Vegetable Oil Substitute for Brownies

Though often considered to be a not-so-healthy food, brownies are one of the most preferred desserts, savored by people of all ages. Whether it is chocolate or any other flavor, brownies, a mix between a cake and cookies, have a standard method of preparation involving prime ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, vegetable oil and vanilla extract. The absence of any of these ingredients can hamper the brownies method of preparation and taste. Though we try using different substitutes for missing ingredients, it is difficult to say whether these alternatives can bring out the same taste and texture of the brownie recipe. Therefore, it is extremely important that before using a substitute for a particular ingredient we need to ensure that it doesn't affect the flavor of the recipe. Holding to this though, here in this article we will discuss the useful vegetable oil substitute for brownies.

One of the prime ingredient in any brownie recipe is vegetable oil which is derived from plants. Though many parts of the plant can be used to extract this oil, it is the seeds that hold the most of it and are often used for extracting vegetable oil for various purposes. Hence, apart from being used as the main ingredient in many brownie recipes, vegetable oil is also used in many other food recipes to impart flavor as well as to aid in the method of cooking. But the most important deterrent in usage of oil in baking is the amount of calories and cholesterol present in oil. So we will now embark on our search for oil substitutes for brownies.
Good Vegetable Oil Substitute for Brownies
Applesauce
The most effective alternative for vegetable oil in a brownie recipe is applesauce. An applesauce is basically a puree made of apples which can serve as a low-fat substitute for vegetable oil. While using, ensure that you take the same amount of applesauce as the amount of vegetable oil in order to maintain the flavor and texture of your brownies.

Olive Oil
Another useful substitute for vegetable oil in a brownie recipe is olive oil. Use a light or extra light olive oil as they are highly refined and so can affect the taste as well as texture of your brownies. Hence, avoid using a strong flavored olive oil, and use the same concentration of olive oil as the amount of vegetable oil.

Canola Oil
Like olive oil, canola oil can also be used to replace vegetable oil in the brownies, as they are not high on fat and cholesterol. However, you will have to take care, that the canola oil, does not change the taste of the brownies.

Butter/ Margarine
The next obvious replacement for vegetable oil in a brownie or any baking recipe is butter or melted margarine. Use the same quantity of butter as the amount of vegetable oil needed in the recipe but ensure that you bake the brownies two minutes longer than usual in order to maintain the same flavor and texture.

Fruit Puree
Fruit puree is another great vegetable oil substitute that can be used in your brownie recipes. Avoid using strong flavors as it may affect the taste of the brownies, and so go for mild flavors like banana or prune.

Yogurt
The next in the line of substitutes is yogurt. It is an awesome dairy food, but it also makes for a perfect substitute for high-fat substitute for brownies. It is always better to use plain yogurt and not the flavored versions.

Cornstarch
Last but not the least, cornstarch can also serve as an amazing vegetable oil substitute for brownies. All you need to do is, mix it with water and then heat till you get the desired consistency. Once it cools directly use it in your brownie recipe.

Besides offering the same flavor and texture, all these vegetable oil substitute for brownies are low in fat and cholesterol and so would be healthy for our body. Hence, the next time, if you are out of vegetable oil for your yummy brownie recipe, these substitutes can prove to be very useful for those last-minute needs. Moreover, with most substitutes mentioned above, you don't have to bother about the fattening issue or about cholesterol content.