Vegan Butter Substitute for Shortening: Exact Ratio
Looking for a shortening substitute? Vegan Butter works as a direct replacement. Use 1 cup + 2 tbsp vegan butter per 1 cup shortening in any recipe that calls for shortening. This swap works best for vegan pie crusts, cookies, frostings.
Best Substitute
Vegan Butter
1 cup + 2 tbsp vegan butter per 1 cup shortening
Use slightly more to account for water content, similar to dairy butter. Works well in all baking applications. Keep cold for pastry dough.
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.
Vegan Butter 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 vegan butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can use vegan butter as a substitute for shortening. Use 1 cup + 2 tbsp vegan butter per 1 cup shortening. Use slightly more to account for water content, similar to dairy butter. Works well in all baking applications. Keep cold for pastry dough.
How much vegan butter equals shortening?
Use 1 cup + 2 tbsp vegan butter per 1 cup shortening to replace shortening with vegan butter. Works best for vegan pie crusts, cookies, frostings.
What is the best substitute for shortening?
Vegan Butter is a popular substitute for shortening. Use 1 cup + 2 tbsp vegan butter per 1 cup shortening for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our shortening substitute page.
Is vegan butter a vegan substitute for shortening?
Yes, vegan butter is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to shortening. Use 1 cup + 2 tbsp vegan butter per 1 cup shortening.