This variety of margarine substitutes can easily be used in baking, cooking, and spreading, as well as so much more! Whether you're looking for a healthier option, have dietary restrictions, or run out of margarine, these alternatives will come in handy. Choose the one that works the best for you, and get started.
Try out these margarine substitutes in my Amish sugar cookies, cornstarch cookies, or any of your favorite cooking recipes.
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Decades ago, margarine was the top choice for many families for baking, cooking, and more. However, times have changed, and it is now known that margarine isn't the healthiest option.
Fortunately, many different alternatives can work fantastically for replacing margarine. I have options for baking, cooking, and spreads, as well as to suit different dietary restrictions.
1. Butter
Butter is easily the best replacement for margarine since it has a similar texture and can be used in baking, cooking, and even as a spread. Plus, butter adds a rich flavor to whatever you're making.
Regardless of what you're preparing, butter will have very similar results. Unfortunately, it does contain more saturated fat. And you won't be able to use it if you're vegan (unless, of course, you use vegan butter).
Swap butter for margarine in a simple 1:1 exchange. If you need to, you can add a pinch of salt, too.
2. Coconut Oil
A great vegan alternative, coconut oil has a similar consistency to margarine. It's ideal for baking and even adds a slight coconut flavor, which can be a delightful addition to some recipes.
However, if your margarine is needed in a solid form (in order to cream it together with sugar, for example), then oil is not the best choice.
Use ¾ cup of coconut oil per 1 cup of margarine needed.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a fantastic healthy option for cooking. It is packed with monosaturated fats and even adds a unique flavor.
It won't make a great replacement as a spread but is perfect for baking or sauteing. I definitely recommend using high-quality extra virgin olive oil if you are looking for the best flavor.
Use ¾ cup of olive oil per 1 cup of margarine needed.
4. Avocado
Mashed avocado can easily be used as a spread in place of margarine. It's calorie-dense but a nutritious option, rich in healthy fats and fiber.
Its creamy texture makes it ideal for both sandwiches and toast.
You can swap it for margarine with a 1:1 ratio.
5. Applesauce
If you're baking, then unsweetened applesauce is a great choice. Not only is it low-fat, but its vegan, too! Using applesauce adds both moisture and some natural sweetness to cakes, muffins, breads, and more.
It is both low in fat and has low sodium, making it a great way to reduce both fat and calories in your baked goods. However, if you are making something that should be crisp (such as cookies or biscuits), then this is not the best choice.
When substituting applesauce, use a 1:1 ratio, and always use the unsweetened kind.
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6. Mashed Bananas
Like applesauce, bananas are a great vegan-friendly option. They also add moisture, nutrients, and tons of flavor.
Since bananas are naturally sweet, they easily upgrade the flavor of baked goods and even make a great spread on toast. Unlike oil and applesauce, bananas easily blend with sugar and other ingredients without causing your recipe to become too thin.
The general guideline is one banana per margarine stick, even when mashed since they have a thick and creamy consistency.
7. Vegetable Oil Spread
Vegetable oil spread is made from a blend of vegetable oils (such as soybean, canola, and sunflower oil). It has a consistency that is the same as margarine and it can be used as a spread or as an ingredient in baking.
Margarine has a slight flavor, but vegetable oil spread tastes pretty neutral.
Swap vegetable oil spread for margarine in a 1:1 exchange.
8. Nut Butters
Nut butter is great for using as a spread or in baking. These butters have a rich, nutty flavor and are loaded with both protein and healthy fats. Feel free to use your favorite variety of nut butter!
Nut butter is a solid at room temperature, making it a fantastic margarine substitute. However, they will alter the flavor.
Start with only half of the amount of margarine needed and adjust it as necessary. Additionally, nut butter has only around 50% of margarine's fat, so when replacing it, you’ll need to add some oil to even it out.
9. Lard
Lard is a semi-solid fat that is pale in color. It is made from processing the fatty tissue found in pigs.
It is higher in healthy monosaturated fats and even has 20% less saturated fat than butter does.
Lard has a neutral flavor (so does margarine) and can help achieve a light texture in many baked goods. Of course, it won't work if you are following a vegan diet.
Use lard as a replacement for margarine in a 1:1 exchange.
10. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese consists of milk, cream, and stabilizers like carob bean gum and carrageenan. It makes a great margarine substitute in both baking and as a spread.
Cookies and cakes prepared with cream cheese have a distinctively rich and fluffy flavor that melts in your mouth. Beyond baking, cream cheese is a wonderful spread, especially with paprika, garlic, or fresh parsley.
Use cream cheese instead of margarine in a 1:1 exchange.
11. Ghee
Ghee (or clarified butter) is butter that goes through a process that removes both water and milk solids. As a result, all that is left behind is pure butterfat.
Ghee has a higher smoke point than both regular butter and margarine. This means that you can use it for both cooking and baking at high temperatures (without having to worry about it burning).
Additionally, ghee adds a flavor that is both rich and nutty to sweet and savory recipes. This flavor can give it an edge when compared to margarine (which is very neutral in flavor).
Use ghee instead of margarine in a 1:1 swap.
Can I Use Just Any Fat as a Substitute?
While many fats do make a great alternative to margarine, it is important to keep a few things in mind. The flavor and texture can be altered based on what you're using, as well as how it will affect the overall dish.
Because of this, you'll want to make sure to choose an option that fits your needs.
Which one of these margarine substitutes are you going to use first? Let me know down in the comments below!
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📖 Recipe Card
Margarine Substitute: Butter (+More Great Alternatives!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ¾ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 large bananas (mashed)
Instructions
- Substitute 1 cup butter for 1 cup of margarine in any recipe.
- Substitute ¾ cup olive oil for 1 cup of margarine in baked goods or cooking.
- Substitute 2 large bananas for 1 cup of margarine in baked goods.
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