How Much Olive Oil to Substitute for Coconut Oil
Works for baking, sauteing, and frying. Olive Oil keeps a similar flavor profile to Coconut Oil.
How much olive oil equals one cup of coconut oil?
Use 3/4 cup olive oil per cup coconut oil.
Health notes
Compared with Coconut Oil, Olive Oil has: less saturated fat (13.8g vs 82.5g per 100g in Coconut Oil).
Using olive oil as a coconut oil substitute in baking
Use 3/4 cup per cup coconut oil; add a pinch of salt. Cakes stay moist but won't brown as deeply.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
1:1 swap works well. Olive oil adds subtle peppery notes and emulsifies sauces.
- Frying
1:1; crisps exteriors with a fruity finish. Higher smoke point than coconut oil.
- Slow Cook
1:1; adds body and silky mouthfeel to braises and stews.
- Grilling
Brush on at 1:1 for lean proteins and vegetables. Adds depth.
- Raw Cold
1:1 in dressings, dips, and drizzles. Use robust oils for bold flavor.
Methods to avoid (2)
- Steaming
Not recommended: oil won't emulsify in steam.
- Drinks
Not recommended: olive oil doesn't dissolve in cold drinks.
FAQ
- How much olive oil equals one cup of coconut oil?
Use 3/4 cup olive oil per cup coconut oil.
- Can I substitute olive oil for Coconut Oil in baking?
Yes. Use 3/4 cup per cup coconut oil; add a pinch of salt. Cakes stay moist but won't brown as deeply. Not recommended: oil won't emulsify in steam.
- How much olive oil to use as a coconut oil substitute?
Adds subtle peppery, grassy notes; use robust oil for more depth.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Olive Oil for Coconut Oil?
Olive oil keeps a similar flavor profile to coconut oil.
- How does texture change when substituting Olive Oil for Coconut Oil?
Olive oil softer crumb, less spread in cookies, paler top with less browning.
- What else should I know about substituting Olive Oil for Coconut Oil?
For sauteing, frying, baking, and slow-cooked dishes. Expect a softer, moister crumb with less golden color and a subtle peppery note. Skip recipes where coconut sweetness is central. Olive oil won't cream with sugar like butter does. Add a pinch of salt or lemon to sharpen flavor if needed.
- What still works when substituting Olive Oil for Coconut Oil?
Olive oil still works as a fat, flavor carrier, and emulsifier.
- How well does Olive Oil match Coconut Oil?
Olive oil is good on structure, good on heat, and okay on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Olive Oil for Coconut Oil?
Olive oil has about x6 fewer sat. fat. Overall, calories, fat, and protein are similar.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Olive Oil for Coconut Oil?
The flavor shifts toward less sweet, more acidic, and more bitter notes.