Unusual Butter Substitutes for Baking and Cooking

Avocado
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Butter is a popular go-to ingredient in both baking and cooking, starring in numerous recipes from cakes and toasts to omelets and mashed potatoes. But once you start researching healthier alternatives, a whole new world opens up. Here are some of them.   

Olive Oil

Hey, we said ‘healthy’—not ‘low calorie’. If you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, olive oil’s not your guy; but if pure health is what you’re aiming for, stick around. With heart-friendly monounsaturated fats comprising over 70% of its calorie make-up, it is perfect for everything from muffins to stir fry.

Avocado

Avocado is so tasty in pretty much every form—whether you’re eating it peeled and sliced with a sprinkle of salt, tossing it in your salad, or putting it on toast. But did you know it’s also an awesome butter replacement? And unlike what you might think, it works with sweet as well as savory recipes.

Greek Yogurt

If you were waiting for a low-fat item on this list, this is it. Greek yogurt is not only super nutritious, with a generous amount of protein and probiotics; it also boasts a creamy texture making it a lovely butter substitute. Use it in cakes, pancakes, or quiches and reap the benefits.