If you like baking, you must have used butter extract on occasion. Butter extract is used to add a rich buttery taste to recipes. Today we will discuss some close butter extract substitutes that you can use in baking.
It is quite common in baking. Butter extract contains more water components as compared to real butter so it contains less fat. Unlike butter, butter extract is not available easily everywhere. In case you run out of butter extract, you can use a substitute.
Best Butter Extract Substitute
Here are some of the best butter extract substitutes that you can use in baking and cooking.
1. Butter
Since butter extract is made from butter, the best substitute would be actual butter. If you are using real butter, it will add more richness and butter flavor to the recipe.
If you are baking cookies and cakes, you can expect a chewier texture because butter is rich in fat as opposed to butter extract.
Butter contains around 81% fat which might be good for those on a keto diet, but it’s not best for a low-fat diet. I recommend using unsalted butter if you are baking cakes. Salted butter works great in desserts as it creates a balance. You can use it in donuts, macarons, and other desserts.
2. Vanilla Extract
Pure vanilla extract is another great substitute. Like vanilla extract, butter extract also has a vanilla flavor and aroma, which is why both are often confused. Because they are so close to taste and consistency, you can use them interchangeably in recipes.
However, keep in mind that when substituting, use a little bit of vanilla extract as it’s more potent. For every tablespoon of butter extract, use 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract.
3. Almond Butter
If you are baking cakes, bread, or cookies and want to use almonds, you can use almond butter in place of butter substitute. It enhances the flavor providing nuttiness to the recipe which goes great with baked goods.
You can replace butter extract with almond butter in 1:1. For one tablespoon of extract, use one tablespoon of almond butter. It is a great complement in cookies, cakes, syrup, ice cream, cupcakes, and buttercream frosting.
4. Applesauce
Apple sauce is another substitute that you can use in place of butter and eggs. It gives cakes and baked goods richness and moistness. It has a well-balanced flavor, so you don’t have to worry about a change in flavor when you substitute for the extract.
It’s sweeter than other alternatives, you might want to change the sugar quantity in the recipe for cakes or cookies. Just replace one tablespoon of the extract with a 1/2 tablespoon of applesauce.
5. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is another popular and common substitute for butter extract. When you want other components of the recipe to not alter with the flavor, greek yogurt is a nice option as its bland. It offers a rich and creamy texture and is mostly used in baking, buttercream frosting, and fillings.
Greek yogurt traps moisture, so you should expect a moist cake or cookies. Just replace every tablespoon of the extract with 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt.
6. Cashew Butter
Like almond butter, cashew butter is also light-flavored and a perfect substitute for butter extract. It is creamier than almond butter and a bit sweet as well. It is a protein-rich alternative that you can use for any desserts, baked goods, and even syrups.
Just replace one tablespoon of the extract with one tablespoon of cashew butter.
Also, look at my list of gorgonzola substitutes, flax seed substitutes, and tex mex paste substitutes.
7. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is an excellent butter extract substitute. Although it does not have any buttery flavor to it, it does have a neutral taste, so it will not change the flavor of your dish. It does give a nutty aroma and adds a rich texture to baked items.
Just use 1/2 tablespoon of sunflower oil for every tablespoon of butter. You can use it in all kinds of baked goods like cakes, bread, donuts, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some other substitutes for butter extract?
Some other substitutes of butter extract that are not commonly used are caramel extract, ghee, coconut oil, peanut butter, and maple syrup.
Is butter extract the same as butter flavoring?
No, there is a minor difference between butter extract and butter flavoring. Butter extract is made from extracting proteins from butter, whereas butter flavoring isolates specific components like diacetyl.
Can I make butter extract?
Yes, you can make butter extract by adding water to the butter and straining it. To get one cup of butter, use one cup of water and a half-pound of unsalted butter. Bring them to boil, and once it reaches their boiling point, remove them from heat, let them cool, and strain it.
Conclusion
Whether you are baking cookies, or cakes, or making a savory dish that calls for butter extract, you can use the substitutes mentioned above. These are great options for keto-friendly and vegan diets. You can make it work without changing the consistency or flavor of the dish.
