Shortening Substitutes
Fats & OilsA solid plant-based fat (usually hydrogenated oil) used in pie crusts, cookies, and frosting for flakiness and stability.
4 listed substitutes
·First listed swap: Butter
First listed Shortening substitute option: Butter
In the current curated data, Butter is listed first at 1:1. Its listed uses include pie crust, cookies and biscuits. Compare the notes below before using it in recipes needing very stable frosting at room temp, vegan recipes, pie crust and flaky pastry.
How to choose a Shortening swap
Butter
Ratio: 1:1
Listed for pie crust, cookies and biscuits. Avoid for recipes needing very stable frosting at room temp.
Coconut Oil
Ratio: 1:1
Listed for pie crust, cookies, frosting and biscuits.
Lard
Ratio: 1:1
Listed for pie crust, biscuits, tamales and refried beans. Avoid for vegan recipes.
Shortening substitute ratios and notes
Butter
Works great in most applications. Adds flavor that shortening lacks. Baked goods spread slightly more. Use cold butter for flaky pastry.
Coconut Oil
Solid at room temperature like shortening. Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor. Excellent vegan substitute for all shortening applications.
Lard
Traditional substitute with excellent flakiness in pie crust. Neutral flavor. Creates the flakiest pastry of any fat option.
Vegetable Oil
Liquid oil won't provide the same flakiness in pastry but works in cookies and quick breads. Use slightly less as oil is 100% fat.
Shortening substitute FAQs
Which Shortening substitute is listed first?
Butter is the first listed Shortening substitute in SwapChef's curated data. The listed ratio is 1:1.
Can I use Butter instead of Shortening?
The curated notes list Butter for pie crust, cookies and biscuits. Works great in most applications. Adds flavor that shortening lacks. Baked goods spread slightly more. Use cold butter for flaky pastry.
What is another Shortening substitute?
Coconut Oil is another listed option at 1:1. The data lists it for pie crust, cookies, frosting and biscuits.
What cautions are listed for Shortening substitutes?
The curated cautions mention recipes needing very stable frosting at room temp. Check each substitute's “not for” notes before using it in baking, sauces, or allergy-sensitive recipes.