Butter Substitutions

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What is a Substitute for Butter? Although margarine tries, there’s really nothing exactly like the creamy goodness of real dairy butter. But we as consumers, are always looking for a butter substitute whether we’re trying to loose weight, be heart healthy or just find our refrigerator void of the substance.

Many ask if you can substitute shortening for butter, which you can but not in equal amounts. There is also the dilemma of whether to use salted or unsalted butter.

So, check the table below for a proper butter substitute or something to substitute for butter that will fit your current needs.

BUTTER

Butter substitute – Salted

Butter substitute – Unsalted

Other Ideas that can work, depending on recipe

AMOUNT

1 cup

Equal

SUBSTITUTE

1 Cup Margarine *OR* 1 Cup Shortening +plus 1/2 teaspoon Salt *OR* 7/8 Cup Vegetable Oil +plus 1/2 teaspoon Salt *OR* 1 Cup Unsalted Butter +plus 1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 Cup Shortening *OR* 7/8 Cup Vegetable Oil *OR* 1 Cup Salted Butter -Minus 1/2 teaspoon Salt called for elsewhere in your recipe *OR* 1 Cup Coconut Oil – best in recipes calling for soft butter

Avocado – smashed *OR* Applesauce *OR* Prune Puree *OR* Greek Yogurt

But remember, when making a butter substitute results can vary according to your taste buds. A butter substitute may alter slightly the taste, texture, weight, or moisture content of the finished product. Also, some substitutes for butter are not as healthy as the real thing and, in this case, just don’t have that same yummy flavor. Please substitute responsibly!

Hope you found a proper butter substitute here.

If you are looking for a butter substitute in order to be heart healthy, the best substitute for butter is Olive Oil but it can also provide a stronger flavor, especially in delicate baked goods if not done properly. To properly substitute for butter with heart healthy olive oil read this page.

Keep in mind when substituting salted for unsalted butter, that the biggest difference will be noted in baking. Most baked goods call for unsalted butter so that the pure butter flavor emerges in your result. The problem is that there is no set standard for how much salt different butter companies add to their product, so buying unsalted allows you (the cook) to control the saltiness in the recipe. Salted butter is usually preferred for use straight as a condiment.