Dairy-Free Butter (Vegan Butter)
on Nov 18, 2021
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Vegan Butter is completely dairy-free and makes an excellent substitute for regular butter. This plant-based butter is creamy, melts well, and can be used for baking and cooking.
This dairy-free butter is ideal for vegans and people who are lactose intolerant. You don’t have to compromise taste for health with this spreadable, buttery alternative.
What is Dairy Free Butter Made Of?
You may be surprised by the simplicity of this recipe. This dairy-free butter is made by using a combination of oils and dairy-free milk and cream. These are ingredients that you likely already have at home, or can quickly acquire if necessary. You’ll need:
- Refined Coconut Oil
- Canola Oil
- Unsweetened Almond Milk
- Coconut Cream
- Salt
- Turmeric
How to Make Dairy Free Butter
- Whisk together the warmed coconut oil, oil, milk and optional coconut cream, salt and turmeric until smoothly combined.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes to cool slightly.
- Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture at high speed for about 2 minutes to a pale, fluffy consistency.
- Transfer the butter to an airtight container. Smooth it with a spatula and cover with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the butter set. Use as you would regular butter.
Tips for Making Vegan Butter
- Use Refined Coconut Oil: Unrefined coconut oil will impart a coconut flavor, while refined coconut oil has no odor or flavor.
- Temperature is Important: For proper blending, the coconut oil should be just warm enough to be liquified. If it’s hot or cold, the ingredients will not combine properly.
- Give it Time to Set: Let the butter set in the fridge for at least 2 hours before using it.
Uses for Dairy Free Butter
Dairy-free butter can be used in near-identical ways to regular, milk-based butter. Its creamy, spreadable texture and meltability make it a versatile ingredient. Here are just a few uses for dairy-free butter:
- Spreading on toast, crackers or English muffins
- With mashed, baked or roasted potatoes
- On steamed vegetables
- In cakes and cookies
- For cooking and frying
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Plant-based Butter Taste Good?
This vegan-friendly butter tastes just as good (if not better) than regular butter! Because you’re making it from scratch, you can even add extra ingredients like garlic to customize your butter. Be sure to use refined coconut oil, which has a neutral taste.
Is Vegan Butter Healthy?
Plant-based butter is made with simple ingredients and is free of trans fats and preservatives, making it a healthier option than regular butter. Of course, it’s high in fat and calories and should be eaten sparingly, as you would with milk-based butter.
Is Dairy-free Butter Just Margarine?
No. Margarine has its own unique, defining flavor and a different texture to vegan butter. It’s important to note that margarine is not always plant-based and sometimes contains milk products.
How Long Does Dairy Free Butter Last?
Like regular butter, this dairy-free butter should be stored in the fridge to maintain texture and freshness. You should be able to store it for up to 2 weeks.
Can I Freeze Vegan Butter?
Vegan butter is even more ideal for freezing than regular butter. If you have lots of leftovers, store them in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag for up to three months. This allows you to prepare big batches, which is a lot more convenient.
What Are Dairy Free Butter Brands?
If you’d prefer to buy readymade vegan butter, there are so many options available to you. Popular and highly rated brands include Earth Balance, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter and Miyoko’s Kitchen.
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Dairy Free Vegan Butter Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup refined coconut oil, warmed (see note)
- 1/2 cup canola oil, or sunflower oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, or other non-dairy milk (see note)
- 1/4 cup coconut cream, optional
- pinch of salt
- pinch of turmeric, optional for yellow color
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the warmed coconut oil, oil, milk and optional coconut cream, salt and turmeric. Whisk the ingredients together until smoothly combined.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes to cool slightly.
- Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture at high speed to a pale, fluffy consistency, about 2 minutes.
- Transfer the butter to an airtight container. Smooth it with a spatula and cover with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the butter set.
- Use as you would regular butter.
Notes
- Coconut Oil: Heat the oil using a saucepan or the microwave just until liquified.
- Coconut Cream: Makes the butter creamier
- Non Dairy Milk: Ensure it is unsweetened and unflavored.
- Storage: If stored in the fridge, the homemade vegan butter keeps for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it, in which case it keeps for up to about 3 months.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
