2 proven alternatives for baking, cooking, and more
RATIO:
1:1 replacement (same amount as dairy butter)
BEST FOR:
BAKING CONTEXT:
Works exactly like dairy butter in all recipes. Use stick form for accuracy.
💡 PRO TIPS:
Stick form is more accurate than tubs for baking. Most brands work 1:1.
RECOMMENDED BRANDS:
Miyoko's Cultured Butter, Earth Balance Baking Sticks, Country Crock Plant Butter
RATIO:
¾ cup coconut oil = 1 cup butter
BEST FOR:
BAKING CONTEXT:
Refined = no coconut flavor. Virgin = slight coconut taste. Solid at room temp.
💡 PRO TIPS:
Measure melted for accuracy. Use refined for neutral flavor in baking.
RECOMMENDED BRANDS:
Nutiva, Viva Naturals, 365 Organic
| Substitute | Best For | Flavor | Texture | Cost vs Butter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan Butter Sticks | Everything! Baking, cooking, spreading | Buttery, neutral | Identical to dairy butter | Similar (~$0.30-0.50/tbsp) |
| Coconut Oil (refined) | Baking, roasting | Neutral | Solid when cold, melts easily | Cheaper (~$0.15/tbsp) |
| Coconut Oil (virgin) | Tropical baked goods | Coconut flavor | Solid when cold | Cheaper (~$0.20/tbsp) |
| Olive Oil | Savory cooking, sautéing | Olive/fruity | Liquid | Varies widely |
| Applesauce | Low-fat baking only | Mild sweet | Dense, moist | Very cheap (~$0.10/tbsp) |
Quick Decision Guide: Need 1:1 replacement? → Vegan butter sticks (easiest). Baking cookies/cakes? → Refined coconut oil (cheaper, works great). Sautéing vegetables? → Olive oil or vegan butter. Want to spread on toast? → Vegan butter only (coconut oil is hard when cold). Making frosting? → Vegan butter sticks work perfectly.
Best: Vegan butter sticks, refined coconut oil
Why: Solid fats create flaky, tender textures. Coconut oil mimics butter's melting point.
Pro tip: Use stick form (not tubs) for accurate measuring. Chill coconut oil-based dough 30 min before baking.
Best: Vegan butter, olive oil, coconut oil
Why: High smoke points. Vegan butter adds flavor, oils are neutral or complement savory dishes.
Pro tip: Medium heat only for vegan butter (burns easier than dairy). High heat OK for coconut/olive oil.
Best: Vegan butter (tub or stick)
Why: Soft, spreadable at room temp. Melts like dairy butter.
Pro tip: Miyoko's is most butter-like. Earth Balance is softer. Coconut oil is too hard when cold.
Best: Vegan butter sticks only
Why: Needs to hold shape and whip into buttercream. Coconut oil melts too easily.
Pro tip: Use stick form, not tubs (tubs have more water). Chill frosted cakes if using coconut oil.
Avoid these common pitfalls when substituting butter in your recipes.
Why it happens: Coconut oil has a lower melting point than butter (76°F vs 90-95°F). Cookies spread faster in the oven.
✅ The Fix:
Why it happens: Tub-style vegan butter has higher water content. Coconut oil melts at room temperature.
✅ The Fix:
Why it happens: Using virgin/unrefined coconut oil which has strong coconut flavor.
✅ The Fix:
Why it happens: Vegan butter has lower smoke point than dairy butter. Some brands burn easily.
✅ The Fix:
💡 Pro Tip: Keep both vegan butter AND refined coconut oil in your kitchen. Use butter for spreading and frosting. Use coconut oil for baking and high-heat cooking. Having both gives you flexibility!
Honest comparison of how vegan butter substitutes perform vs dairy butter.
Vegan Butter: 95% identical to dairy butter. Miyoko's is closest. Earth Balance slightly oilier.
Refined Coconut Oil: Completely neutral, no coconut taste at all.
Virgin Coconut Oil: Strong coconut flavor (only use if you want that!).
Olive Oil: Fruity, savory. Great for cooking, wrong for cookies.
Baked Goods: Nearly identical! Cookies may be slightly softer (good thing). Cakes are tender.
Pastries: Vegan butter makes flaky pie crust and croissants. Coconut oil can make them crumbly.
Frosting: Vegan butter whips perfectly. Holds shape well when chilled.
Spreading: Softer than dairy butter. Melts nicely on hot toast.
Color: Vegan butter is yellower (from beta-carotene). Coconut oil is white.
Browning: Similar browning in baked goods. May brown 1-2 min faster.
Texture: Cookies look identical. Cakes have same crumb.
Separation: Some brands separate when melted (just stir).
✅ Nobody will notice: In 99% of recipes, vegan butter performs identically to dairy butter.
✅ Cookies are better: Many people prefer vegan cookies - they stay softer longer and have chewier texture.
✅ Frosting works great: Vegan buttercream is indistinguishable from dairy. Seriously.
✅ Cost similar: Vegan butter costs about the same as premium dairy butter. Coconut oil is cheaper for baking.
Yes, for 95% of recipes! Vegan butter sticks work 1:1 in:
Exception: Coconut oil needs ¾ cup per 1 cup butter due to different fat content.
Pro tip: Use STICK form for accuracy in baking, not tub form (tubs have more water content).
Huge difference in flavor and use cases!
Refined Coconut Oil (Neutral):
Virgin/Unrefined Coconut Oil (Coconut Flavor):
Bottom line: For general baking, buy REFINED. Save virgin for when you want coconut flavor!
Top picks for different needs:
🏆 Best Overall: Earth Balance Baking Sticks
🧈 Most Butter-Like: Miyoko's Cultured Butter
💰 Budget-Friendly: Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks
Pro tip: All work great! Start with Earth Balance (best value + performance). Try Miyoko's for special occasions.
Yes! It's easier than you think. Homemade vegan butter costs less and you control ingredients.
Basic Recipe (Makes ~1 cup):
Instructions:
Pros: Cheaper ($2 vs $5). No additives. Customizable flavor.
Cons: Takes time. May separate slightly. Store-bought more convenient.
This is normal! It's an emulsion issue, not a quality problem.
Why it happens:
Does it ruin recipes? No! It's just cosmetic.
How to prevent it: Use medium-low heat instead of high heat. Don't overheat. Stir regularly.
Bottom line: Separation is cosmetic. Just stir and use normally!
Yes, but results vary by recipe. Here's the truth:
✅ Works Great (Use Oil):
❌ Doesn't Work Well (Need Solid Fat):
Health note: Oil has same calories as butter (120 cal/tbsp). Coconut oil has saturated fat similar to butter. Olive/avocado oil have healthier fats but aren't "low-calorie."
Shelf life and storage tips:
Refrigerated (Opened):
Frozen:
Signs it's gone bad:
Pro tip: Buy in bulk when on sale and freeze extras. Vegan butter often goes on sale 2-for-1!