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Substituting Olive Oil For Vegetable Oil (How To)

Substituting Olive Oil For Vegetable Oil (How To)

If you are wondering if you can substitute olive oil for vegetable oil, then you are in luck! Olive oil is an excellent vegetable oil alternative in almost any type of recipe.

While many modern recipes call for vegetable oil, I rarely use it in my kitchen. And if you are looking to eliminate vegetable oil from your pantry, or you are just out, you will learn exactly how to use olive oil in your recipe.

You will not only learn how to use olive oil instead of vegetable oil, but what the primary differences between these two popular oils are.

Can You Use Olive Oil Instead of Vegetable Oil?

carrot cake homemade with nuts

Yes you can! Not only can you use olive oil in place of vegetable oil, it is a superior choice in many ways. So no matter what you need a vegetable oil substitute for, olive oil will likely work exceptionally well.

Related: Substitute for Vegetable Oil in Cake Mix

What is the Difference Between Olive Oil and Vegetable Oil?

Olive oil has a stronger flavor than vegetable oil. This added flavor is one of the benefits of using olive oil instead of vegetable oil.

The deep flavor of olive oil adds complexity to your recipe, and is particularly well suited for many baked recipes.

Olive oil is also popular for it’s nutritional content and complex flavor. Read more here about olive oil’s nutritional content.

Related: Substitute for Vegetable Oil in Waffles

How to Use Olive Oil instead of Vegetable Oil

stacked batch of homemade cookies

But we are focusing on how to use olive oil instead of vegetable oil. And olive oil is a superstar in the kitchen.

There are few instances where you cannot use olive oil. In fact, it is my go to cooking and baking oil.

The complex flavor and texture olive oil provides is like a secret weapon when baking delicious desserts.

For most recipes you can use a three tablespoons of olive oil for each quarter cup of vegetable oil.

I prefer to use a light flavored oil for most of my baking with olive oil. It imparts that deep flavor without overpowering the other flavors in my recipe.

Related: Substitutes for Olive Oil

What Type of Recipes can Olive Oil be Substituted for Vegetable Oil?

homemade almond muffins

Olive oil works wonderfully in recipes such as cakes, muffins, brownies, and fruit based desserts.

I am particularly fond of using it in pumpkin recipes, cookies, and vegetable loafs too.

When using olive oil, add it after combining all of your dry ingredients.

Olive Oil Substitute for Vegetable Oil FAQ

homemade loaf of bread on table

Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil in cake mix?

Yes, olive oil is an excellent substitute for vegetable oil when using a cake mix. Opt for a light flavored olive oil and use a 1:1 ratio. Olive oil will produce a moist and flavorful cake.

Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil when making muffins?

Yes, baking muffins with olive oil instead of vegetable will produce excellent results. In fact, you can use olive oil in any muffin recipe. Use a 1:1 ratio.

Can I substitute olive oil for vegetable oil when making brownies?

Olive oil is a great vegetable oil substitute when making brownies. It will work when making them from scratch or when using a brownie mix. Use a 1:1 ratio of olive oil to vegetable oil.