9 SUBSTITUTES FOR VEGETABLE OIL IN BROWNIES (+ A CHART!)

Whether you’re using a brownie box mix or baking from scratch, here are 10 easy substitutes for vegetable oil in brownies — plus a quick chart to help you pick the best one.

🧈 1. MELTED BUTTER

You can never go wrong with melted butter. It adds that homemade richness. Perfect for anyone who loves buttery edges.
Swap: 1 cup vegetable oil = 1 cup melted butter

✅ Best for: brownie box mix and fudgy homemade brownies
✅ Pro tip: Use unsalted butter for better control of flavor

Melted butter is a great substitute for vegetable oil in brownies. — **MELTED BUTTER**

🌻 2. CANOLA OIL

This one’s basically your low-key twin to vegetable oil. Canola oil has a light flavor, blends beautifully, and won’t change the taste or texture of your brownies.
Swap: 1 cup vegetable oil = 1 cup canola oil

✅ Best for: box mixes or classic brownie recipes
✅ Pro tip: a neutral flavor that’s perfect for your brownie

Pouring canola oil. — **POURING CANOLA OIL**

🍈 3. OLIVE OIL

Want to get fancy? Try olive oil brownies. Especially extra virgin olive oil — it gives your baked goods a luxurious texture.
Swap: 1 cup vegetable oil = 1 cup olive oil

✅ Best for: rich, dark chocolate brownies
✅ Pro tip: Use virgin olive oil or light olive oil for a subtler flavor

Olive oil is a perfect substitute for vegetable oil in brownies. — **A SMALL BOWL OF OLIVE OIL.**

🍎 4. UNSWEETENED APPLESAUCE

Unsweetened Applesauce is a classic low-fat swap that keeps brownies moist and slightly chewy. Unsweetened is best, so you don’t oversweeten your batter.
Swap: 1 cup vegetable oil = 1 cup applesauce

✅ Best for: lighter, fluffy brownies
✅ Bonus: fewer calories and less fat

🥛 5. SOUR CREAM

Creamy, tangy, and magical for texture! Sour cream adds moisture and a soft crumb, making it perfect if you like thick, fudge-style brownies.
Swap: 1 cup vegetable oil = ¾ cup sour cream

✅ Best for: dense, bakery-style brownies

🍌 6. MASHED BANANAS

Overripe bananas aren’t just for banana bread — they make a great vegetable oil substitute, too. They add sweetness, moisture, and a subtle fruity note.
Swap: 1 cup vegetable oil = ½ cup mashed banana

✅ Best for: fruity, chewy brownies
✅ Bonus: perfect for reducing added sugar

🥜 7. NUT BUTTER

Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter — they all make rich, flavorful swaps. Expect a slightly thicker batter (and a nutty twist you’ll love).
Swap: 1 cup vegetable oil = ¾ cup nut butter

✅ Best for: peanut butter swirl brownies
✅ Bonus: adds protein + flavor

🥥 8. COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil is a dreamy swap — it gives your brownies a hint of tropical flavor and a smooth, rich texture. Melt it before adding to your mix.
Swap: 1 cup vegetable oil = 1 cup melted coconut oil

✅ Best for: chewy brownies
✅ Pro tip: Use refined coconut oil if you don’t want the coconut taste

🥄 9. GREEK YOGURT

Thick, creamy, and packed with protein!
Greek yogurt adds moisture and a tangy flavor that balances out all that chocolatey sweetness. Use plain, full-fat yogurt for the best results.
Swap: 1 cup vegetable oil = 1 cup Greek yogurt

✅ Best for: dense, cakey brownies
✅ Bonus: makes brownies extra soft and fluffy.

A small bowl of Greek yogurt. This makes a great substitute for vegetable oil in brownies. — **GREEK YOGURT**

🧁 QUICK SUBSTITUTION CHART

Substitute	Swap Ratio	Texture Result	Best For
Greek Yogurt	1 cup oil = 1 cup yogurt	Soft & fluffy	Cakey brownies
Coconut Oil	1 cup oil = 1 cup melted oil	Chewy & rich	Chewy brownies
Melted Butter	1 cup oil = 1 cup butter	Buttery & fudgy	Box mix brownies
Canola Oil	1 cup oil = 1 cup oil	Classic & neutral	Traditional brownies
Olive Oil	1 cup oil = 1 cup oil	Fruity & moist	Olive oil brownie box mix
Avocado Oil	1 cup oil = 1 cup oil	Smooth & fudgy	Healthier baked goods
Applesauce	1 cup oil = 1 cup applesauce	Light & fluffy	Low-fat brownies
Nut Butter	1 cup oil = ¾-1 cup nut butter	Thick & nutty	Protein-packed brownies
Sour Cream	1 cup oil = 1 cup sour cream	Moist & fudgy	Bakery-style brownies
Mashed Banana	1 cup oil = ½ cup mashed banana	Sweet & chewy	Fruity brownies

Chocolate brownies with cream cheese frosting. — **CHOCOLATE BROWNIES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING RECIPE**

❓FAQS

ARE BROWNIES BETTER WITH BUTTER OR OIL?

Brownies made with butter are richer, denser, and have that classic bakery-style flavor with chewy edges, while those made with oil stay softer and moister for longer. 🧈✨Use half butter, half oil for the best of both worlds.

HOW MUCH BUTTER DO I USE IN PLACE OF ½ CUP OF OIL?

½ cup vegetable oil = ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) melted butter. Let it cool slightly before mixing it in.