Brownies are gooey, scrumptious and chocolatey, all of which makes it hard to eat just one. Luckily, there’s some good news for your waistline: You can make brownies healthier with a few replacement items, such as substituting beans or sweet potato for cocoa. And you can use olive oil to replace the vegetable oil in your favorite brownie recipe.
Olive oil is generally considered to be a bit healthier oil since it contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Another reason to make the swap comes down to taste. Using olive oil when making brownies results in an almost fruity, somewhat bitter flavor component that complements the taste of the chocolate. If you’d like a milder flavor, opt for an extra-light olive oil. To make the swap, follow these tips.
Why Olive Oil?
If you’re looking to "lighten" your brownies, olive oil is a great replacement for vegetable oil. Along with being rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, it's loaded with nutrients and may help your body fight inflammation.
How to Substitute Olive Oil for Vegetable Oil in Brownies
To substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in brownies, use the 1:1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of vegetable oil, then use the same amount of olive oil. In brownie mixes, you can substitute olive oil for vegetable oil.
This is because most brownie mixes require the addition of eggs, water and a liquid fat. This is when you substitute olive oil for vegetable oil.
Additional Oil Substitutes in Brownies
- Applesauce: This is probably one of the best vegetable oil substitutes you can find because it acts as a low-fat alternative that provides moisture without adding fat and extra calories.
Like extra-virgin olive oil, the flavor of applesauce is light enough that it should not affect the taste. To substitute it, simply use the 1:1 ratio. - Coconut oil: Like olive oil, coconut oil is also beloved by the worldwide health community. You can use it to cook with, to lather onto your body, and as a substitute for vegetable oil in brownie recipes.
Coconut oil produces very moist brownies. If you choose unrefined coconut oil, keep in mind that your brownies will have a slight coconut taste. If you'd rather avoid that, try refined coconut oil. And again, use the 1:1 ratio.