Brownies are delicious treats and perfect for many occasions.
I like to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
However, if you happen to be out of butter or looking for a way to cut down on calories, you may be wondering if you can use margarine instead of butter.
It’s important to have the right information before making a decision.
So that’s why, in this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to that question and talk about what you need to know in order to make the switch.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Can You Use Margarine Instead Of Butter For Brownies?
You can use margarine instead of butter for brownies. However, it’s important to note that this substitution may affect the texture and flavor of your brownies. For example, margarine may result in a softer and less flavorful brownie compared to one made with butter.
Additionally, margarine generally has a higher water content than butter, so you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
When using margarine instead of butter for brownies, it’s important to use a high-quality product.
Low-quality brands may contain too much water and can affect the overall texture of your brownies.
You should also use a margarine that’s designed specifically for baking if you want to achieve the best results.
This way, you can be sure that your brownies will look and taste great!
However if you only happen to have regular margarine in the house, you can use this as well.
Just be aware of the potential texture and flavor differences, especially when it comes to taste.
Other Alternatives For Butter In Brownies
While margarine can work as a butter substitute in an original recipe for brownies, there are some options that may produce even better results.
For example, coconut oil or olive oil are good fats that have a higher smoke point than butter, meaning they won’t burn as easily during baking.
When it comes to the amount of oil; swapping 1/2 cup of butter for 1/2 cup of coconut oil or olive oil in your favorite brownie recipe would provide similar moisture and richness.
You could also use avocado oil or canola oil as a butter replacement.
Both have a neutral flavor that won’t interfere with the chocolate flavor of the brownies.
Another great option is nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter. Replacing up to 1/4 cup of butter with nut butter adds richness, moisture and protein.
For those with lactose intolerance, cocoa butter makes a great butter substitute since it has a similar composition to butter but contains no milk solids.
Baking with cocoa butter results in brownies with a fudgy texture.
Greek yogurt can also stand in for butter and adds moisture, thickness and protein without significantly altering the taste.
Experimenting with different plant-based butters and healthy cooking oils is a better choice than traditional margarine if you want the health benefits without compromising on flavor and texture in your easy homemade brownie recipe.
3 Tips For Using Margarine Instead Of Butter For Brownies
When using margarine instead of butter for brownies, make sure to use the following tips to create some delicious fudgy brownies:
1. Use A High-Quality Margarine
As mentioned above, using a high-quality margarine is very important if you want to achieve the best results.
Low-quality brands may contain too much water and can affect the overall texture of your brownies.
I personally like to use a margarine that’s specifically designed for baking.
That way, you really can’t go wrong!
2. Add A Little Sugar Or Cocoa Powder
Add a bit of extra sugar and/or cocoa powder to your brownie mix to compensate for the decrease in flavor caused by the substitution of margarine for butter.
You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to boost the flavor.
This will also help to mask any potential changes in texture that might occur.
I personally like to add in some chocolate chips as well!
3. Adjust The Baking Time
Margarine generally has a higher water content than butter, so you need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
You may need to bake your brownies for a few extra minutes or at a slightly lower temperature.
Start by reducing the recommended bake time by 5-10 minutes and then check on your brownies periodically until they are done.
This way, you can be sure that your brownies will be cooked thoroughly but won’t be overbaked.
Best Brownie Recipe With Margarine
Now that you know that you can use margarine instead of butter for brownies, here’s a delicious recipe to get you started! Let’s make some easy homemade brownies!
What You’ll Need:
– 1/2 cup margarine, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
3. Then add the eggs.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Once the brownies are done you can also choose to decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, or chopped nuts if you’d like.
Other Questions You May Have
Is Margarine Better For Brownies?
While margarine is an acceptable substitution for butter in brownies, it’s important to note that it may result in a softer and less flavorful brownie compared to one made with butter.
However, you can still achieve a delicious brownie with margarine if you choose the right brand and adjust your baking time accordingly.
Do You Have To Use Butter For Brownies?
Instead of using butter or margarine for brownies, you can also use oil.
However, it’s important to note that using oil may produce a less dense and more cake-like brownie.
Many types of oil would work but the best option is to use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, coconut or sunflower.
Can I Substitute Margarine For Butter In Other Recipes?
You can use margarine instead of butter in most recipes.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the texture and flavor of your dish may be affected by this substitution.
A great example of a dish that works great with margarine is banana bread.
Margarine adds a subtle sweetness to the bread that butter simply can’t match.
How do I know what temperature to soften my butter to?
Room temperature butter is soft enough to stir into batter but not melted, around 65-70°F. Press the butter—it should yield to light pressure but hold its shape. You can also microwave butter in short bursts until soft.
What is the best fat to use for moisture and texture in brownies?
For a rich flavor, coconut oil, olive oil, and nut butters like peanut butter are all a great substitute that provide richness without the saturated fat of butter. They help ensure you get thicker brownies that have a moist, fudgy texture.
Will substituting applesauce for some of the butter make brownies healthier?
Using 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce in place of 1/4 cup butter adds moisture without much fat. A cup of applesauce yields a fudgy, healthier brownie without significantly changing the flavor of your baked goods.
Is it okay to use boxed brownie mix with a butter substitute?
You can use butter alternatives in box brownie mixes. For the brownie batter, consider substituting 1/4-1/2 cup coconut oil, olive oil or applesauce for the butter or oil called for. Adjust baking times as needed for proper doneness.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you can use margarine instead of butter for brownies.
However, it’s important to note that this substitution may affect the texture and flavor of your brownies.
For the best results, it’s important to use a high-quality margarine and adjust the baking time accordingly to make sure your baked goodies come out perfectly.
With the right tips and tricks, you can still achieve a delicious brownie with margarine.
So what are you still waiting for? Go ahead and try it out!