Is Vegetable Oil a good dairy-free substitute for Coconut Oil in Biscuits?

Yes. Vegetable oil will make biscuits moist but less flaky and tender due to its liquid state at room temperature. Use a ratio of 3/4 the volume of coconut oil (e.g., 3 tbsp vegetable oil per 4 tbsp coconut oil).

Dairy-Free

Dairy-Free Coconut Oil Substitute in Biscuits

Q: Is Ghee a good dairy-free substitute for Coconut Oil in Biscuits?

Yes. Ghee adds a rich, nutty flavor and solid fat consistency but lacks water content, which can slightly reduce biscuit tenderness. Use a ratio of 1:1 by volume.

Q: Is Applesauce a good dairy-free substitute for Coconut Oil in Biscuits?

Yes. Applesauce adds moisture and some sweetness but drastically changes texture, producing cakey, dense biscuits rather than flaky ones. Use a ratio of 1:1 by volume.

4 tested dairy-free options that contains no dairy products (no milk, butter, cream, or cheese). Each with exact ratios and tips for Biscuits.

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Quick Answer

The best dairy-free substitute for Coconut Oil in Biscuits is Lard (1:1 by volume). Lard produces exceptionally flaky biscuits with a neutral flavor, though it lacks the subtle sweetness of coconut oil.

Dairy-Free Coconut Oil Substitutes for Biscuits

Substitute	Ratio	Notes
⭐ Lard	1:1 by volume	Lard produces exceptionally flaky biscuits with a neutral flavor, though it lacks the subtle sweetness of coconut oil.
Ghee	1:1 by volume	Ghee adds a rich, nutty flavor and solid fat consistency but lacks water content, which can slightly reduce biscuit tenderness.
Vegetable Oil	3/4 the volume of coconut oil (e.g., 3 tbsp vegetable oil per 4 tbsp coconut oil)	Vegetable oil will make biscuits moist but less flaky and tender due to its liquid state at room temperature.
Applesauce	1:1 by volume	Applesauce adds moisture and some sweetness but drastically changes texture, producing cakey, dense biscuits rather than flaky ones.

Detailed Guide: Dairy-Free Coconut Oil Substitutes in Biscuits

⭐ Lard (Best Dairy-Free Option)

1:1 by volume

Quick tip: Lard produces exceptionally flaky biscuits with a neutral flavor, though it lacks the subtle sweetness of coconut oil.

Lard is a pure fat that is solid at room temperature, which helps create distinct layers in biscuit dough through fat coating flour particles and producing steam during baking.

Ensure lard is cold and cut in similarly to butter. Because lard has no water content, biscuits may be slightly less tender but more flaky.

Compared to coconut oil, lard yields a more traditional biscuit texture with a savory profile, lacking coconut’s subtle aroma.

Ghee

1:1 by volume

Quick tip: Ghee adds a rich, nutty flavor and solid fat consistency but lacks water content, which can slightly reduce biscuit tenderness.

Ghee is clarified butter, so it is nearly 100% fat and solid at room temperature, making it good for flakiness. However, the absence of water means less steam generation during baking, which can affect rise and tenderness.

Use cold ghee and handle dough gently to maintain flakiness. Expect a more intense buttery flavor.

Compared to coconut oil, ghee produces biscuits with a richer, nuttier taste but a slightly denser crumb.

Vegetable Oil

3/4 the volume of coconut oil (e.g., 3 tbsp vegetable oil per 4 tbsp coconut oil)

Quick tip: Vegetable oil will make biscuits moist but less flaky and tender due to its liquid state at room temperature.

Vegetable oil is liquid fat, so it does not create the solid fat layers needed for flaky biscuits. It coats flour but does not trap air or steam effectively.

Use slightly less oil than coconut oil to avoid overly greasy dough. Mix gently to avoid tough biscuits.

Compared to coconut oil, biscuits will be softer and denser with less rise and no flakiness.

Applesauce

1:1 by volume

Quick tip: Applesauce adds moisture and some sweetness but drastically changes texture, producing cakey, dense biscuits rather than flaky ones.

As a fruit puree, applesauce contains water and sugars but no fat, which is critical for biscuit structure and flakiness. It can replace fat in low-fat recipes but results in a different texture.

Use only if a moist, cakey biscuit is desired. Reduce other liquids to compensate for moisture.

Compared to coconut oil, biscuits will be softer, less flaky, and have a fruity flavor.