Why would using oil make muffins less sweet?
I've been wondering, what makes muffins less sweet when using oil? (instead of butter?) In this case, a muffin mix tells me to use butter. The alternative (to make "american style" muffins) is to use (sunflower)oil. It would make it less sweet.
Best Answer
Oil and butter don't have the same capacity to hold the sugar/sweetener used in the mix. Whatever isn't dissolved fully in the shortening will still be bound up in the final product (or maybe end up mostly in the outer crust), and you'll likely perceive the difference as more/less sweet.
The main cause is that butter has quite a lot of water bound up in it, which you wouldn't find at all in oil. You might get a closer similarity by comparing melted, evaporated butter to oil (1-to-1 proportion), since solid & melted butter have different volumes depending on how much water you've evaporated (1 cup solid /= 1 cup melted).
I've got an answer in another question that applies more generally to different phases of shortenings and perceived/actual sweetness - Does butter reduce perceived sweetness?
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How does oil affect muffins?
Probably the biggest function of oil in most baking recipes is to keep your product moist. It basically captures the gases that are released from the interaction of the baking powder and baking soda, and slows down gluten formation to keep certain baked goods tender and fluffy in texture!Is it better to use oil or butter in muffins?
The texture of cakes made with oil is\u2014in general\u2014superior to the texture of cakes made with butter. Oil cakes tend to bake up loftier with a more even crumb and stay moist and tender far longer than cakes made with butter.Can you add oil to muffins?
Opt for a neutral oil, like canola or vegetable oil. It has a mild flavor that won't overpower the sweetness in this muffin recipe. Avocado oil will also work without any change to the recipe. You could also try any of these oils.How do you make muffins lighter?
You can add a little more if the batter seems really thick and dry. Next, try adding a little fat. You don't need much \u2013 maybe 2-3 tablespoons of butter \u2013 but this will help make the muffins lighter. Butter helps to hold the little air bubbles that expand while the muffins are in the oven and create that airy texture.Delicious Moist Muffins (less sugar, less oil)
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Answer 2
I think you are looking at it the wrong way... butter makes it sweeter, so not using butter is naturally "less sweet". It isn't that the oil 'causes' less sweetness.
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