What are the best substitutes for butter? There are a lot of recipes and baking that require butter, but what happens when you can’t get your hands on butter? There are lots of butter substitutes with better flavor and aroma and knowing them can save your dish from going wrong on days you can’t get butter.
Butter does have a distinct taste, but there are lots of people who avoid it for some reason
In Short: Yes, you can use ghee instead of butter. Ghee is a type of clarified butter, so it can not only be substituted for butter in cooking but in baking as well. This is ideal for those who are lactose intolerant and if you want a distinct nutty buttery flavor, ghee is the perfect option.
Butter has its advantage and disadvantage just like any cooking oil. It is a dairy product though and some people have an intolerance for dairy which means they can not consume butter. In addition, butter is high in saturated fat which is why some people choose not to consume it.
If you are considering replacing ghee with butter, you should note that these two have no significant difference. The nutritional composition is almost the same as well. So, thinking of replacing butter with ghee? Stick with us to find out the answer and the best butter substitutes as well.
The Main Differences Between Ghee And Butter
What are the differences between ghee and butter? Before you start cooking with ghee, you should know that it is not the same with butter, although there are no huge differences between them, they are not the same.
Ghee is considered a much-preferred option to butter since it contains more healthy fat, however before discarding butter, below are notable differences between butter and ghee.
| Ghee | Butter |
|---|---|
| Has a higher smoke point | Lower smoke point than ghee |
| Best for frying and sauteing | Best for baking and cooking |
| Slightly higher healthy fat | Lower healthy fat |
| Nutty flavor | Creamy flavor |
| Lactose-free. | Contains a trace amount of lactose. |
Can You Use Ghee Instead Of Butter?
Butter is a very popular baking and cooking fat however if you don’t like it, you can simply go for ghee.
Ghee is quite similar to butter, and it also has a higher smoke point, so it can be substituted for butter. Butter does contain a trace of lactose and while it can be okay for those with lactose intolerant, you might as well substitute for ghee on some days.
Ghee can be used instead of butter in any recipe. It can be used in baking as well and due to its high smoke point, it’s a more suitable choice for frying. Ghee also has a nutty and aromatic taste that can enhance the flavor of your cooking.
Other Butter Substitutes List
Butter is that go-to for your bread spread, and it comes in handy for some baking and cooking as well. What do you do when you run out of butter? The answer will be to have substitutes in place however if you are looking to get that creamy butter taste something better, we have the perfect list for you below.
1. Mayonnaise
If you are still looking for that creamy taste but with a nice tart balance to it then mayonnaise is the ideal butter substitute to try. It also has a slightly strong taste of mustard to it which according to some is the reason they love it. Mayonnaise can be used in scrambled eggs, slather on grilled cheese, and perfect in baking a cake.
2. Nut Butter
Nut butter can be substituted for butter as a bread spread. Nut butter has a high-fat content and since it is made from blending nuts, it is healthy and can be crunchy and creamy too. Other ways you can substitute butter for nut butter include stir-fry, baking cookies, used in or on muffins, or filling toast topping.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is not just a popular substitute for butter but also has lots of health benefits and uses. Olive oil can replace your butter completely in cooking. It can’t be used as a bread spread, but it can replace your butter in a bread dipping sauce. Olive oil has a high smoking point, so it can be used in frying.
4. Avocado
Avocados slices are often enjoyed raw, and they are perfect substitutes for topping your sandwiches. This can be used as a butter spread. Avocado is a healthy choice, and it’s great for sprinkling on tacos or Mexican dishes.
5. Yogurt
You can’t have yogurt substituted for butter in your frying, but it can be used in baking and cooking. Choose the full-fat yogurt if you are substituting in a recipe that calls for butter and also sticks to the 1:1 ratio. Yogurt can be used in marinades and roasted vegetables.
6. Canola/Vegetable Oil
Canola or vegetable oil can be used instead of butter in frying and cooking as well. Use roughly 3/4 amount of oil to butter, and you can also work with the general 1:1 ratio for a recipe that calls for butter.
7. Mashed Banana
You can substitute mashed banana for butter in all kinds of baking like cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and banana bread. Mashed bananas have some nutrients, and it’s equal to a stick of butter, so you don’t have to use too much.
Mashed bananas are the perfect substitute for cookies and any kind of treats, it tastes better, and it’s healthier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ghee instead of butter in a cake?
Yes, ghee can be used in cakes instead of butter, and they are considered healthier too. Ghee has a nutty flavor, and it can be used in greasing the cake tin or mixing the batter as well.
Can I substitute oil for butter in baking?
A cup of oil can work as a substitution for butter in baking. Go with the 1:1 recommended ratio except you want to reduce the fat level in your recipe then reduce it by 3 tablespoons.
Can I use milk instead of butter?
Milk can work as an alternative to butter but only if you are planning to give your baked goods the softest structure. Milk can work if you are using it in cakes or bread. Choose whole milk as a substitute for butter.
What does butter do in baking?
The purpose of butter in baking is to soften it and besides that to give tenderness, richness, and structure to baked goods and treats. Butter’s high-fat content also gives baked products their texture.
Wrapping Up
You don’t have to change anything when substituting butter, go with what the recipe requires unless in the case of yogurt. Full cream yogurts are thicker and tastier, so you can go with a strong or mild flavor.
In addition, the recommended ratio for substituting butter in baking is 1:1.