Ingredient hub

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is unique because it changes density drastically with temperature. It is solid below 76°F (24°C) and liquid above. Measuring it solid in a cup creates massive air gaps, leading to dry baked goods. Weighing it guarantees you get the exact amount of fat, regardless of whether it's currently liquid or solid in your pantry.

What is Coconut oil?

Coconut oil is unique because it changes density drastically with temperature. It is solid below 76°F (24°C) and liquid above. Measuring it solid in a cup creates massive air gaps, leading to dry baked goods. Weighing it guarantees you get the exact amount of fat, regardless of whether it's currently liquid or solid in your pantry.

Liquids are not interchangeable with water in weight terms. Density changes with fat, sugar, and dissolved solids, so the same cup can convert above or below water-based assumptions. Use these density-based gram values when scaling sauces, drinks, and dressings.

Chef note:Chefs scale sauces by weight because density shifts quietly change flavor balance.

Use Coconut oil as a substitute for

Have this ingredient on hand? These are the situations where it can stand in for others.

• Gheewet

  Replace ghee with equal weight of refined coconut oil for a neutral-flavored, dairy-free alternative with similar smoke point.

  Scale:by weight

Liquids & oils

• Read liquids at eye level; oils are lighter than water (≈0.91–0.93 g/mL).
• For dressings, weigh oils for easier scaling.

FAQ

Should I measure coconut oil melted or solid?

Always measure by weight to avoid the issue entirely. If using volume, melt it first for accuracy, as packing solid chunks leads to inconsistent amounts.

Can I substitute coconut oil for butter?

Yes, 1:1 by weight. Note that coconut oil has no water content (unlike butter which is ~16% water), so cookies may be crunchier.

Choose a conversion for Coconut oil

• Cup → g
• g → Cups
• Tbsp → g
• Tsp → g
• mL → g
• oz → g