There are few things as indulgent and delicious as a fresh, warm brownie straight out of the oven.
The rich, sticky, chocolatey flavor makes me just spontaneously forget my problems for a short and sweet moment.
And while they may seem like they’re pretty simple to make, getting that perfect brownie texture can actually be quite tricky.
One of the key ingredients in any great brownie recipe is oil.
But what if you’re out of oil and don’t have time to run to the store? Can you substitute butter for oil in brownies?
You can use butter instead of oil in brownies. Butter will give your brownies a richer flavor and a denser texture. If you’re looking for a traditional, light and fluffy brownie, it’s best to stick with oil. But if you’re in the mood for something richer, go ahead and swap out the oil for butter.
Now that you know you can use butter instead of oil when you’re planning on making brownies, let’s take a look at the correct measurements you should use.
How Much Butter Should I Use For Brownies?
If you’re using butter instead of oil in your brownie recipe, you’ll want to use about 1 cup of butter for every 3/4 cup of oil called for in the recipe.
You can use different types of butter for this substitution, but I personally find that using unsalted butter gives the best results.
If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but you’ll want to cut back on the amount of salt called for in the recipe.
In order to incorporate the butter, simply melt the butter and proceed with the recipe as usual.
I like to melt my butter in the microwave as it is easy and quick, but you can also melt it on the stovetop.
Just be sure that the butter is completely melted before adding it to the rest of the ingredients.
Is Butter Or Oil Better For Brownies?
It really depends on what kind of brownie you’re in the mood for.
Generally speaking, brownies are made with oil because this helps them become light and fluffy.
Butter, on the other hand, will give your brownies a denser and deeper flavor.
So if you’re looking for a classic brownie, stick with oil.
But, if you want something a little different, go ahead and use butter.
Just keep in mind that your brownies will likely spread more while baking if you use butter, so be sure to keep an eye on your brownies!
Either way, you’ll end up with a delicious batch of brownies.
Try out both options whenever you have the chance and see which you like best!
What Makes Brownies More Moist And Fudgy?
There are a few things that you can do to ensure that your brownies come out extra moist and fudgy.
First, it is best advised to use dark chocolate in your recipe.
Dark chocolate has a higher cocoa content, which gives it a richer flavor and a more intense chocolatey taste.
It also contains less sugar than milk chocolate, which ultimately helps to keep your brownies moist.
Also, be sure to add an extra egg to your recipe.
This will help to add moisture and bind the ingredients together, resulting in a fudgier brownie.
As egg yolks are high in fat, they will also contribute to the overall richness of your brownies.
Finally, an obvious but very important last tip: make sure not to overbake your brownies.
Brownies are done when they are just set in the center and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
If your toothpick comes out clean, your brownies are likely overcooked.
Overcooked brownies will be dry and crumbly, instead of moist and chewy.
So be sure to keep an eye on them while they’re baking, and take them out of the oven as soon as they’re done.
Can You Substitute Butter For Oil In Box Brownies?
it is perfectly fine to substitute butter for oil in box brownies as well.
When it comes to measurements, use 1 cup of butter for every 3/4 cup of oil called for in the recipe.
If you’re using butter instead of oil in your brownie recipe, simply melt the butter and go ahead following the instructions mentioned on the box.
What’s The Best Way To Store Brownies?
The best way to store your brownies is at room temperature in an airtight container.
This way they will keep for up to one week.
For best results, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap before storing in the container.
This will help to keep them nice and tasty and will prevent them from turning dry too quickly.
You can also freeze brownies for up to three months.
Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
Whenever you feel like having a brownie, thaw frozen brownies at room temperature or in the microwave.
Can You Substitute Peanut Butter For Oil In Brownies?
You can substitute peanut butter for oil in brownies.
Peanut butter will give your brownies a rich and nutty flavor and a dense texture.
So, if you’re in the mood for something a little different, definitely go ahead and use peanut butter!
The taste and texture of your brownies will vary depending on the type of peanut butter you use.
If you want a more pronounced peanut flavor, go with a natural, unsweetened peanut butter.
If you prefer a sweeter brownie, use a creamy, sweetened peanut butter.
Other Questions You May Have
Can I make fudgy brownies using a boxed brownie mix?
Boxed brownie mixes can still be adjusted to make fudgy brownies. Using butter instead of oil, adding extra cocoa powder, and slightly underbaking will help keep them fudgy. Boxed brownie mixes provide convenience, but some adjustments can result in rich, decadent fudgy brownies.
The butter adds moisture and richness compared to oil. Extra cocoa powder boosts the chocolate flavor for an intense fudgy texture. Pulling them slightly out of the oven before they are fully baked allows the center to set into a dense fudgy consistency.
What type of oil is best for brownies?
Canola oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, and peanut oil are all great substitutes for vegetable oil in brownies. Extra virgin olive oil can also be used but may give the brownies a distinct taste.
Each oil has its own benefits and flavor profile that can enhance brownies in unique ways.
Canola oil has a neutral flavor that won’t compete with other ingredients. Coconut oil adds tropical notes and helps brownies stay moist. Avocado oil is nutrient-dense and locks in moisture. Sunflower and peanut oils add subtle nuances without overwhelming the chocolate.
What’s the healthier option: olive oil or butter in brownies?
Butter contains saturated fat while olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids. In moderation, either can fit into a healthy diet. Using half the recipe amount of olive oil combined with half the amount of butter may provide the best compromise.
Both ingredients add moisture and richness, but in different ways.
However, both provide important nutrients and can be enjoyed in moderation, especially when balanced together in the brownie recipe.
Can I use unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt instead of oil for brownies?
Unsweetened applesauce and Greek yogurt are excellent substitutes for oil in brownies. They provide a healthy fat alternative and can help lower the fat content of the finished product.
Applesauce and Greek yogurt add moisture without compromising texture or taste.
What is the best substitute for vegetable oil in brownies?
The best vegetable oil substitutes for brownies are melted butter, coconut oil, and unsweetened applesauce. Each of these ingredients provides moisture and richness similar to oil. Melted butter adds tenderness, coconut oil boosts flavor, and applesauce keeps brownies moist from within.
Will using butter instead of oil change the texture of my brownies?
Using butter instead of oil may give your brownies a slightly different texture. Butter has milk solids that can create a tender texture, while oil can create a moist, fudgy texture. However, the substitution ratio can be adjusted to achieve the desired texture.
Play with the amounts to get brownies that are perfectly cakey or fudgy depending on personal preferences.
Can I use extra light olive oil instead of vegetable oil in brownies?
You can use extra light olive oil as a substitute for vegetable oil in brownies. It has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it a good choice for baking. Extra light varieties are less strongly flavored so they allow the other ingredients like chocolate to shine through without distraction.
Can I use a fruit puree instead of oil for brownies?
A fruit puree like applesauce can be used instead of oil in brownies. It provides a moisture content similar to oil and can add unique flavors to the finished product. Fruit purees add natural sweetness and moisture without much fat or calories compared to oil or butter.
Experiment with different purees like banana, pumpkin or prunes to discover new flavor combinations in brownies.
Will using butter instead of oil affect the flavor of my brownies?
Using butter instead of oil may give your brownies a distinct flavor. Butter has a unique taste that can complement the chocolate flavor in brownies. However, personal preferences may vary.
Taste a sample of the butter brownies to see if you enjoy the subtle flavor nuances it adds. If not, stick to oil or a combination for a more neutral flavor profile.
Can I substitute almond butter for peanut butter in brownies?
Almond butter can be substituted cup-for-cup in place of peanut butter in brownie recipes. Almond butter has a similar texture and fat content as peanut butter which allows it to work well as a substitute.
Both nut butters add protein, healthy fats and moisture to baked goods. Feel free to swap them out and enjoy almond butter’s milder flavor in your favorite peanut butter brownies.
Final Thoughts
And that’s all there is to it! Pretty simple right?
Food swaps like this one are easy to make and can be a great way to change up your brownie recipe if you happen to miss an ingredient.
If you happen to be out of oil and need a substitute, definitely give butter a try.
As mentioned above, for every 3/4 cup of oil called for in the recipe, use 1 cup of butter.
If you want to change things up a bit and give your brownies a rich and unique flavor, you can also use peanut butter instead of oil.
You might be surprised at how delicious this combination can be!