When baking brownies, vegetable oil is often the go-to choice for creating a moist, chewy texture.
But what if you’re out of vegetable oil or looking for a healthier alternative?
Fortunately, plenty of substitutes can still give you the same delicious results.
From creamy butters to fruity purees, these alternatives can add unique flavors and textures to your brownies.
In this guide, we’ll explore 21 substitutes for vegetable oil that you can use to customize your brownies, whether you’re aiming for more richness, health benefits, or simply experimenting in the kitchen.
Substitutes for Vegetable Oil in Brownies
1. Butter
Butter is a classic substitute for vegetable oil in brownies.
It adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps give the brownies a denser texture.
To replace the oil, simply melt the butter before mixing it into your brownie batter.
This substitute works particularly well if you want a more indulgent, buttery taste in your dessert.
- Taste: Rich, creamy, and indulgent.
- Texture: Creates a dense and fudgy brownie.
- Best For: Traditional, rich brownies.
- Ratio: Use equal parts melted butter as a replacement for oil.
- Extra Tip: Brown the butter for an added nutty flavor.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular substitute, especially for healthier or vegan options.
It adds a subtle coconut flavor and maintains moisture in the brownies.
Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so melt it before incorporating it into your brownie mix.
- Taste: Slightly sweet with a mild coconut flavor.
- Texture: Moist and slightly denser than oil-based brownies.
- Best For: Vegan or tropical-flavored brownies.
- Ratio: Use an equal amount of melted coconut oil as vegetable oil.
- Extra Tip: Opt for refined coconut oil to avoid a strong coconut flavor.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil can bring a more savory depth to brownies, and it pairs well with dark chocolate.
While it may seem unusual, olive oil’s fruity and slightly peppery notes enhance the flavor profile of brownies, especially if you’re using high-quality chocolate.
- Taste: Fruity and slightly savory, with mild bitterness.
- Texture: Soft and moist, similar to oil-based brownies.
- Best For: Dark chocolate or sophisticated, rich brownies.
- Ratio: Replace vegetable oil with the same amount of olive oil.
- Extra Tip: Use extra virgin olive oil for a more pronounced flavor.
4. Applesauce
Applesauce is a fantastic low-fat substitute for vegetable oil.
It adds moisture without the extra calories and provides a slight fruity sweetness.
This option is ideal for those looking to make their brownies healthier without compromising texture.
- Taste: Mildly sweet with a hint of apple.
- Texture: Soft and moist but slightly lighter than oil-based brownies.
- Best For: Health-conscious or fruity-flavored brownies.
- Ratio: Use a 1:1 ratio of applesauce to replace vegetable oil.
- Extra Tip: Opt for unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness of your brownies.
5. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is another healthy alternative that adds creaminess to brownies.
It increases moisture while contributing a tangy flavor.
This substitute works well for creating moist, dense brownies, especially when you’re looking to reduce fat content.
- Taste: Tangy with a slight richness.
- Texture: Thick and creamy, creating dense brownies.
- Best For: Healthier or protein-packed brownies.
- Ratio: Use the same amount of Greek yogurt as you would oil.
- Extra Tip: Use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for best results.
6. Avocado
Avocado is a nutritious substitute for vegetable oil that adds a creamy texture and healthy fats to your brownies.
It blends smoothly into the batter, providing moisture without altering the flavor too much.
This is a great option if you’re looking to boost the nutritional content of your brownies while keeping them moist.
- Taste: Mild and buttery, with little to no noticeable flavor.
- Texture: Creamy and smooth, helping create moist brownies.
- Best For: Healthier, nutrient-packed brownies.
- Ratio: Replace oil with an equal amount of mashed avocado.
- Extra Tip: Puree the avocado to ensure a smooth texture in your batter.
7. Banana
Mashed bananas can replace vegetable oil while adding natural sweetness and a mild fruity flavor to your brownies.
They’re perfect for adding moisture and reducing fat content.
The subtle banana flavor pairs nicely with chocolate, making them a popular choice for healthy baking.
- Taste: Naturally sweet with a hint of banana.
- Texture: Soft and moist, with a denser consistency.
- Best For: Healthier brownies with a slight banana flavor.
- Ratio: Use the same amount of mashed banana as vegetable oil.
- Extra Tip: Use ripe bananas for a stronger flavor and sweeter brownies.
8. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree adds moisture and a mild earthy sweetness to brownies.
It’s a fantastic option for fall-inspired desserts and can lower the fat content while keeping the brownies soft.
Pumpkin puree is also a great choice for those who want a unique flavor twist in their baked goods.
- Taste: Mildly sweet with a hint of pumpkin.
- Texture: Soft and moist but slightly lighter than oil-based brownies.
- Best For: Seasonal, fall-flavored brownies.
- Ratio: Replace oil with an equal amount of pumpkin puree.
- Extra Tip: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a fall flavor boost.
9. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to brownies, creating a more indulgent dessert.
Adding moisture and a creamy texture makes it work well as a substitute for vegetable oil.
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a classic pairing, making this a delicious option for brownie lovers.
- Taste: Rich and nutty, with a strong peanut butter flavor.
- Texture: Creamy and dense, giving the brownies a fudgy consistency.
- Best For: Peanut butter lovers or rich, decadent brownies.
- Ratio: Use the same amount of peanut butter to replace oil.
- Extra Tip: For extra indulgence, swirl some peanut butter on top before baking.
10. Almond Butter
Almond butter offers a subtler, nutty alternative to peanut butter as a substitute for vegetable oil.
It adds moisture and a light almond flavor, making it a good option for those who want a nutty flavor without overwhelming the taste of chocolate.
Almond butter also adds healthy fats, making your brownies richer in nutrients.
- Taste: Lightly nutty with a hint of almond.
- Texture: Creamy and dense, adding moisture to the brownies.
- Best For: Nutty, slightly healthier brownies.
- Ratio: Use almond butter in the same quantity as vegetable oil.
- Extra Tip: Opt for smooth almond butter to ensure an even consistency in your brownies.
11. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is a neutral-tasting substitute for vegetable oil that provides a similar texture and moisture.
It’s a great option if you don’t want to add additional flavors to your brownies.
Sunflower oil is also rich in Vitamin E and other healthy fats, making it a simple but effective alternative for baking.
- Taste: Mild and neutral, with no noticeable flavor.
- Texture: Soft and moist, similar to vegetable oil.
- Best For: Classic brownies without any added flavors.
- Ratio: Use an equal amount of sunflower oil as a direct substitute for vegetable oil.
- Extra Tip: Make sure to use high-quality sunflower oil for best results.
12. Ghee
Ghee, or clarified butter, brings a rich and nutty flavor to brownies while offering the same moisture as vegetable oil.
It has a higher smoke point than regular butter, making it a stable choice for baking.
Ghee also adds a depth of flavor that works well in brownies, especially for those who love a buttery taste.
- Taste: Rich and nutty, with a slightly caramelized flavor.
- Texture: Creamy, helping create fudgy brownies.
- Best For: Rich, buttery brownies with a deep flavor profile.
- Ratio: Replace vegetable oil with the same amount of melted ghee.
- Extra Tip: Ghee can enhance the richness of brownies without making them greasy.
13. Mayonnaise
It may sound unusual, but mayonnaise can replace vegetable oil in brownies, providing extra moisture and a rich texture.
Since mayonnaise is made from eggs and oil, it adds fat and creaminess without altering the flavor.
This substitute works surprisingly well in creating soft, fudgy brownies.
- Taste: Neutral, as mayonnaise doesn’t impart any strong flavors.
- Texture: Creamy and moist, giving brownies a soft, fudgy consistency.
- Best For: Ultra-moist brownies with no extra flavors.
- Ratio: Use the same amount of mayonnaise as a replacement for oil.
- Extra Tip: Use plain mayonnaise without added flavors for the best results.
14. Buttermilk
Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and keeps brownies moist.
It’s a great substitute for vegetable oil to lighten the texture while adding a slight richness.
The acidity in buttermilk also reacts with the baking soda, helping the brownies rise slightly, resulting in a fluffier consistency.
- Taste: Slightly tangy with a mild richness.
- Texture: Soft, moist, and slightly fluffier than oil-based brownies.
- Best For: Lighter, airier brownies with a hint of tang.
- Ratio: Replace oil with buttermilk in a 1:1 ratio.
- Extra Tip: Combine buttermilk with cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
15. Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is a rich substitute for vegetable oil that adds moisture and creaminess to brownies.
