Coconut Oil Substitute for Butter: Exact Ratio
Looking for a butter substitute? Coconut Oil works as a direct replacement. Use 1 cup coconut oil per 1 cup butter in any recipe that calls for butter. This swap works best for cookies, pie crusts, quick breads.
Best Substitute
Coconut Oil
1 cup coconut oil per 1 cup butter
Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor or virgin for a slight coconut taste. Works 1:1 and produces similar flakiness in pastry. Solid at room temperature like butter.
Flavor & Texture Change
Refined coconut oil is neutral. Virgin adds a noticeable coconut flavor. Texture in baked goods is slightly denser because coconut oil lacks butter's water content (no steam = less lift).
When Not to Use
Do not use virgin coconut oil in delicate vanilla or citrus baked goods. The coconut flavor will overpower. Won't brown like butter, so dishes relying on browned butter flavor will taste flat.
Tips When Replacing Butter in Recipes
When substituting butter, consider its three roles: fat (for richness and tenderness), water content (for steam and leavening), and milk solids (for browning and flavor). Oil-based substitutes provide fat but not steam. For flaky pastry, use solid fats like coconut oil or vegan butter, not liquid oils.
What Is Butter and Why Substitute It?
A dairy fat made from churned cream, used for flavor, moisture, tenderness, and flakiness in baking and cooking. Contains about 80% fat, 15% water, and 5% milk solids.
Coconut Oil is one of 6 alternatives you can use instead of butter. For a complete list of butter substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full butter substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Butter?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use coconut oil as a substitute for butter. Use 1 cup coconut oil per 1 cup butter. Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor or virgin for a slight coconut taste. Works 1:1 and produces similar flakiness in pastry. Solid at room temperature like butter.
How much coconut oil equals butter?
Use 1 cup coconut oil per 1 cup butter to replace butter with coconut oil. Works best for cookies, pie crusts, quick breads.
What is the best substitute for butter?
Coconut Oil is a popular substitute for butter. Use 1 cup coconut oil per 1 cup butter for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 6 alternatives on our butter substitute page.
Does coconut oil change the taste when replacing butter?
Do not use virgin coconut oil in delicate vanilla or citrus baked goods. The coconut flavor will overpower. Won't brown like butter, so dishes relying on browned butter flavor will taste flat.
Is coconut oil a vegan substitute for butter?
Yes, coconut oil is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to butter. Use 1 cup coconut oil per 1 cup butter.