Are you all out of canola oil and need it for a recipe you’re baking? Or maybe you don’t want to use canola oil and want an alternative? Either way, there are a number of great substitutes you can use no matter what you are baking.
Canola oil is a neutral flavored seed oil that is used in all sorts of baked goods. It is popular due to it’s high smoke point and unobtrusive flavor that allows it to be used in all sorts of recipes.
Therefore, when looking for a good baking alternative, we need to use an ingredient that can handle heat as well as provide a neutral, or complimentary flavor profile.
Ok, so what are the best substitutes for canola oil in baked recipes?
The top canola oil alternatives for baking are grapeseed oil, coconut oil, butter, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, and applesauce.
Which of these you go with will depend on what you have available as well as what other flavors are in your recipe.
Read on to learn how to use each of these ingredients in your particular recipe.
Canola Oil Alternatives for Baked Goods
With it’s high smoke point, canola oil is quite versatile and can be used in everything from frying and grilling to baking delicious baked goods.
It’s neutral flavor allows it to be incorporated into all sorts of recipes without overpowering the other flavors it’s combined with. That makes it quite popular, and you will find it called for in all sorts of tasty recipes.
But if you don’t want to use canola oil, or you just don’t have any on hand, you can use the following alternatives to make your recipe.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a neutral oil that is an excellent baking substitute for canola. There are a number of different types of grapeseed oil, but I recommend using organic grapeseed oil if possible.
It will provide moisture while offering a high smoke ideal for any type of baked recipe. Grapeseed oil will allow the other flavors in your recipe to shine and provide the right amount of moisture.
Related: Substitutes for grapeseed oil
Equivalent
1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil equals 1 tablespoon of canola oil
Coconut Oil
If you are looking for a dairy free or vegan friendly substitute for canola oil then coconut oil is a great option.
Coconut oil is suitable for any type of baked good, and it works particularly well in sweet recipes. Use it in cookies, cakes, muffins and just about anything you can think of.
It does add a subtle coconut flavor, so make sure that it pairs with your other flavors, but in my opinion coconut goes well in almost any baked good.
Related: Coconut oil alternatives
Equivalent
1 tablespoon of coconut oil equals 1 tablespoon of canola oil
Butter
Butter is the original oil substitute, and it is an excellent way to replace canola oil in baked goods. It provides moisture and structure making it a great choice for cookies, muffins, cupcakes and so much more.
You can use salted or unsalted butter, but if your recipe already calls for salt you can reduce it just a touch to account for the salt in your butter.
Related: Butter replacements for muffins
Equivalent
1 tablespoon of butter equals 1 tablespoon of canola oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is another vegan friendly canola oil sub you can use when baking. It handles the temperatures of baking and adds the right amount of moisture to any recipe.
It does impart a decent amount of flavor, but as long as you enjoy the flavor of olive oil it can work in many recipes.
Related: Replacements for olive oil
Equivalent
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil equals 1 tablespoon of canola oil
Vegetable Oil
While I don’t use vegetable oil in my cooking often, it can be used instead of canola oil in a pinch. It is suitable for any type of baked good and will provide the right amount of moisture while being able to handle high temperatures.
Vegetable oil is also neutral in flavor, so it won’t alter the final flavor of your recipe when used in place of canola oil.
Related: Substitute for vegetable oil in cake
Equivalent
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil equals 1 tablespoon of canola oil
Applesauce
A great way to replace canola oil when baking vegan friendly recipes is by using applesauce. It provides all the moisture you need while adding a wonderful flavor that pairs well in many types of baked goods.
But if you use applesauce alone you will get a denser finish to your baked goods. If you prefer to achieve a more similar texture, go with one part applesauce and one part oil (one of the options from this list).
Equivalent
1/2 cup unflavored applesauce with 1/2 cup oil equals 1 cup canola oil
Canola Oil Baking Replacement FAQ
What is a good substitute for canola oil in banana bread
There are a few substitutions you can use in place of canola oil when making banana bread. You can use butter, shortening, coconut oil, vegetable oil, and even applesauce.
Related Recipe: Banana bread without baking soda
The role of canola oil in banana bread is to provide moisture and structure. All of these ingredients will allow you to bake a moist and flavorful loaf of banana bread. Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing canola oil with any of these substitutes.
What is a good substitute for canola oil when baking cookies
You can use butter, Crisco, vegetable oil, coconut oil, and even lard when baking cookies without canola oil.
Related Recipe: Chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar
Each of these ingredients will provide your cookies with a great texture and flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing canola oil with one of these substitutes.
What is a good substitute for canola oil in muffins
Muffins need an ingredient that will provide a similar moisture level and flavor to what you would achieve with canola oil.
Related Recipe: Blueberry muffins from cake mix
Use shortening, butter, coconut oil, or vegetable oil instead of canola oil when baking muffins. Use an equal amount of your replacement to how much canola oil your recipe calls for.