Substitute for Butter in Banana Bread
Best Substitutes
| Butter Substitute | Rating | Substitution Ratio for Banana Bread | Ideal For | Flavor | Adjustments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, avocado) | Best | 3/4 cup per 1 cup butter | Classic, ultra-moist banana bread; one-bowl quick breads | Neutral; lets banana and spice shine | Whisk with sugar instead of creaming; don’t overmix; bake time stays similar |
| Light olive oil | Good | 3/4 cup per 1 cup butter | Loaves with spices, nuts, or chocolate add-ins | Mild, slightly fruity; choose “light” (not extra-virgin) for neutrality | Optional: add 1 tsp vanilla to soften flavor; mix gently |
| Greek yogurt + oil combo | Good | 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt + 1/4 cup oil per 1 cup butter | Moist yet slightly cakier crumb; added protein | Tangy notes that complement banana | Reduce other liquid by 2–3 tbsp if batter seems loose; avoid overmixing |
| Coconut oil | Good | 3/4 cup per 1 cup butter | Dairy-free loaves with rich, tender crumb | Subtle coconut aroma (more noticeable unrefined) | Use melted; bring eggs/milk to room temp to prevent re-solidifying |
| Applesauce (unsweetened) | Works | 3/4 cup applesauce + 2 tbsp oil per 1 cup butter | Lower-fat, very moist loaves | Mild apple; less rich than butter | Reduce sugar by 2–3 tbsp; bake 5–10 min longer to set crumb |
What Bakers Say
Real bakers share what worked for them when replacing butter in banana bread — from substitution ratios to texture fixes.
Read baker experiences
"Swapping melted butter for oil in banana bread works fine; use a neutral oil. If a recipe specifies melted butter, 1:1 is OK. If it just says 'butter' (soft), use about 3/4 as much oil."
Reddit user (r/Baking)•general substitution rule of thumb"Replacing butter with applesauce yielded a loaf that was extra moist inside with a good crust. Needed about 20 minutes longer in a glass pan than a metal pan at the same temp."
Reddit user (r/BakingNoobs)•all-butter → applesauce swap; pan material affected bake time"Don’t replace the oil with butter in a banana bread mix: butter made it drier. Oil stays liquid at room temp and keeps quick breads moister; butter’s water can evaporate and dry things out."
Reddit user (r/AskCulinary)•box mix banana bread; moisture differences"For a moister, cake‑like banana bread, use unsaturated (neutral) oil; butter adds flavor but can read drier. Neutral oil keeps the banana flavor front and center."
Reddit user (r/Cooking)•oil vs. butter preference and expected texture"A straight swap to oil made a loaf greasy and too dark; advice was to reduce oil since butter is ~80% fat (vs. oil at 100%) and note that changing pan type also affects bake."
Reddit user (r/Baking)•troubleshooting an oily, under‑structured loaf after a butter→oil change
Choosing the Right Substitute
Banana bread is a forgiving quick bread: it relies on moisture and gentle mixing more than butter-air creaming. Butter is about 80% fat and 20% water; swapping to 100% fat oils keeps crumb tender but changes richness and flavor slightly. Choose substitutes by matching fat content (≈3/4 cup oil per 1 cup butter), keeping moisture in balance, and using flavors that complement banana, cinnamon, nuts, or chocolate.
Our Top Choice: Neutral Oil (Canola, Vegetable, or Avocado)
Neutral oils deliver consistent moisture and a soft crumb without distracting flavors—exactly what banana bread loves. Measure 3/4 cup oil per 1 cup butter, whisk with sugar, and proceed as usual; no special technique required.
Another Great Option: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil mimics butter’s richness while keeping the loaf dairy-free. Use it melted (3/4 cup per 1 cup butter) and keep other ingredients at room temperature so the oil doesn’t seize; expect a faint coconut aroma, stronger with unrefined oil.
For Similar Texture: Light Olive Oil
Light (not extra-virgin) olive oil provides a moist, tender crumb with a mild, pleasant fruitiness. It pairs well with spices, walnuts, or chocolate chips; use 3/4 cup per 1 cup butter and consider a touch of vanilla to round the flavor.
For Balanced Nutrition: Greek Yogurt + Oil
Combining full-fat Greek yogurt with a little oil keeps moisture high while restoring some richness. Use 1/2 cup yogurt plus 1/4 cup oil per cup of butter; the loaf will be slightly cakier with a subtle tang that complements banana.
In a Pinch: Applesauce
Applesauce lightens the loaf and adds moisture but can reduce richness and make the crumb denser if used alone. Blend 3/4 cup applesauce with 2 tablespoons oil per cup of butter, cut the sugar slightly, and extend bake time to ensure it sets.
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