Key Takeaways
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Olive oil can be substituted for vegetable oil in baking using a 1:1 ratio.
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Olive oil’s distinct flavor may affect the taste of baked goods, making it better suited for recipes that pair well with its flavor.
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Combining olive oil with other oils like canola can keep dishes within the healthier line of fats.
If you have a bottle of olive oil in the pantry right now, it’s probably reserved for salad dressing or coating your pan for stir-fries. But can you use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for baking? The answer may surprise you.
Because it has a stronger flavor (almost grassy or fruity) than other cooking oils, olive oil is usually reserved for savory dishes. But what if you run out of vegetable oil and are craving brownies? The good news is that instead of running to the store, you can still make those brownies by baking with olive oil, just like you would with other cooking oils. Fats and oils in quick breads, cakes, and cookies are necessary to achieve the delicious texture of your baked goods, so it’s important to substitute them properly. Here are some things to note before you start baking with olive oil.
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Baking with Olive Oil
If substituting olive oil for vegetable oil (or another cooking oil) in your baking recipe, you can use a 1:1 ratio. Because of olive oil’s distinct flavor, it might affect the flavor of the baked product.
Best Olive Oils for Baking
Any olive oil is fine, but we find the best olive oil for baking is made with Aberquina olives. This type of olive oil will be labeled “mild” olive oil, which allows for a light, mild flavor rather than the more aromatic extra-virgin olive oil on the shelves.
If you’re still not ready to dive right into baking with just olive oil, you can try combining olive oil and vegetable oil or canola oil. Knowing this works as an equal substitute will help if you’re running low on one of the oils. It’s also beneficial if you’re trying to stay on the healthier side of fats (aka monounsaturated fat) when cooking. Avocado oil can also meet your baking needs.
Can you use olive oil instead of vegetable oil and still get the same flavor? Our Test Kitchen has some delicious cake recipes that include olive oil. The strong flavor of olive oil pairs well with citrus, which is why so many baking recipes with olive oil include it. Try our lemon olive oil cake or grapefruit olive oil cake. Or if you’ve got some zucchini left from your summer harvest, give this fancy layered olive oil cake a go.
Secrets to the Most Delicious Baked Goods
Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens