Making your own vegan margarine at home is not only rewarding but also incredibly simple. Store-bought margarines often contain preservatives, artificial ingredients, and hidden additives that many of us prefer to avoid.
By crafting your own version, you gain full control over the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome, tasty, and customizable product. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, baking, or sautéing, this vegan margarine recipe delivers creamy texture and rich flavor without any dairy or animal products.
This recipe is perfect for anyone transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle or simply looking for a healthier alternative to conventional margarine. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and quick to prepare!
Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and satisfying. Let’s dive into why this homemade vegan margarine might just become your new pantry staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pure and natural ingredients: No artificial preservatives or additives here, just wholesome plant-based oils and a touch of flavor.
Customizable flavor profile: You can easily adjust saltiness, acidity, and even add herbs or spices to suit your taste.
Versatility: Use it for baking, cooking, or as a spread. This margarine withstands heat well and adds a buttery richness to dishes.
Healthier fats: Incorporates heart-healthy oils like coconut and olive oil for the perfect balance of texture and nutrition.
Additionally, it’s a wonderful way to avoid palm oil if you’re eco-conscious, as this recipe uses sustainable alternatives.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup refined coconut oil (solid at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup neutral vegetable oil (such as sunflower or canola oil)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened soy or oat milk (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lecithin powder (optional, for emulsification)
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a subtle savory flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color)
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Small saucepan (optional, for warming coconut oil)
- Container or mold for storing the margarine
- Refrigerator
Instructions
- Prepare the coconut oil: If your coconut oil is solid, gently warm it just enough to become soft but not fully melted. You can do this by placing the jar in a bowl of warm water or briefly microwaving it for 10-15 seconds.
- Combine wet ingredients: In your mixing bowl, pour the soy or oat milk and add the apple cider vinegar. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly, creating a vegan “buttermilk” effect.
- Add oils and flavorings: Add the softened coconut oil and vegetable oil to the bowl. Then add salt, nutritional yeast (if using), lecithin powder, and turmeric powder. The turmeric is optional but adds that classic buttery yellow tint.
- Whip it up: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip the mixture for 3-5 minutes. The goal is to emulsify the oils and liquids, creating a creamy, spreadable texture similar to commercial margarine.
- Transfer and chill: Spoon the whipped margarine into a container or mold, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Use and store: Once set, your vegan margarine is ready to use! Keep it refrigerated and consume within 2 weeks.
Tips & Variations
For best results, always use refined coconut oil if you want a neutral flavor. Virgin coconut oil will add a strong coconut taste which may not suit all dishes.
- Add herbs: Blend in fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for a savory spread.
- Garlic margarine: Mix in roasted garlic or garlic powder for a delicious garlic butter alternative.
- Sweet version: Add a teaspoon of maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon to create a sweet spread perfect for toast or pancakes.
- Firmness adjustment: If you want a firmer margarine, increase the coconut oil to 3/4 cup and reduce the vegetable oil accordingly.
- Oil substitutions: Olive oil can be used but will add a distinct flavor. Avocado oil is another excellent neutral choice.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 1 tbsp (15g) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Total Fat | 13g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Unsaturated Fat | 6g |
Sodium | 150mg |
Carbohydrates | 0.2g |
Protein | 0.1g |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan margarine is incredibly versatile and can be used anywhere you would normally use traditional margarine or butter.
- Spread it on warm toast, bagels, or English muffins for a creamy start to your day.
- Melt it in a skillet for sautéing vegetables, tofu, or vegan pancakes.
- Use it in baking recipes like cookies, muffins, or pie crusts to add moistness and richness.
- Try it as a base for simple sauces, like garlic or herb butter sauce for pasta or steamed greens.
For a delicious vegan baking inspiration, check out our Magic Dough Recipe or the soft, sweet Marzipan Challah Recipe that pairs beautifully with homemade spreads like this margarine.
Conclusion
Creating your own vegan margarine at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, delicious, and customizable spread that fits perfectly into a plant-based lifestyle. This recipe combines the best of nature’s oils to provide a smooth texture and subtle flavor that you can tailor to your liking.
Not only does it save you money compared to store-bought varieties, but it also ensures you know exactly what’s going into your food.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this margarine recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when friends and family taste the fresh, clean flavor.
Don’t forget to explore other exciting recipes on the site like the savory Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or the refreshing Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe to complement your homemade vegan margarine creations.
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Margarine Recipe
Description: A creamy, dairy-free margarine perfect for baking and spreading. Made with simple plant-based ingredients for a healthy alternative.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT5M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup refined coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup neutral vegetable oil (e.g. sunflower or canola)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened soy milk or almond milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lecithin granules (optional, for emulsifying)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (for color, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions
- Combine melted coconut oil and vegetable oil in a bowl.
- Add soy milk, apple cider vinegar, and salt; whisk well.
- Sprinkle lecithin granules and whisk until dissolved.
- Add turmeric, garlic powder, and onion powder if using; mix thoroughly.
- Pour mixture into a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Use as a spread or in baking as needed.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 0.5g
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