Butter powder is a versatile ingredient used in baking, cooking, and as a topping. It provides rich, creamy flavor and can help make baked goods light and fluffy.
However, some people need to avoid butter for dietary restrictions or health reasons. Fortunately, there are many excellent butter powder substitutes to choose from.
Why Use a Butter Powder Substitute?
There are a few key reasons you may want to use a butter powder alternative:
- Dairy allergy or intolerance: Some people have an allergy or intolerance to dairy products like butter. Substitutes allow them to still enjoy buttery flavor in recipes.
- Vegan or plant-based diet: Vegans and those eating plant-based avoid animal products, including butter. Substitutes let them recreate a similar texture and richness.
- Heart health: Butter is high in saturated fat. Substituting with oils higher in unsaturated fats can promote heart health.
- Weight management: Butter powder substitutes like unsweetened applesauce can provide fewer calories than full-fat butter.
- Budget: Some butter powder alternatives like oils may be less expensive than buying butter powder.
Butter Powder Substitutes for Baking
When baking cookies, cakes, muffins, and other goodies, butter powder helps provide moisture, richness, and tender texture. Here are some of the best substitutes to use in baking recipes.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most popular butter powder substitutes due to its similar consistency. It provides moisture and flavor while mimicking butter's ability to help baked goods rise.
Use an equal amount of solid, room temperature coconut oil in place of butter powder. Be aware it may add subtle coconut flavor.
Olive or Vegetable Oil
Oils like olive and vegetable oil can replicate butter's fat content in recipes. They add moisture and richness. Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor while olive oil provides a subtle fruity flavor.
Use 3/4 cup oil for every 1 cup butter powder. Expect a slightly denser texture than butter.
Unsweetened Applesauce
Applesauce offers a fat-free, low-calorie way to add moisture and sweetness to baked goods. It works best in recipes where texture is less crucial, like muffins.
Use 1/2 cup applesauce for every 1 cup butter powder. Reduce sugar slightly to account for natural sweetness.
Mashed Banana
Like applesauce, mashed bananas can add moisture and dense texture. Bananas also provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6. The flavor pairs well with spices and chocolate.
Replace 1 cup butter powder with 1/2 cup mashed banana. Reduce added sugars to allow banana sweetness to shine.
Nut or Seed Butters
Nut and seed butters like almond or sunflower butter provide healthy fats and work well in cookie and brownie recipes. For best results, use a 50/50 mix of nut butter and oil to replace butter powder.
Vegan Butter Sticks
Vegan butter sticks mimic the taste and texture of dairy butter. Brands like Earth Balance are ideal for baking cookies, cakes, and pastries. Use a 1:1 ratio to replace regular butter powder.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt adds protein and produces tender, moist baked goods like cakes and muffins. Use an equal amount of Greek yogurt in place of butter powder. The tangy flavor pairs nicely with fruit.
Butter Powder Substitutes for Cooking
Outside of baking, butter powder is often used for sautéing, frying, and making creamy sauces. Try these substitutes in savory cooking applications.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is likely in your pantry already. Its high smoke point makes it suitable for sautéing and cooking at higher heats. The flavor complements many dishes. Use olive oil in a 1:1 ratio to replace melted butter powder.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is ideal for sautéing, stir-frying, or greasing pans. Refined coconut oil has a more neutral flavor. Virgin coconut oil provides a tropical, coconut taste. Swap melted butter powder 1:1 with coconut oil.
Avocado Oil
With its mild flavor and high smoke point, avocado oil is a healthy cooking oil alternative to butter powder. Use it for sautéing, baking, and dressings. Substitute melted butter powder 1:1 with avocado oil.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
In dishes like sautéed vegetables, chicken or veggie broth can provide moisture without extra fat. Use in place of melted butter powder for a lighter option. Add herbs for flavor.
Vegan Butter Spray
Vegan butter spray offers a convenient, low-calorie alternative to greasing pans or sautéing with butter powder. Look for spray made with olive, avocado, or coconut oil. Use as needed to replace melted butter.
