Should you use butter or oil in muffins?
Christopher Anderson
Published Mar 15, 2026
Should you use butter or oil in muffins?
The short answer is definitely butter. Butter will give you tastier and richer muffins for it contains milk plus the fat content. You’ll get that savory taste we’re all after. This doesn’t mean that oil won’t be as good, though.
What oil do you use for muffins?
A recipe for moist baked goods like brownies, cake, or muffins that calls for oil is best made with light, mild-tasting varieties like canola (rapeseed), sunflower, soybean, and corn. These are usually the most affordable as well.
What makes muffins light and fluffy?
Having eggs, butter, and milk at room temperature helps them form a smooth mixture that traps air and expands when heated in the oven. That expansion makes your muffins fluffy and light.
Can olive oil be used in muffins?
Here’s how to make the switch: Just substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in equal measure, or use 3 tablespoons olive oil for each 1/4 cup of melted butter. Olive oil works best in muffins and loaves that have a fruity, nutty, or savory quality, like my delicious pumpkin bread.
What oil can replace vegetable oil?
If you don’t have any vegetable oil on hand, you can substitute another neutral high-heat oil. Canola, safflower, peanut or grapeseed oils are all great choices. Refined versions can reach even higher temperatures than unrefined ones.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil in muffins?
If your recipe calls for vegetable or canola oil, you should definitely substitute those oils with gourmet extra virgin olive oil. In other words if the recipe calls for one cup of vegetable oil, you would simply use extra virgin olive oil.
Can you substitute melted butter for oil in a muffin recipe?
You can absolutely substitute butter for the vegetable oil. Use the same quantity specified in the directions (for example, if it calls for 1/3 cup of oil, use 5 1/3 tablespoons of butter). Melt it down, then let it cool a bit. You might not ever go back to oil!
How do I keep my muffins moist?
The Best Way to Store Muffins
- STEP ONE: Let the muffins cool completely on a wire rack.
- STEP TWO: Line an airtight storage container with paper towels.
- STEP THREE: Place muffins in the container, on top of the paper towels.
- STEP FOUR: Place an additional paper towel layer on top of the muffins.
Why are my banana muffins dense?
Too much liquid – If there is too much liquid in the batter, the muffins will be very dense. Too much leavening – If there is too much baking soda or powder in the batter, muffins will rise temporarily, then collapse. This causes them to become dense.