Coconut Oil Substitute for Shortening: Exact Ratio
Looking for a shortening substitute? Coconut Oil works as a direct replacement. Use 1 cup solid coconut oil per 1 cup shortening in any recipe that calls for shortening. This swap works best for pie crusts, cookies, frostings.
Best Substitute
Coconut Oil
1 cup solid coconut oil per 1 cup shortening
Works 1:1 as both are 100% fat and solid at room temperature. Use refined for a neutral flavor. Must keep cold for flaky pastry. Excellent vegan swap.
Tips When Replacing Shortening in Recipes
Shortening's key advantage is that it is 100% fat with a high melting point, creating very flaky, tender baked goods. Many bakers use a 50/50 blend of butter and shortening for pie crust—butter for flavor and shortening for flakiness. Keep all solid fat substitutes cold for best pastry results.
What Is Shortening and Why Substitute It?
A solid, white vegetable fat (typically hydrogenated soybean oil) used in baking for flaky pie crusts, tender cakes, and crisp cookies. It is 100% fat with no water or milk solids.
Coconut Oil is one of 5 alternatives you can use instead of shortening. For a complete list of shortening substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full shortening substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Shortening?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use coconut oil instead of shortening?
Yes, you can use coconut oil as a substitute for shortening. Use 1 cup solid coconut oil per 1 cup shortening. Works 1:1 as both are 100% fat and solid at room temperature. Use refined for a neutral flavor. Must keep cold for flaky pastry. Excellent vegan swap.
How much coconut oil equals shortening?
Use 1 cup solid coconut oil per 1 cup shortening to replace shortening with coconut oil. Works best for pie crusts, cookies, frostings.
What is the best substitute for shortening?
Coconut Oil is a popular substitute for shortening. Use 1 cup solid coconut oil per 1 cup shortening for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our shortening substitute page.
Is coconut oil a vegan substitute for shortening?
Yes, coconut oil is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to shortening. Use 1 cup solid coconut oil per 1 cup shortening.