FAQs About Olive Oil in Brownie Mix
For centuries, chefs all around the world have used olive oil as part of their cooking. From sauteing to frying to roasting, you can use olive oil in a variety of ways. Olive oil is an extremely versatile oil that is sure to elevate any meal.
Here at Arlotta Food Studio, we are often asked how to best utilize our extra-virgin, first cold pressed, organic olive oils. Since olive oil is a staple ingredient in so many savory dishes, many people are surprised to find out that you can put olive oil in baked goods as well.
In fact, olive oil is an excellent substitute in recipes that call for refined oils, which leads to the question - “Can you use olive oil in a brownie mix?” For the answer, let’s explore the most frequently-asked-questions about olive oil in brownie mix.
Can you use olive oil in baking?
Yes, you can use olive oil when baking.
Just because olive oil is commonly referred to as a cooking oil, do not be afraid to use olive oil in your baked goods.
Can you use olive oil in a brownie mix?
Yes, you can use olive oil when making up a brownie mix.
If you need brownies in a pinch, a brownie mix is an easy go-to solution. All you have to do is pour into a bowl the premade brownie mix of dry ingredients and add a few wet ingredients. Typically, those wet ingredients consist of eggs, water, and oil.
While you might habitually reach for the vegetable oil to complete that brownie mix, olive oil is a healthy alternative.
Should you substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in a brownie mix?
Yes, go for it! Switch out that vegetable oil for olive oil.
Olive oil and vegetable oil are similar densities, so using olive oil in place of vegetable oil is no problem at all. Better yet, olive oil is the healthier option of the two oils.
Vegetable oils are derived from a mixture of vegetable fats. So while it might sound great that vegetable oil comes from plant materials, vegetable oil is a refined oil. This means it is a highly-processed oil that undergoes extreme heat when manufactured, and that extreme heat depletes the nutritional value within the oil.
Plus, this high-heat refining process negatively impacts the consistency, smell, and flavor of the vegetable fats. To counteract and combat these negative changes, refined oils need additives such as chemicals and preservatives to help the oil maintain a smooth, odor-free, flavor-free profile.
In comparison, every olive oil produced by Arlotta Food Studio is classified as extra-virgin and first cold-pressed. What is first cold-pressed olive oil?
First cold-pressed refers to a type of extraction process where a manufacturer (1) gathers the oil from fresh olives during the first press of those intact olives and (2) does not use added heat when pressing the olives for that oil. Hence, the “first” and the “cold-pressed” terminology.
Refined oils are pressed more than once, and therefore, require the extra heat and added chemicals in order to complete the production process.
An olive oil cannot be considered extra-virgin if it is not first cold-pressed. The combination of the first press and low temperatures is how a manufacturer preserves the flavor of the oil and maintains the nutritional value gathered from the olives.
The highest quality olive oil with the most nutrients is extra-virgin, first cold-pressed olive oil … like all of the Arlotta Food Studio olive oils.
When you substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in a brownie mix, how much olive oil should you use?
When substituting one oil for another kind of oil, you can use a 1:1 ratio. The quantity does not change when using olive oil in a brownie mix. Whatever amount the recipe calls for, stick with that quantity. No need for measurement conversions.
Does olive oil in brownie mix change the overall flavor?
Vegetable oil is manufactured in a way that purposefully minimizes the flavor and aroma of the oil. Consequently, vegetable oil has an almost nonexistent taste.
On the other hand, olive oil is manufactured in a way that purposefully maximizes the flavor and aroma of the oil. Comparing the flavor of vegetable oil to olive oil is not comparing apples to apples.
So yes, olive oil in brownie mix can slightly alter the overall flavor of your brownies. Actually, some people intentionally use a flavored or infused olive oil in their brownie recipe.
If you want a delicious brownie that is sure to be memorable, try out blood orange infused olive oil in your brownies. This tasty twist will transform the flavor profile of your brownies.
What are you waiting for? Try out olive oil in a brownie mix!
“Can you use olive oil in a brownie mix?” is a reasonable question, but the answer couldn’t be more simple …
Yes, try out our extra-virgin, first cold pressed olive oil the next time you make brownies!
Arlotta Food Studio olive oils are even USDA-certified organic. We organically grow all our own olives in our family groves located in California's Central Valley.
And for more Arlotta Food Studio olive oil options, check out our collection of infused olive oils:
Blood Orange Infused Olive Oil
Not sure which olive oils to try? Go for the olive oil sampler that contains our top three, customer-voted favorite flavors.
