Butter vs. Alternatives: Surprising Results
- Natasha Allwood
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 7
Baking is one of life’s simple pleasures. The warm scents wafting from the oven and the anticipation of that first bite create a magical experience. But is butter always the best fat for our baked goods? Can oil or dairy-free substitutes really deliver similar or even better results? Let’s dive into this buttery debate and discover what our kitchen experiments have revealed.
The Classic Choice: Butter
Butter has been a beloved staple in baking for centuries. Its rich flavour and ability to create a tender crumb make it a favourite for many bakers. When we think of classic chocolate chip cookies, the golden, buttery goodness that results from creaming butter and sugar often comes to mind.
However, butter does come with some drawbacks. Especially for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or those following a vegan lifestyle, butter is typically off-limits. This has led many to seek out alternatives, prompting curiosity around oils and dairy-free butters.
Baking with Oil
Although there are several types of oil, lighter oils, such as vegetable or canola oil, are most bakers go to as they are very mild in flavour. Stronger oils such as olive oil is better for savoury recipes as it helps to add flavour.
One of the significant advantages of oil is the simplicity of using it as It doesn’t require the creaming process like butter does. Instead, it can be mixed directly with sugar or wet ingredients, cutting down preparation time. This is a game-changer for busy bakers. It also excels in moisture retention, although it may fall short in certain recipes which require a flaky texture, particularly in recipes like shortbread and tarts, where butter still shines as the obvious choice.
Exploring Dairy-Free Butters
Dairy-free butters have made impressive strides in recent years. Made from various plant-based oils and fats, they often mimic the texture and flavor of butter. There are a a few brands that can be used interchangeably with traditional butter, making them an ideal alternative.
When substituting dairy-free butter in recipes, the general rule I’ve found is a 1:1 replacement for butter. However, it's important to check the specific brand’s instructions, as variations in water content can affect results. For instance, some dairy-free butters contain up to 10% more moisture than regular butter, which may require slight adjustments in your recipe.
Using dairy-free butter can yield results similar to those achieved with traditional butter, especially in cookies and cakes. I can honestly say that the texture and taste of dairy-free butters are amazingly good and still provide a similar creamy richness similar to butter.
Which one would I recommend?
So which option is the best for baking I hear you ask! The answer lies in what it is you are baking.
For flaky pastries or crusts, butter continues to reign supreme due to its unique ability to create air pockets and layers that enhance texture. However, the advancement of butter-like alternatives are increasingly able to provide very similar results. On the other hand, oil is a great choice that also provides a quicker prep time and great moisture to sponges.
With several plant-based options, its clear that there is much more choice for those needing or just exploring a dairy-free alternative, which produce fantastic results without sacrificing taste.
Many of my clients who end up trying my cakes make with a buttercream alternative are pleasantly surprised to find that the cake hadn’t contained butter.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
If you’re ready to get started, you may want to consider these tips:
✅ KNOW YOUR RECIPE: Some recipes work better with specific fats. If you have a recipe that works better with butter then try a firm dairy-free butter.
✅ ADJUSTMENTS: You might need to tweak the amount of liquid in your recipe. Different alternatives have different moisture levels compared to butter, which can affect the final texture of your baked goods.
✅ FLAVOUR: Make sure the alternative you choose complements your recipe.
✅ READ LABELS: Choose dairy-free butters with minimal additives, ensuring they align with your dietary needs and still deliver on taste.
Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to whether butter is always better in baking. Each fat brings its unique strengths to the table, and the best choice depends on the recipe and your personal preference. If you haven’t felt brave enough to try any of the alternative substitutes, then why not take your favourite recipe and give it a go. You just might surprise yourself. Let me know in the comments below ⬇️ if you found an alternative that worked well for you. Happy baking!
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