Substitutes for Shortening

← Back to SubstituteFor

Solid vegetable fat used for flaky pie crusts, tender cookies, and frostings.

Can't find Shortening in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 4 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Butter 1:1 replacement pie crusts, cookies, biscuits
Vegetarian
Coconut Oil (solid) 1:1 replacement pie crusts, cookies, frostings
Vegan Dairy-Free
Lard 1:1 replacement pie crusts, biscuits, tamales
Vegan Butter 1:1 replacement cookies, frostings, pie crusts
Vegan Dairy-Free

How to Use

Adds flavor. Baked goods will spread more and be slightly less tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Shortening?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Butter is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1:1 replacement.
What's a vegan substitute for Shortening?
Coconut Oil (solid) is an excellent vegan option. Use 1:1 replacement.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.