Why Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil As A Substitute For Butter In Baking? The Benefits Of Olive Oil
Updated June 14th 2023
Why Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) As A Substitute For Butter
In a world where unhealthy diet and lifestyle is a growing problem, there is a need for a better, healthier way of living. The consumption of saturated fats, for instance, is one of the factors that contribute to this problem. Fortunately, there is a solution that is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health – extra virgin olive oil, widely considered the best olive oil.
Packed with polyphenols, extra virgin olive oil has many olive oil benefits that can help prevent illness and improve overall health. Many people have now turned to a Mediterranean diet that include extra virgin olive oil as its primary source of fat. However, it is also possible to use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as a substitute for butter to obtain further health benefits.
Although butter has been a staple in baking for centuries, there are some good reasons to substitute extra virgin olive oil for butter. For one thing, olive oil is heart healthy, thanks to its monounsaturated fat content. This type of fat can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, olive oil is a good source of antioxidants, which can protect against cell damage and promote overall health. Additionally, olive oil has a higher smoke point than butter, so it is less likely to burn during cooking. And because it imparts a subtle flavour to baked goods, it can be a good way to enhance the taste of recipes without overwhelming the other flavours.
As more and more of us become health conscious, baking enthusiasts have begun to incorporate much more than the simple ingredients of flour, butter and eggs in their creations. They have discovered new and innovative ingredients to substitute as healthier alternatives, including extra virgin olive oil like Morocco Gold.
That bottle of extra virgin olive oil sitting on your pantry shelf can revolutionize your favourite baked treats. While often thought of for salad dressings, marinades and sautéing, your extra virgin olive oil can also be used as a valuable alternative to butter or other fat in your baked recipes.
Why Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil As A Substitute For Butter?
The value of incorporating extra virgin olive oil as a substitute in your baking is mainly twofold. First, you can enhance the overall flavour profile of your recipe, depending on the variety of extra virgin olive oil you use. Each extra virgin olive oil carries a unique flavour profile that deepens the complexity of your dish. Because the flavour can be so accentuated in baked goods, it is important to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil such as Morocco Gold.
A second reason for using extra virgin olive oil in your baked treats is the health benefits that come along. Extra virgin olive oil has no shortage of benefits for your health and wellness. This monounsaturated fat helps keep your cholesterol in check as well as offering a host of antioxidants that are essential for healthy living. Incorporating a more monounsaturated or polyunsaturated source of fat rather than just saturated fats. Compared to vegetable oils, extra virgin olive oil is free from chemicals and other impurities that compromise both the nutrients and flavour of the ingredient.
How Does Baking With Extra Virgin Olive Oil Work?
In the art of baking, ingredients with different properties are needed in order to turn a bowl of dough into a delicious, light and flavoursome bread, cake, cookie or anything else you throw in the oven.
Fat, often through butter or oil, works to tenderize, moisten and allow heat to move through the batter or dough to ensure proper baking. Extra virgin olive oil can easily be substituted for butter in several recipes, in everything from breads to cookies to brownies to pies.
But using extra virgin olive oil in a recipe that calls for butter isn’t quite an equal comparison. When a recipe calls for butter, you’ll want to use ¾ of that amount. For example, if the recipe needs six ounces of butter, use just four ounces of extra virgin olive oil.
Why isn’t it an even swap? Extra virgin olive oil is 100% fat while butter is only 80% fat. If you’re swapping regular canola or vegetable oil for extra virgin olive oil, it will be an even substitute.
While this ¾ substitute works for most recipes, there may be times where a little trial and error are required. Usually, if the butter in the recipe is to be melted, the ¾ substitute is fine. This is also the case if the butter (extra virgin olive oil) is creamed with sugar but additional liquid is added in later. However, when making cookies especially, you may need to use even less oil than that ¾ substitute due to the texture of the dough.
There are select times in which an extra virgin olive oil may not be the best substitute to use. For recipes that require the butter to stay as a solid to accomplish the right texture, such as in making a frosting, using a liquid oil may prove challenging.
Why Is EVOO As A Substitute For Butter In Baking So Important?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, so it’s important to do everything we can to protect our heart health. One way to do that is to substitute extra virgin olive oil for butter when baking. Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that can help reduce bad cholesterol and improve blood pressure. What’s more, olive oil is packed with antioxidants that can help protect against heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health conditions. So next time you’re reaching for the butter, consider using extra virgin olive oil instead. Your heart will thank you for it.