It can make the brownies denser and fudgier while contributing to a richer, more indulgent flavor.
If you’re looking for a decadent option, heavy cream will provide the extra richness you’re craving.
- Taste: Rich and creamy, with a buttery undertone.
- Texture: Dense and fudgy, perfect for indulgent brownies.
- Best For: Rich, decadent brownies.
- Ratio: Use the same amount of heavy cream as a replacement for oil.
- Extra Tip: Whip the heavy cream slightly for a lighter texture before adding to the batter.
16. Sour Cream
Sour cream provides a creamy, tangy substitute for vegetable oil.
It keeps brownies moist while adding a slight tang that pairs well with the sweetness of chocolate.
This substitute works best if you’re looking to create a soft, rich texture without making the brownies too heavy.
- Taste: Mildly tangy with a creamy richness.
- Texture: Soft and moist, adding a subtle fluffiness.
- Best For: Brownies with a balance of rich and tangy flavors.
- Ratio: Replace oil with sour cream in a 1:1 ratio.
- Extra Tip: Use full-fat sour cream for the best texture and flavor.
17. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is a vegan-friendly substitute for vegetable oil that adds moisture and a creamy texture to brownies.
It’s neutral in flavor, so that it won’t affect the taste of your brownies.
Silken tofu also boosts protein, making it a healthier option for baked goods.
- Taste: Neutral, allowing the chocolate flavor to shine through.
- Texture: Creamy and soft, creating moist brownies.
- Best For: Vegan or protein-packed brownies.
- Ratio: Use the same amount of blended silken tofu as a replacement for oil.
- Extra Tip: Blend the tofu until smooth for a uniform texture in the brownies.
18. Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is a great vegetable oil alternative for those who want a neutral-tasting substitute.
It provides the same moisture and texture without changing the flavor of your brownies.
Soybean oil is also rich in healthy fats, making it a good option for heart-conscious bakers.
- Taste: Neutral, with no noticeable flavor.
- Texture: Soft and moist, similar to vegetable oil.
- Best For: Classic brownies without flavor alterations.
- Ratio: Use a 1:1 ratio to substitute vegetable oil.
- Extra Tip: Opt for refined soybean oil to avoid any potential off-flavors.
19. Canola Oil
Canola oil is another neutral-tasting substitute that works well with vegetable oil.
It’s widely available and provides the same moisture and texture as vegetable oil, making it a simple swap in brownie recipes.
Canola oil is low in saturated fat, making it a healthier option for baking.
- Taste: Neutral, with no added flavor.
- Texture: Soft and moist, comparable to vegetable oil.
- Best For: Any brownie recipe where you want a neutral oil.
- Ratio: Replace vegetable oil with an equal amount of canola oil.
- Extra Tip: Make sure to use fresh canola oil for the best results.
20. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes add moisture, sweetness, and a slightly earthy flavor to brownies.
This substitute works well for those looking to make their brownies healthier, as sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamins.
They also create a dense, fudgy texture.
- Taste: Sweet and slightly earthy, with mild sweetness.
- Texture: Dense and fudgy, perfect for rich brownies.
- Best For: Healthier brownies with added sweetness and nutrients.
- Ratio: Replace oil with an equal amount of mashed sweet potatoes.
- Extra Tip: Use cooked and mashed sweet potatoes for a smooth texture.
21. Chia Seed Gel
Chia seed gel is a unique vegan alternative that adds moisture and a slight chewiness to brownies.
To make it, simply mix chia seeds with water and let them sit until they form a gel-like consistency.
This substitute works well for those seeking a healthy, fiber-rich option.
- Taste: Neutral, with no noticeable flavor.
- Texture: Chewy and moist, adding a unique texture.
- Best For: Vegan and fiber-rich brownies.
- Ratio: One tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water will replace ¼ cups of oil.
- Extra Tip: Allow the chia seeds to fully gel before adding them to the batter.
Conclusion
Choosing the right substitute for vegetable oil in brownies can help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor while catering to dietary preferences or simply using what’s available in your kitchen.
Whether you opt for the richness of butter, the creaminess of avocado, or the fruity sweetness of applesauce, each substitute brings something unique to your brownies.
Explore these 21 alternatives to discover the best for your next batch of delicious, homemade brownies.
