Unsalted butter might sound a bit boring at first, but it's actually super versatile (a dairy product made from churned cream with no added salt). It's a staple in baking that lets us control the saltiness of our cookies and cakes.
We can go wild with our recipes!
Remember that one time we were baking cookies and realized we ran out of the good old salted kind? Thank goodness we had unsalted butter around.
Seriously, it saved the day.
Ready to shake up your baking game? Let's get started!
6 Easy Substitutes for Unsalted Butter
For all of your baking needs, these unsalted butter substitutes will have you covered. Whether you're looking for a healthier option or just trying to use up what's in your fridge, we've got the perfect swaps for you.
1 - Salted Butter
Who doesn't love a bit of extra saltiness in their baked goods? Salted butter is a quick fix when we run out of the unsalted kind (typically contains about 1.5-2% salt by weight).
It adds some salt without changing the recipe much.
Just remember, you might need to adjust the added salt in the recipe. Rule of thumb: for every cup of salted butter, reduce the other salt by about ¼ teaspoon.
It's as simple as that.
Salted butter saves us from cookie disaster and for pantry legume options see butter beans culinary swaps.
Perfect for a smooth, stress-free bake.
2 - Coconut Oil
Feeling adventurous in the kitchen? Coconut oil is a fantastic unsalted butter substitute that adds a slight coconut flavor to your treats.
It's solid at room temperature, making it easy to swap.
To use, the ratio is 1:1 (1:1 by volume). If a recipe requires a cup of unsalted butter, use a cup of coconut oil.
Simple, right?
Plus, it's a great vegan option and for dairy-free recipe ideas see coconut milk substitutes for curry.
Want more alternatives for coconut oil? Check out these coconut oil substitutes for more ideas.
Give it a try and let your baked goods shine!
3 - Olive Oil
Olive oil is our next superstar. It's liquid gold.
We use it to replace unsalted butter. It's easy to find everywhere.
The swap is simple: use ¾ cup of olive oil for 1 cup of unsalted butter. It's that easy. ***Bonus; it adds a rich, earthy taste.
Not all oils are the same. We like extra virgin for its smooth flavor (with grassy, peppery notes).
It makes cakes moist. It's perfect for breads, too.
We once made brownies with it. They were rich and tasty.
Try it yourself and see the difference.
Looking for more ideas? Check out these Castelvetrano olive swaps for briny flavor.
4 - Applesauce
Have we ever tried baking with applesauce instead of butter? It's a fun twist!
It makes our baked goods moist and slightly sweet.
For a perfect swap, use half a cup of applesauce for one cup of unsalted butter (1:2 by volume). It's that straightforward.
They turned out soft and flavorful - try Instant Pot applesauce for quick use.
Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Plus, it's lighter than butter. So, if we're looking to cut down on fat, this is the answer.
5 - Yogurt
We're big fans of yogurt in baking. It's super versatile.
Swap out butter for yogurt in a 1:1 ratio (1:1 by volume). Easy peasy.
It keeps things moist. Plus, it adds a tangy twist.
This makes our cakes and muffins extra special.
One time, we made a batch of blueberry muffins. They were divine with yogurt.
Soft, tangy, and irresistible.
Greek yogurt is even better - see Greek yogurt explained for baking.
Perfect for giving baked goods that rich texture.
6 - Avocado
Last but not least, avocado is a fantastic alternative for unsalted butter. It might sound unconventional, but trust us, it works!
Use half a cup of mashed avocado for one cup of unsalted butter. This swap adds healthy fats (mostly monounsaturated oleic acid) and creaminess to our baked goods.
We once made chocolate chip cookies with avocado, and they turned out amazing-chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients into our treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the amount of salt in your recipe to avoid making it too salty.
Yes, coconut oil can replace unsalted butter, giving baked goods a subtle coconut flavor and a dairy-free option.
Yes, olive oil can replace unsalted butter in baking, though it will add a distinct flavor that works well in certain recipes.
Yes, applesauce can replace unsalted butter in cakes, offering moisture and a mild sweetness without added fat.
Yes, avocado can replace unsalted butter in baked goods, adding creaminess and healthy fats with a subtle flavor.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
