A Comprehensive Guide to Vegan Butter Substitutes

Whether you’re baking, cooking, or simply spreading it on toast, finding the perfect vegan substitute for butter is easier than ever. From store-bought options to homemade recipes, this guide covers everything you need to know about replacing dairy butter with plant-based alternatives—without sacrificing flavor or texture.

1. Best Vegan Substitutes for Butter

When replacing butter in recipes, consider these vegan substitutes for butter based on your needs:

🍞 For Spreading:

✔ Avocado – Creamy, rich in healthy fats, perfect for toast.
✔ Nut butters – Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter add richness.

🧁 For Baking:

✔ Coconut oil – The closest vegan substitute for butter in texture and fat content (use 1:1).
✔ Applesauce or mashed banana – For moisture in cakes and muffins (replace ½ the butter).

🍳 For Cooking/Sautéing:

✔ Olive oil – Ideal for savory dishes (use ¾ the amount of butter).
✔ Vegan margarine – Brands like Earth Balance work well for frying.

Pro Tip: For flaky pastries, use chilled coconut oil as a vegan substitute for butter.

2. How to Make Your Own Vegan Butter

Why buy when you can whip up a vegan substitute for butter at home? This easy recipe mimics the taste and texture of dairy butter.

🧈 Homemade Vegan Butter Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup refined coconut oil (melted)
• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp turmeric (for color, optional)
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into a mold or jar and refrigerate until firm (2+ hours).
3. Use as a vegan substitute for butter in any recipe.

Storage: Keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge or 3 months frozen.

Source: Minimalist Baker’s DIY Vegan Butter

3. Popular Store-Bought Vegan Butters

If DIY isn’t your style, these name-brand vegan substitutes for butter are widely available:

🌱 Top Vegan Butter Brands:

✔ Miyoko’s Creamery – Cultured, cashew-based, rich flavor.
✔ Earth Balance – Soy-free options, great for baking.
✔ Country Crock Plant Butter – Affordable and melts well.
✔ Flora Plant Butter – Made with sunflower oil, no palm oil.

Best for Baking: Miyoko’s (most buttery flavor).
Best Budget Pick: Country Crock.

4. Conclusion: Which Vegan Butter Substitute is Best?

The best vegan substitute for butter depends on your needs:

• For baking → Coconut oil or Miyoko’s.
• For spreading → Avocado or nut butter.
• For cooking → Olive oil or homemade vegan butter.

With so many options, going dairy-free has never been easier. Whether you choose store-bought or homemade, these vegan substitutes for butter deliver the same richness without animal products.

Sources Cited:

1. Minimalist Baker – DIY Vegan Butter
2. Miyoko’s Creamery
3. Earth Balance Product Guide

Ready for a challenge?