Baking with Olive Oil: Your Guide to Substituting Butter and Seed Oils

Baking is often described as a science: precise, structured, and less forgiving of experimentation. That doesn’t mean there’s no room for creativity, especially when it comes to the fats you use. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) can be a delicious and heart-healthy substitute for butter or vegetable oil in many recipes. With a little knowledge about conversions, flavor, and texture, home bakers can enjoy healthier treats without sacrificing taste.

Why Substitute with Olive Oil?

Swapping butter or vegetable oil for extra virgin olive oil offers two main benefits:

• Health: Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making it a healthier option compared to butter or heavily processed seed oils. Pasolivo flavored olive oils are made with our extra virgin olive oil base or co-milled with fresh olives, delivering the same health benefits as our extra virgin olive oils.
• Flavor: High-quality extra virgin olive oil adds depth and nuance, from buttery smoothness to to grassy earthiness, depending on the variety. Pasolivo flavored olive oils add a natural burst of flavor, making it easy to turn simple recipes into something extraordinary; no extra ingredients or artificial flavoring necessary!

Conversion Guide: Butter to Olive Oil

Because butter contains both water and fat while olive oil is pure fat, the two don’t substitute one-to-one. Use the chart below as a guide:

Tip: Olive oil works best in recipes that already call for melted butter, such as cakes, quick breads, and brownies. Recipes requiring creamed butter and sugar should usually be followed as written, since olive oil won’t whip into the same airy texture.

When to Swap Oils

Olive oil is an excellent substitute for most liquid oils (like canola or vegetable) in baking. The swap is simple: replace in equal amounts. However, olive oil isn’t recommended for deep frying; its robust flavor make it better suited to sautéing, roasting, and baking.

Pasolivo extra virgin olive oil is lab-tested for a high smoke point of 420°F, meaning any baking at 420°F or below will not degrade its quality or break down its beneficial compounds. That means you’ll still enjoy the vibrant flavor and heart-healthy benefits of EVOO in your favorite cakes, breads, and brownies.

Choosing the Right Olive Oil for Baking

• Mild & Buttery EVOO: A versatile choice that won’t overpower baked goods. Pasolivo’s Cucina Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Soltera Extra Virgin Olive Oils are ideal for everyday baking, from cookies to banana bread.
• Citrusy Olive Oil: Perfect for brightening up cakes, biscotti, and muffins. Pasolivo Tangerine Olive Oil transforms a store-bought brownie mix into a bakery-worthy dessert. 
• Herbaceous Olive Oil: Adds a savory twist to breads and pizza dough. A hint of Basil Olive Oil in homemade dough brings subtle complexity.

Texture Considerations

Because olive oil is liquid at room temperature, it produces slightly different textures than butter:

• Cakes & Quick Breads: Stay moist longer when made with olive oil.
• Cookies: May turn out softer and more cake-like when using olive oil. For chewy cookies, try using half butter and half olive oil.

Recipes to Try with Pasolivo Olive Oil

We love experimenting with our olive oils to bring you the most delicious, flavorful baked goods. Here are some of our top favorites! For more inspiration, explore our Recipes Page.

• Pumpkin Bread: Made with Pasolivo Tangerine Olive Oil for a moist, tender loaf that’s full of warm fall flavor.
• Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti: Brightened with Pasolivo Citrus Olive Oil for a classic Italian pairing.
• Tangerine Olive Oil Brownies: A quick, flavorful upgrade to any box mix.
• Sourdough Focaccia Bread: Fluffy, golden focaccia made with Pasolivo California EVOO, highlighting its grassy, robust flavor and perfect for dipping or sandwiches.
• Honey Apple Bundt Cake: A moist, spiced cake made with Pasolivo Cucina or Classic EVOO for rich flavor and a tender crumb.

Final Thoughts

Baking with olive oil can be both a healthy choice and a flavorful adventure. While some recipes still shine best with butter, many baked goods benefit from the richness and character of extra virgin olive oil. Whether used as a smart swap or as the star of the recipe, olive oil brings something special to the table.

Ready to try baking with olive oil? Explore Pasolivo’s award-winning collection and discover your new favorite baking staple.