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Check out these simple ways to substitute for oil in brownies with kitchen staples!
Brownies are a popular dessert loved by many. They are typically made with oil, which adds moisture and richness to the batter.
However, if you’re looking for a healthier option or simply don’t have oil on hand, there are several substitutes you can use. In this article, we will discuss 15 oil substitutes for brownies that actually work.
Oil Substitutes for Brownies
Here is a list of 15 oil substitutes that you can use in your brownie recipes:
- Applesauce
- Greek Yogurt
- Avocado
- Mashed Bananas
- Pumpkin Puree
- Coconut Milk
- Silken Tofu
- Nut Butter
- Buttermilk
- Sour Cream
- Melted Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Melted Chocolate
- Honey
- Maple Syrup
Now let’s go into more details.
Substitutes for Oil in Brownies
1. Applesauce
Applesauce is a popular substitute for oil in brownie recipes. It adds moisture and helps keep the brownies soft and fudgy. To use applesauce as a substitute, replace the oil with an equal amount of applesauce. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/2 cup of applesauce instead.
2. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is another excellent oil substitute for brownies. It adds moisture and richness to the brownies while reducing the fat content. To use Greek yogurt as a substitute, replace half of the oil with an equal amount of Greek yogurt. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/4 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt.
3. Avocado
Avocado is a healthy substitute for oil in brownies. It adds creaminess and healthy fats to the brownies. To use avocado as a substitute, replace the oil with an equal amount of mashed avocado. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/2 cup of mashed avocado.
4. Mashed Bananas
Mashed bananas are a natural sweetener and a great substitute for oil in brownies. They add moisture and natural sweetness to the brownies. To use mashed bananas as a substitute, replace the oil with an equal amount of mashed bananas. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/2 cup of mashed bananas.
5. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is another healthy oil alternative for brownies. It adds moisture and a subtle pumpkin flavor to the brownies. To use pumpkin puree as a substitute, replace the oil with an equal amount of pumpkin puree. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree.
Related: Egg substitutes for pancakes
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular substitute for vegetable oil in brownie recipes. It adds richness and a hint of coconut flavor to the brownies. To use coconut oil as a substitute, replace the vegetable oil with an equal amount of melted coconut oil. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, use 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil.
7. Nut Butter
Nut butter, such as almond butter or peanut butter, can be used as an alternative for oil in brownies. It adds richness and nutty flavor to the brownies. To use nut butter as a substitute, replace half of the oil with an equal amount of nut butter. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/4 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of nut butter.
Related: Egg substitutes for salmon patties
8. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is a unique substitute for oil in brownie recipes. It adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together without adding much flavor. To use silken tofu as a substitute, replace half of the oil with an equal amount of silken tofu pureed in a blender or food processor until smooth. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/4 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of pureed silken tofu.
10. Sour Cream
Sour cream is another tangy substitute for oil in brownie recipes. It adds moisture and richness to the brownies while reducing the fat content. To use sour cream as a substitute, replace half of the oil with an equal amount of sour cream. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/4 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of sour cream.
11. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a creamy substitute for oil in brownie recipes. It adds moisture and richness to the brownies. To use mayonnaise as a substitute, replace the oil with an equal amount of mayonnaise. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
12. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a dairy-free substitute for oil in brownie recipes. It adds richness and a subtle coconut flavor to the brownies. To use coconut milk as a substitute, replace the oil with an equal amount of coconut milk. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/2 cup of coconut milk.
13. Nutella
Nutella is a delicious substitute for oil in brownie recipes. It adds sweetness and a rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor to the brownies. To use Nutella as a substitute, replace half of the oil with an equal amount of Nutella. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/4 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of Nutella.
Related: Egg alternatives for cornbread
14. Greek Yogurt + Baking Powder
A combination of Greek yogurt and baking powder can be used as a substitute for oil in brownie recipes. It adds moisture and helps the brownies rise. To use Greek yogurt and baking powder as a substitute, replace half of the oil with an equal amount of Greek yogurt and add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder per cup of flour used in the recipe.
15. Black Beans
Black beans are a unique substitute for oil in brownie recipes. They add moisture and fiber to the brownies while reducing the fat content. To use black beans as a substitute, replace half of the oil with an equal amount of pureed black beans. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/4 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of pureed black beans.
That concludes our list of substitutes for oil in brownies! Experiment with these alternatives to find your favorite variation.
Key takeaways
For your convenience, here’s a key takeaways box summarizing the main points covered in this article:
| Substitute | What it does |
|---|---|
| Applesauce | Adds moisture and keeps brownies soft and fudgy |
| Greek Yogurt | Adds moisture and richness while reducing fat content |
| Avocado | Adds creaminess and healthy fats |
| Mashed Bananas | Natural sweetener that adds moisture and sweetness |
| Pumpkin Puree | Adds moisture and subtle pumpkin flavor |
| Coconut Oil | Adds richness and hint of coconut flavor |
| Nut Butter | Adds richness and nutty flavor |
| Silken Tofu | Adds moisture without much flavor |
| Buttermilk | Tangy substitute that adds moisture |
| Sour Cream | Tangy substitute that adds moisture and richness |
| Mayonnaise | Creamy substitute that adds moisture and richness |
| Coconut Milk | Dairy-free substitute that adds richness and coconut flavor |
| Nutella | Delicious substitute that adds sweetness and chocolate-hazelnut flavor |
| Greek Yogurt + Baking Powder | Combination that adds moisture and helps rise |
| Black Beans | Unique substitute that adds moisture and fiber while reducing fat content |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about substituting oil in brownies:
- Can I use any of these substitutes in any brownie recipe? Yes, you can use these substitutes in most brownie recipes. However, keep in mind that some substitutions may alter the taste and texture of the final product.
- Do these substitutes work for vegan brownies? Yes, many of these substitutes are suitable for vegan brownie recipes. Look for substitutes like silken tofu or mashed bananas to replace eggs and dairy products.
- Can I combine different substitutes? Yes, you can experiment with combining different substitutes to achieve the desired taste and texture. Just make sure to adjust the quantities accordingly.
