Coconut Oil Substitutes: 5 Best Swaps for Any Recipe
The best substitute for coconut oil is Butter at a 1 cup butter per 1 cup coconut oil ratio. It works best for baking, sautéing, frostings. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Butter
1 cup butter per 1 cup coconut oil
The closest swap in terms of behavior-both are solid at room temperature. Works 1:1 in baking and cooking. Adds dairy flavor instead of coconut flavor.
What are the other substitutes for coconut oil?
Vegan Butter
1 cup vegan butter per 1 cup coconut oil
Solid at room temperature like coconut oil. Works 1:1. A good vegan swap that behaves similarly in baking and produces comparable results.
Vegetable Oil
1 cup vegetable oil per 1 cup melted coconut oil
Works 1:1 when coconut oil is used in liquid form. Will not work in recipes requiring a solid fat (like pie crusts or some cookies). Neutral flavor.
Avocado Oil
1 cup avocado oil per 1 cup melted coconut oil
Healthier fat profile. Works 1:1 when coconut oil is used in liquid form. Higher smoke point makes it better for high-heat cooking.
Shortening
1 cup shortening per 1 cup coconut oil
Another solid fat that works 1:1. Produces very similar texture in baking, especially for flaky pastries and cookies. Neutral flavor.
What should you know before substituting coconut oil?
The key property of coconut oil is that it is solid below 76°F and liquid above. When a recipe uses coconut oil as a solid fat (for flakiness or firm texture), substitute with another solid fat like butter or shortening. When used melted, any liquid oil works. Refined coconut oil has no coconut flavor.
How do you substitute coconut oil in a recipe?
A plant-based fat extracted from coconut meat, available as virgin (coconut flavor) or refined (neutral flavor). Solid at room temperature and melts at 76°F, making it useful as both a solid and liquid fat.
The best substitute for coconut oil depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Butter (1 cup butter per 1 cup coconut oil), which works well for baking, sautéing, frostings.
If you need a different option, Vegan Butter (1 cup vegan butter per 1 cup coconut oil) is another reliable choice. Solid at room temperature like coconut oil. Works 1:1. A good vegan swap that behaves similarly in baking and produces comparable results.
When substituting coconut oil, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and American Heart Association. See our testing methodology for details.
What can you use instead of coconut oil in specific recipes?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for coconut oil in baking?
Butter is the best substitute-it works 1:1 and behaves similarly since both are solid at room temperature. For a vegan option, use vegan butter 1:1 or shortening for flaky pastries.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of coconut oil?
Yes, but only when the recipe uses coconut oil in melted form. Use 1:1. If the recipe relies on coconut oil being solid (like in no-bake desserts or pie crusts), vegetable oil will not work.
Does refined coconut oil taste like coconut?
No. Refined coconut oil has been processed to remove the coconut flavor and aroma. It has a neutral taste suitable for any recipe. Virgin or unrefined coconut oil retains the coconut flavor.