13 Best Butter Substitutes (Dairy-Free)

These are the best butter substitutes that are completely dairy free that you can use when cooking or baking. All these options can be used in vegan recipes or if you don't have butter on hand.

Vegan Butter

• Vegan butter is available for those looking for a dairy-free alternative to traditional butter.
• Vegan butters are made with plant-based ingredients and have a similar taste and texture as real butter, making them perfect for baking or frying.
• I use it all the time when baking (orange bundt cake)
• Use it the same way you use shortening
• My favorite vegan butter is the Earth Balance butter stick brand

Vegetable Oil

• It’s best used as an alternative to melted butter since it has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients.
• Use it when you don't want a strong olive oil flavor
• Can be used for sweet or savory recipes like this baked donut recipe or this savory french toast
• Vegetable oil has a much higher smoke point than butter, so it’s great for high-heat cooking.

Coconut Oil

• Coconut oil is a popular alternative and can be used in just about any recipe that calls for butter.
• It has a mild coconut flavor and is solid at room temperature, making it perfect for baking or sautéing.
• Works great with some sweet recipes like this banana snacking cake
• It’s also low in calories and contains healthy fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation.

Extra virgin Olive-Oil

• Best for savory recipes
• This is a great alternative to butter in recipes that call for sautéing or roasting. It has a light, nutty flavor and is high in healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Can also be used in sweet recipes like these lemon biscotti

Avocado Oil

• Avocado oil is another healthier alternative to butter because it’s packed with beneficial fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
• It has a mild flavor and is great for roasting vegetables or stir-frying.
• It can also be used in baking, although it may alter the texture of your finished product.

Nut Butters

• Nut butters are a great alternative to butter too!
• They have a creamy texture and contain healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
• You can use nut butters as a spread on toast or in smoothies, or you can use them to thicken sauces and soups.

Vegetable Shortening

• Vegetable shortening is an animal-product-free substitute for butter that you can use in baking or frying
• Cane be used in recipes like (pumpkin coconut pie) and (apple coffee cake)
• Use it when it calls for "softened butter"
• It’s made with vegetable oils and has a neutral flavor, so it won’t alter the taste of your finished dish.
• However, it does contain trans fats, which have been linked to health problems, so it’s best to use them sparingly.

Dairy-Free Margarine

• Another great alternative to butter is dairy-free margarine.
• It’s made with vegetable oils, like soybean or sunflower oil, and is a great option for baking or frying.
• It has a similar texture to real butter and can be used as a spread on toast, in sandwiches, and more.
• You can use it recipes such as this coffee cake or this apple crisp.

Dairy-Free Cooking Spray

• If you’re looking for a fat-free option, cooking spray is great
• It contains no calories or fat and can be used to grease baking pans or lightly coat foods before grilling (grilled chicken cutlets)
• Just make sure to read the label carefully, since some brands contain dairy ingredients.

Apple Sauce

• Another great dairy-free option is apple sauce.
• It has a mild flavor and can be used as a butter substitute in baking recipes, like muffins or cakes or this cinnamon apple banana bread
• It’s also lower in fat and calories than traditional butter, so it can help to lighten up your finished dish.
• Just remember to use unsweetened applesauce to avoid adding too much sugar.

Pumpkin Puree

• Pumpkin puree is another excellent butter substitute.
• Great for baking
• It has a slightly sweet flavor and can be used in cakes (pumpkin pudding cake), cookies, pies, quick breads and more.
• It adds moisture to the dish without adding too much fat or calories.
• Just make sure to use canned pumpkin puree rather than fresh for best results.

Greek Yogurt

• Greek yogurt is a great way to add creaminess to recipes without the use of butter.
• Great for baking and sauces like this peach cake
• It’s high in protein and has a slightly tangy flavor that works well in savory dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.
• Just make sure to opt for plain yogurt rather than flavored varieties as these can contain added sugar.

Bananas

• Bananas are a great way to add sweetness and creaminess to recipes without using butter.
• They’re perfect for baking and can be used in muffins, cookies, cakes, quick breads (vegan strawberry banana bread) , etc.
• Make sure to use over-ripe bananas as these will give your finished product the best flavor.

My favorite butter substitute in cookies:

My favorite to use is vegan butter. It has a similar taste and texture to regular butter and it’s perfect for baking!

With countless options, you're bound to find the perfect solution for your needs! With all the alternatives available, there’s no need to use butter if you’re trying to reduce your fat and calorie intake.

Whether you opt for dairy-free margarine or vegetable shortening, there’s something that can make your recipes just as delicious without the added saturated fat. Have fun experimenting with these alternatives!

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