Butter extract is not always easy to find at the grocery store. If you are making a recipe that calls for butter extract but you don’t have any have no fear, there are great butter extract substitutes available.
Butter extract is used in a number of sweet recipes including pound cake, cookies, cake, sweet breads, and more. If you are making a recipe that calls for butter extract there are a number of alternatives you can use.
So what are the best butter extract substitutions?
The top substitutions for butter extract are vanilla extract, almond butter, applesauce, Greek yogurt, soybean oil, and sunflower oil.
Butter Extract Alternatives
Butter extract offers a rich flavor that is popular in frosting, cake, cookie, and more sweet dessert recipes. It works well in any recipe that calls for butter.
Because it is a concentrated form of butter flavor, less is needed than butter. But butter extract is not available at all grocery stores, so if you need it for your recipe you can use the following substitutions.
You will also find vegan butter extract substitutions below.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is the most commonly used butter extract replacement. While it does not provide the same buttery flavor, the fact that it is an extract means it works in any recipe that calls for butter extract.
It will alter the flavor of your recipe but with most desserts, vanilla extract works great in place of butter extract. Use a 1:1 ratio in your recipe.
Almond Butter
Almond butter has a rich and nutty flavor that is perfect for all types of recipes. It is one of my favorite substitutions for butter extract. While not the exact same flavor, almond butter is an excellent addition to most recipes that call for butter extract.
Use a 1:2 ratio when using almond butter to replace butter extract. It is vegan and keto friendly as well.
Applesauce
This is a great vegan substitute for butter extract. Applesauce works well in any dessert recipe as it offers a subtle sweet flavor and soft consistency. It is particularly good in cake and cupcake recipes.
Use a 4:1 ratio when replacing butter extract.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is rich and creamy making it a great butter extract alternative. It is a popular ingredient in many sweet and savory recipes and is one of the most versatile substitutions for butter extract. It works well in any recipe that calls for butter extract.
Soybean Oil
If you want a tasty vegan butter extract alternative soybean oil is one of the best options. It offers a subtle flavor that works in most any recipe. It is great for savory or sweet dishes so keep it stocked in your pantry.
Use a 2:1 ratio when subbing for butter extract.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is another popular vegan substitute for butter extract. It also offers a subtle flavor that works well in all types of recipes. I tend to use sunflower oil in my savory recipes and always keep some on hand.
Use a 2:1 ratio when using in place of butter extract.
Bottom Line
Whether you are making a delicious dessert or a savory recipe that calls for butter extract there are some great options when you don’t have any on hand. There are vegan and keto friendly options so no matter what you want to make one of the ingredients above will work in your recipe.