Rapeseed Oil as the Perfect Butter Substitute
In the culinary world, there is an increasing demand for substitutes for ingredients high in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Among them, butter is often under scrutiny due to its impact on heart health.
A healthy and affordable alternative to butter is cold-pressed rapeseed oil – like Petriana oil, which is also suitable for a vegan diet.
Why even replace butter?
Butter has been a kitchen staple for centuries, providing rich, full flavor and a distinctive texture to dishes. However, it contains about 80% fat (most of which is saturated) and 20% water and milk solids.
From a nutritional perspective, a high intake of saturated fats is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
On the other hand, cold-pressed rapeseed oil:
- Contains significantly less saturated fat,
- Is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids,
- Contains no cholesterol,
- Has a high smoke point (around 204 °C), making it suitable for frying and baking,
- Has a neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower other ingredients.
Replacing butter with rapeseed oil not only offers health benefits but also simplifies cooking, especially in dishes where the buttery flavor is not essential.
Rapeseed oil as a vegan substitute for butter and margarine
Another major reason people seek substitutes for butter is changing dietary habits and restrictions.
For example, vegans do not consume butter because it is an animal byproduct, whereas vegetarians typically still include it in their diet.
Butter substitute in baking
Replacing butter with oil in baking isn’t complicated but requires some adjustment because butter contains water while oil is 100% fat. In cakes and doughs, precise measurements are recommended as texture can be affected by small variations.
For other types of dishes, you can adjust the amount to your preference.
A basic rule is to use 80% of the butter amount when substituting with oil.
The simplest formula to remember is: Oil = Butter × 0.8.
For example, if a recipe calls for 100 g of butter, use 80 ml of rapeseed oil.
In which recipes does substituting butter with oil work best?
You can substitute rapeseed oil for butter in almost all dishes, but some are particularly well-suited, especially desserts where retaining moisture is important.
These include:
- Muffins
- Cakes like banana bread
- Pancakes and waffles
- Brownies
However, there are dishes where butter plays a key role, or you may simply want the buttery flavor. Examples include:
- Cookie doughs that require a firm structure
- Puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
- Cakes that use buttercream frosting
- Recipes where the buttery flavor is essential
What does rapeseed oil taste like when used for baking?
Rapeseed oil has a mild, neutral flavor when used in baking or cooking. It doesn’t overpower other ingredients, allowing the natural tastes of your dish to shine through.
This makes it an excellent choice for recipes where you want the focus to stay on the main flavors rather than the oil itself.
If the buttery flavor is important to you, try replacing only half of the butter with oil.
Oil instead of butter: a healthy choice
Although diets like keto and paleo have popularized higher fat intake – including saturated fats from butter – recent research warns of their potential long-term effects on heart health.
According to a study presented at the European Cardiology Congress 2024 in London, diets high in saturated fats increase the risk of heart disease more than diets rich in unsaturated fats.
Funded by the British Heart Foundation, the study highlights that the type of fat consumed directly affects vascular health, regardless of body weight.
That’s why choosing unsaturated fat sources like rapeseed oil, which supports heart and vascular health, is a smart choice.
With the right proportions and slight adjustments, rapeseed oil can easily replace butter in various sweet and savory recipes, bringing health benefits without compromising on taste.
Visit us at the Oil Boutique on Varaždin Market or find your new favorite oil in the Petriana online store.
