8 Best Substitutes for Vegetable Oil in Waffles

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Waffle is a classic breakfast with a crispy, chewy, and soft texture similar to the cake. The typical ingredients to make waffles are eggs, water, sugar, vegetable oil, flour, and flavors.

The waffle has vegetable oil to achieve a crispy texture on the outside and chewy on the inside. Overall, it leads to the soft texture of the waffles.

However, there are a lot of substitutes for vegetable oil if you run out of oil or are health conscious. This article will explore some of the best substitutes for vegetable oil in waffles to achieve a similar texture.

8 Best Substitutes for Vegetable Oils in Waffles

This section will discuss different substitutes for vegetable oils in waffles with similar benefits and properties.

Applesauce

Unsweetened apple sauce may be used to replace the vegetable oil in the waffle recipe. It adds health benefits and increases the nutritional value.

Substitute ¾ to 1 cup of apple sauce for 1 cup of vegetable oil in the waffle recipe.

It has naturally-occurring sugars and pectin that keep the batter’s moisture so that the waffles don’t dry out.

It gives a sweet and fruity flavor and, therefore, may need to adjust the sugar accordingly. Also, use a non-stick waffle maker to make oil-free waffles.

Summary

Applesauce is cheaper and healthier alternative to vegetable oil in the waffle recipe. It may give a fruity flavor to waffles.

Mashed Bananas

Bananas are a popular fruit that is widely available. Mashed bananas work well as a substitute for vegetable oil in waffles due to their creaminess and high starch content.It has a natural sweetness that makes the additional syrup topping unnecessary.

For one cup of vegetable oil, use ¾ cup of mashed bananas.

It adds more flavor and extra moisture to the waffles compared to the vegetable oil. It is also healthier, increasing the nutritional content of waffles.

Summary

Mashed bananas may be substituted for vegetable oil in the waffles for extra taste and moisture.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a healthy alternative to vegetable oil in waffles. It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering harmful LDL levels.

While substituting for vegetable oil, use the same quantity of olive oil. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of vegetable oil, use one cup of olive oil.

Choose the light flavored olive oil so that it does not alter the taste of waffles.

Summary

Olive oil is a flavorful and healthy alternative to vegetable oil and works well as a substitute in waffle recipes.

Butter

Butter may be a good substitute for vegetable oil for waffles and is readily available. It is preferable to use unsalted butter so that the waffles don’t taste too salty.

Since butter is a solid fat, it has to be melted and cooled before adding to the waffle batter. Substitute one cup of melted butter for one cup of vegetable oil in the waffles.

It gives waffles a rich texture and taste. On the downside, it is not suitable for anyone with dairy allergies.

Summary

Butter can be used to replace vegetable oil to give a rich texture. However, it is not a healthy alternative to vegetable oil.

Yogurt

Yogurt may be substituted for vegetable oil in waffles. However, choose low-fat varieties for health reasons.

Replace one cup of vegetable oil with the same quantity of plain yogurt in the waffle recipe. It is recommended to reduce the amount of other liquids in the waffle recipe. Also, it is preferable to use plain yogurt instead of flavored ones.

It may give a tangy flavor with a creamy texture to the waffles.

Summary

Low-fat yogurt may be used in place of vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio. However, adjust the liquid quantity in the waffle recipe as yogurt will add water to the batter.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil obtained from the fresh coconut meat is an appropriate substitute for vegetable oil in waffles. It contains medium-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid that may increase HDL cholesterol levels.

It has a firm structure at cold temperature and has to be brought to room temperature before adding to the waffle mixture. For waffles, substitute the same quantity of coconut oil for vegetable oil.

It can also be used to grease the waffle pan. It makes crispy outside and softer inside waffles.

Summary

Coconut oil may be a substitute for vegetable oil used in the ratio of 1:1. It is preferable to use unflavored coconut oil for less coconut oil flavor.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is commonly used as a sauce or a condiment made by blending egg yolks and oil. It works well as a substitute for vegetable oil as it is oil-based.

Mayonnaise has to be melted before adding to the waffles. Replace one cup of vegetable oil with the same quantity of mayonnaise. It adds a minimal flavor and moisture to the waffle.

Summary

Melted mayonnaise may be substituted for vegetable oil on a 1:1 ratio.

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree may be a healthier alternative to vegetable oil, rich in vitamin A and minerals. Both homemade or canned puree can be used.

A 1:1 ratio of pumpkin puree to vegetable oil is used when making waffles. As pumpkin puree tends to be watery, adjust the water content in the batter accordingly.

Summary

Pumpkin puree may be a healthy alternative to vegetable oil in the waffle recipe for a softer texture and pleasant flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute avocado oil for vegetable oil?

Yes. Avocado oil made from pressed avocado pulp is rich in healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants. It can be used to substitute vegetable oil in equal amounts, but it is expensive.

Lard Vs. Vegetable oil in waffles?

Vegetable oil is a mixture of plant-based oils. It is commonly used in waffles to provide its texture.
Lard is the semi-soft fat obtained from the rendering of certain meats. It may be used to substitute vegetable oil in a waffle recipe.

Bottom Line

Vegetable oil is a common ingredient used in waffles for achieving fluffy texture. There are several ingredients that can be used as a substitute if you run out of vegetable oil or want to avoid it due to health-related reasons.

Most of the substitutes discussed in the article are easy to find and provides more nutritional benefits. You may choose a replacement depending on personal preference and taste.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5448360/
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https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2994&context=extensionhist
https://thewholeu.uw.edu/2014/07/21/fruits-for-fats/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257394543_Consumer_acceptability_of_chocolate_chip_cookies_using_applesauce_as_a_fat_butter_substitute
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6306729/
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/bananas/
https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/healthy-kind-oil-use-pancakes-2210.html
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https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/help-around-the-kitchen/best-substitute-vegetable-oil
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https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coconut-oil/
https://academic.oup.com/fqs/article/3/2/61/5475954
https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports-and-everyday-life/food-and-drink/food-and-cooking/mayonnaise
https://tastessence.com/oil-substitute-in-baking#:~:text=You%20can%20substitute%20one%20cup,will%20retain%20the%20same%20taste https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2601/2 https://tastessence.com/vegetable-oil-substitute
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6600360/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4869010/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/lard

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About Nancy Miller

Nancy is a foodie by heart and loves experimenting with food. She likes to experiment not only as part of academics but also as a cook at home, sometimes she does not get the desired outcome of these experiments though! But that doesn't stop her from trying more out-of-the-box things. When Nancy entered college, it became clear to her that food was going to be an important part of her life.