FAQs
There are no surprises here: butter tastes better than oil in baking recipes. However, in recipes with other bold flavors – such as chocolate, coffee, or citrus – butter can sometimes compete with the other flavors and this is normally when a recipe calls for oil instead.
Which makes a cake more moist, oil or butter? ›
Why does oil give cake superior texture? Butter is 18% water, so when the batter is baked, some of its liquid evaporates. Replacing the water from the butter with oil means there's more fat left in the cakes to ensure tenderness.
What happens when you use oil instead of butter in baking? ›
What about substituting oil for butter? Depending on the type of oil, it can add complex flavor and welcome moisture to your baked goods. A good rule of thumb is to replace about 3/4 of the butter in a recipe with olive, canola, or vegetable oil. (If the recipe calls for 1 cup butter, use ¾ cup oil.)
How much oil equals 1 stick of butter? ›
In other words: If a baking recipe calls for a stick of butter (8 tablespoons), for example, use 6 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is box cake better with oil or butter? ›
The directions on the back of the box will tell you to add vegetable oil; for a denser crumb and bigger flavor, swap in unsalted butter. Melted butter can be used in the same quantity and manner as the fat called for in any boxed cake recipe.
Are muffins better with butter or oil? ›
Our answer. It is possible to replace oil with butter in a muffin recipe as generally most muffin recipes are quite forgiving and you may find that butter gives a better flavour.
Can I use half butter and half oil in cake? ›
Can I Use Both Butter and Oil in Cake? Oh yes, you sure can. This recipe has a combination of butter and oil to give off that nice buttery taste while keeping it soft and moist at the same time. Cake using pure butter tends to be more dense and dry compared to adding oil into the batter.
What is the best oil to use in a cake? ›
Best Oils for Baking
Choosing vegetable oil is the best option for baking moist, delicious baked goods. Canola oil, the most common vegetable oil used in baking, doesn't add a strong flavor. It allows your cake's flavor will shine through while still achieving a moist texture.
How much butter is 1/2 cup of oil? ›
To convert butter to oil, you'll want to use a 3:4 ratio instead — this means one equal part of oil equates to ¾ butter. Example: If a recipe calls for 2/3 cup of butter, use 1/2 cup of oil instead.
Are cookies better with butter or oil? ›
Indeed, cookies made with butter are usually softer and more tender than those made with oils. And last but not least, butter in cookies helps achieve that perfect texture. That's because butter melts at a lower temperature than other fats, allowing cookies to spread evenly while baking.
In brownies, both butter and oil will offer a moist, tender texture, but only butter will give the dish the aeration needed for rising brownies well. If you use a cake brownie, butter is a better option because it helps rise the batter. For denser, fudge type brownies, oil is permissable.
Why cook with oil instead of butter? ›
Oils generally boast a higher smoke point than butter, making them more versatile for high-heat cooking methods like frying, sautéing, and searing. Butter, with its lower smoke point, is more suited to baking, low-heat sautéing, and adding finishing touches that require a gentle touch and rich flavor.
How much oil is 2 cups of butter? ›
Butter to Olive Oil Conversion Chart
BUTTER | OLIVE OIL |
---|
⅔ CUP | ½ CUP |
¾ CUP | ½ CUP + 1 TABLESPOON |
1 CUP (2 sticks) | ¾ CUP |
2 CUPS (4 sticks) | 1-½ CUPS |
5 more rows
Can I use olive oil instead of butter for cookies? ›
Usually, olive oil is best used as a substitute for butter in baking recipes that call specifically for liquid butter. In these cases, olive oil should be substituted for butter in a 3:4 ratio by volume. So if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, then you would use ¾ cup of olive oil.
Can you use olive spread instead of butter in baking? ›
Yes. Benecol Buttery taste spread and Olive spread are great to use in baking and can be easily 'switched' into your favourite heart healthy recipes.
Do you use butter or oil for baking pan? ›
You can use anything from a canola oil or olive oil spray to coconut oil or butter. Olive oil can be used in a pinch, but is a little harder to get to stick to the sides of the pan if you go too heavy handed. My personal choice is an olive oil spray, so it still sticks all around the pan and is easy to use.
Is cooking with butter better than cooking with oil? ›
Butter adds a rich flavour to sauteed dishes and imparts a golden crust to pan-seared meats. However, its lower smoke point makes it less suitable for high-temperature cooking. Vegetable oil, with its higher smoke point, is a winner for stir-frying and deep-frying.
Does oil make a difference in baking? ›
Choosing vegetable oil is the best option for baking moist, delicious baked goods. Canola oil, the most common vegetable oil used in baking, doesn't add a strong flavor. It allows your cake's flavor will shine through while still achieving a moist texture.
Is it better to bake cookies with butter or oil? ›
Indeed, cookies made with butter are usually softer and more tender than those made with oils. And last but not least, butter in cookies helps achieve that perfect texture. That's because butter melts at a lower temperature than other fats, allowing cookies to spread evenly while baking.