ensure that it retains high levels of good fatty acids.
It also has various antioxidants crucial in keeping some diseases at bay. The best thing is that it has fewer calories than vegetable oil, making it ideal for anyone who wants to reduce their calorie intake.
Its wide availability makes it an easily available substitute for vegetable oil when making brownies.
How To Substitute
When substituting vegetable oil for olive oil, always go for the light or extra light virgin oil for best results and to avoid changing the taste of your brownies.
8. Margarine
Margarine is a by-product of vegetable oil, and it works as a great alternative.
It might be commonly used as a bread spread or on crackers, but it is also a delightful vegetable oil substitute for your brownies.
In addition, margarine has a great flavor that will complement your brownies.
How To Substitute
With a mild but delightful taste similar to butter, you can rest easily so that the naturally sweet and rich chocolate flavor of brownies will not change. In addition, the margarine gives the brownies a smooth exterior that will beckon everyone to take a bite. To achieve these best results, ensure that you use margarine instead of vegetable oil and stick to similar quantities. Don’tDon’t exceed the amount you would have used if you were using vegetable oil.
9. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is made by boiling coconut milk, and after the coconut milk evaporates, leaving the oil in place.
This is one substitute with a distinct taste that will make the brownies unmistakable as coconut brownies.
The oil comes in solid form, and it is vegan-friendly. It is also rich in lauric acid, known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and it also boosts skin health.
It is a great substitute if you want that coconut flavor in your brownies and its nutritional value.
How To Substitute
First, use the 1:1 ratio, which means 1 cup of coconut oil for 1 cup of vegetable oil. If the coconut flavor becomes too strong, you could consider using a little vanilla extract to create a balance.
10. Mashed Bananas
If you want unique-tasting brownies, mashed bananas could be a great choice.
But if your brownie recipe already uses bananas, you might want to lay off this substitute because it might make your brownie turn soggy.
Bananas are rich in Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6, which makes them a welcome addition to your brownies.
How To Substitute
When you use the mashed banana alternative, ensure that you use ¾ of the banana for the required amount of vegetable oil. If you need your brownie to be lighter, consider using only half a banana.
11. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is one of the less common alternatives to vegetable oil that people think about. However, it works so perfectly as a substitute for vegetable oil.
The good thing is that the cornstarch will not change the taste of your brownies because it doesn’t have that distinct flavor.
It is also a healthy option because it is gluten-free and will give your body energy.
How To Substitute
Unlike the other alternatives, you can’t add cornstarch into the mix. Instead, you will only need to mix it in water and heat it until it reaches the right consistency. You will then need to cool it down and pour it into the brownie mixture. Always use the 1:1 ratio when using it in place of vegetable oil.
12. Shortening
Shortening has been used for centuries, and usually, the product was created from animal fat or vegetable oil.
However, the current shortening in the market is made from vegetable oil, and its main purpose is to enhance the texture of baked goods.
Shortening might not be the perfect substitute for vegetable oil, but it still works well and helps brownies achieve that cakey texture.
The shortening should be your last option if you can’t find the other substitutes highlighted above.
How To Substitute
When using shortening, ensure that you use an equal amount of shortening to what you would have used as shortening. First, melt the shortening over low heat, then stir in cocoa.
13. Fruit Puree
Just the same way you can use applesauce, fruit puree works wonderfully as a substitute for vegetable oil.
You can use fruits with mild flavors such as banana or avocado which are highly recommended, but feel free to experiment with whatever fruit is within your reach.
When you team up your fruit puree with brownies, expect them to puff up and be more cake-like and not flat. You might also need to closely monitor the liquid content, lest you end up with songy brownies.
How To Substitute
If you are using berries for example, you could drain, cap or thaw frozen unsweetened berries. Mix the berries with sugar and lemon juice in a blender then blend for around 30 seconds. ensure that the berries seeds are not too finely grounded that they can pass through a sieve.
14. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is an essential ingredient for many desserts but do you know you can use it in place of vegetable oil? It has this lovely fragrance which is why it is a favorite ingredient for cakes and pastries. It is the star of various hot beverages and savory meals. Using it in your brownies will not influence the texture of your brownies much but it will no doubt change their taste a little but for the better.
How To Substitute
When substituting the vanilla extract in place of vegetable oil note that there is no straight ratio for this option which is why you must begin with a small amount first and then keep adding to the mixture until it is satisfactory. Again too much of it will drown the chocolate flavor of brownies which is why you must be careful in your amounts.
15. Mayonnaise
Surprised to see mayonnaise on this list? Well, it is not only used in sandwiches only but can be used in place of vegetable oil because it has this creamy texture and it has fat in it making it an excellent swap.
Mayonnaise will not compromise the flavor of your brownies and it will in fact make them creamier and tastier.
Baking your brownies with Mayo will give them that special homemade taste when they are done and in case you are thinking it, your brownies will be moist but they will never taste like mayonnaise, so don’t worry.
How To Substitute
In case your recipe requires one-third cup of oil and two eggs consider substituting the one-third cup of oil for mayonnaise. You can keep the eggs but be sure to substitute the oil.
16. Buttermilk
Vegetable oil is a liquid that is typically made from vegetables. It is used to fry foods. You may use buttermilk in place of vegetable oil.
Buttermilk is made from fermented milk, and adding an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar will cause the milk to curdle. Buttermilk is often used in baked goods and some savory dishes like creamed spinach.
How To Substitute
For replacing buttermilk with vegetable oil in a brownie recipe, use two teaspoons of buttermilk for every tablespoon of vegetable oil.
17. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is an easy substitute if you want to make a healthier version of brownies. Greek Yogurt is a type of yogurt made from the milk of cows, goats, or sheep. It has less lactose than regular yogurt, which means that people with lactose intolerance can eat it.
Greek Yogurt is an excellent substitute for vegetable oil in brownies because it is a non-hydrogenated and healthier alternative. It is also healthier than vegetable oil, which can be high in trans fat.
One cup of Greek Yogurt has only about 35 calories. You may use Greek Yogurt as a substitute for butter in baking recipes.
How To Substitute
Replace vegetable oil with greek yogurt in equal amounts in your recipe.
18. Ghee
Ghee is a clarified butter that is pretty popular in Asian cuisine. It is primarily used in Indian cooking. It is made by boiling butter until the water evaporates and the milk solids are removed. It leaves pure butterfat that you may use for cooking and baking.
Ghee has a nutty, rich flavor and is healthier than butter, which has saturated fat. As a result, ghee is an excellent alternative to vegetable oil in brownies.
How To Substitute
You may use ghee in an equal quantity in your recipe after melting it.
19. Lard
Brownies are a classic treat, but using vegetable oil in their recipe can be costly and lead to many problems with the consistency of the brownies. Lard is a good alternative for baking brownies, but it can be hard to find.
Lard is a product made from pork fat. It is an essential ingredient for many baked goods and some savory dishes. You can also use lard in place of vegetable oil in brownies and other dishes.
How To Substitute
Use lard to substitute vegetable oil equally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I Use Oils In Place Of Vegetable Oil When Baking Brownies?
You can use many alternatives instead of vegetable oil, and they don’t have to be oils.
You can use yogurt, applesauce, mashed bananas, cornstarch, etc. These substitutes also have higher nutritional value compared to vegetable oil.
What Are The Main Healthier Oil Alternatives To Use In Place Of Vegetable Oil When Making Brownies?
You can use canola oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and many more. Ensure the 1:1 ratio always to avoid changing the flavor of your brownies.
What Options Shouldn’t You Use As Vegetable Oil Brownie Substitutes?
You should never use anything that will distinctly change your brownie’s taste. When brownies don’t taste like brownies, they are not brownies but something else. Also, stick to the 1:1 ratio even when you settle for a certain alternative.
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