Replacements for Butter Powder as Topping
A sprinkle of butter powder can make steamed veggies or popcorn taste indulgent. Consider these substitutes to top your dishes instead.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast provides savory, cheesy umami flavor. Sprinkle on popcorn or roasted vegetables in place of butter powder. Use to taste.
Olive Oil + Salt
For a simple, plant-based topping, drizzle items with olive oil and a pinch of salt. The oil provides richness while salt enhances flavor. Adjust amounts to preference.
Vegan Butter Spray
Give popcorn, potatoes, or toast a quick spritz with vegan butter spray. The spray nozzle makes it easy to distribute flavor without pouring on too much.
Garlic or Chili Oil
Drizzle garlic or chili-infused olive oil over dishes to add big, bold flavor. The punch of garlic and heat makes veggies or bread more exciting. Use in moderation.
Tahini
Tahini’s nutty sesame flavor makes it a tasty, nutritious topping for roasted veggies and rice dishes. A drizzle of tahini and salt amplifies flavor.
Factors When Choosing a Butter Powder Substitute
With so many options for replacing butter powder, consider these factors when deciding which alternative to use:
- Flavor – Will the substitute impart its own distinct flavor or maintain a more neutral profile?
- Fat content – Does the recipe rely on butter's fat for proper texture?
- State of butter – Is the butter powder melted or solid? Match the substitute's state.
- Dietary needs – Select an alternative suitable for dietary needs like vegan, dairy-free, low calorie, etc.
- Purpose – Consider if butter powder affects texture, moisture, flavor enhancement, etc.
- Ratio – Check proper butter powder substitution ratios as some alternatives use less.
- Availability and cost – Choose a convenient, affordable option you can easily source.
Key Takeaway: When selecting a butter powder substitute, evaluate flavor, fat content, texture, dietary needs, purpose, ratio, availability, and cost to find the best fit.
Creating Homemade Butter Powder
If you want to entirely avoid store-bought butter powder substitutes, it is possible to make your own at home. DIY butter powder only requires 2 ingredients:
- High-fat heavy cream or vegan cream
- Salt (optional)
To make:
- Pour cream into a high-powered blender, food processor, or stand mixer.
- Blend on high speed for 5-10 minutes until the fats and solids separate.
- Drain off the liquid and rinse butter solids under cool water.
- Pat dry then transfer butter to an airtight container. Add salt if desired.
- Refrigerate until ready to use. Powder in a food processor if desired.
When stored properly, homemade butter powder will keep 2-3 weeks refrigerated or 6 months frozen. Enjoy it baked into recipes, cooking savory dishes, or sprinkled as a topping.
FAQs
What is the healthiest butter powder substitute?
Substitutes like olive oil, avocado oil, applesauce, and mashed banana provide health benefits over butter. Olive and avocado oil deliver heart-healthy fats. Fruit options are lower calorie and high in nutrients.
What is the best butter powder substitute for baking cookies?
Coconut oil, olive oil, or vegan butter sticks all perform well in baking cookies. They mimic butter's ability to create tender yet crisp cookies.
Can I use a 1:1 ratio when substituting for butter powder?
In some cases, yes. Coconut oil, vegan butter sticks, and Greek yogurt can typically replace butter powder 1:1. Oils and fruit purees often use less - about 3/4 cup per 1 cup butter powder.
Do I need to store butter powder substitutes differently?
Oils and vegan butter sticks can be stored at room temperature like regular butter powder. Substitutes containing fruit or dairy need refrigeration once opened.
What gives the closest flavor to real butter powder?
For best butter flavor, choose substitutes like vegan butter sticks, ghee, or coconut oil. Oils and fruits provide richness but their own distinct flavors.
Conclusion
With creative use of ingredient substitutes like oil, coconut oil, fruit purees, vegan butter sticks, and more, you can successfully replace butter powder in recipes.
Consider flavor, texture, nutrition needs, and cost when selecting an alternative. Test different options to find your favorites.