Can I substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in baking. What is the conversion rule?

KKool
  • Posted by: KKool
  • August 5, 2012
  • 65704 views
  • 5 Comments

5 Comments

chef O. August 5, 2012
Olive oil is too strong of a flavor for many recipes. Why use it when it will over power the flavor profile and costs 4x as much as appropriate oil?
 
Sugar &. August 5, 2012
I would usually use canola oil or grape seed oil because their flavors are mild. I love olive oil in thing like shortbread it makes it crispy and adds that rich olive flavor but for regular baked goodies olive oil is to strong you could always try light olive oil if you really want to use olive oil it has a very mild taste.
 
Reiney August 5, 2012
Agree with ATG117. If it's for health reasons I'd go for grape seed oil instead - much more neutral flavour.
 
ATG117 August 5, 2012
**please ignore the many grammar and spelling typos in that response, especially the terrible "your."
 

Voted the Best Reply!

ATG117 August 5, 2012
You'd want to substitute 1 for 1, but I would be hesitant subbing olive oil for a lot of baked goods. Olive oil, especially extra virgin has a much stronger flavor than a neutral oil, which means you'll taste it. So the question is whether the flavor that comes through from the olive oil complements whatever it is your baking. Is there a reason you want to use it? Perhaps you can use a light olive oil if you are really set on using an olive oil. Or you could make an olive oil cake (recipes on this site), which are delicious. It would work well in a cornmeal cake as well. And though I've never tried it in a chocolate cake, it might be interesting.
 
Recommended by Food52