A cake mix calls for 1/2 cup vegetable oil. Can you use olive oil or butter instead?

Not olive oil (unless it’s extra light). It has too strong of a flavor.

You can use butter. Just melt it first.

I know you can use canola oil instead of vegetable oil. I’m not sure about butter. I would say no to olive oil.

I wouldn’t use olive oil – too distinctive of a flavor. You could use butter but check on an equivalency chart to make sure of the right amount. You should be able to Google one up.

You should be OK with the butter if you melt it first. However, don’t use olive oil, it’ll taste funny. =)

thanks evabody

You can also use apple sauce. You really just need moisture without being pure water. It will be a bit more likely to stick, and it won’t have exactly the same texture, but it will be better for you. I say this because half a cup of butter is a lot of butter. It will likely change the texture as well, and good lord your arteries! Then again, butter makes everything better, so it may make a far better cake than using the vegetable oil would. Tell us how it turns out.

There’s a restaurant near my house that is known for its olive oil cake. It’s delicious! But it definitely has a very distinct flavor to it, so I wouldn’t use olive oil unless you’re okay with the flavor changing quite a bit. It’s worth experimenting with, though :)

You can use butter. I have heard it makes the cakes even better.

lurve to @trailsillustrated for “evabody”

just had a piece- used butter- it was heavenly- thanks all

Butter really does make everything better.

@Snarp “Butter really does make everything better.” Amen to that.

Yes, it will make the taste slightly different and that is all.

I just made a cake with canola oil and it tastes a little odd. It’s edible but I don’t know if my kids will eat it. I am going to make sure we have vegetable oil on hand next time. The ideas of using applesauce or butter sound more appealing.