Yes. Warm neutral oil can disperse unsweetened cocoa powder and help bring out its aroma, much like melted butter. Oil and butter have different water and fat contents, so follow a tested recipe for substitutions.
How to do it without scorching
- Measure the oil and cocoa powder required by the recipe.
- Warm oil gently until comfortably warm rather than smoking.
- Take it off the heat and whisk in cocoa gradually until smooth.
- Allow the mixture to cool before it touches eggs.
- Add to the batter in the order the recipe specifies.
What to avoid
Do not swap an equal volume of oil for butter in every baked good without checking the formula. Butter also contributes water and milk solids, which affect texture.
Frequently asked question
Does blooming require dairy?
No. Hot water and vegetable oil can also be used when a recipe is developed for them.
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