Vegetable Oil Substitute for Shortening: Exact Ratio
Looking for a shortening substitute? Vegetable Oil works as a direct replacement. Use 3/4 cup vegetable oil per 1 cup shortening in any recipe that calls for shortening. This swap works best for frying, quick breads, some cakes.
Best Substitute
Vegetable Oil
3/4 cup vegetable oil per 1 cup shortening
Only for recipes where shortening is melted. Use 3/4 the amount. Will not produce flakiness—not suitable for pie crusts, biscuits, or any recipe relying on solid fat.
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.
Vegetable 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 vegetable oil instead of shortening?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute for shortening. Use 3/4 cup vegetable oil per 1 cup shortening. Only for recipes where shortening is melted. Use 3/4 the amount. Will not produce flakiness—not suitable for pie crusts, biscuits, or any recipe relying on solid fat.
How much vegetable oil equals shortening?
Use 3/4 cup vegetable oil per 1 cup shortening to replace shortening with vegetable oil. Works best for frying, quick breads, some cakes.
What is the best substitute for shortening?
Vegetable Oil is a popular substitute for shortening. Use 3/4 cup vegetable oil per 1 cup shortening for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our shortening substitute page.
Is vegetable oil a vegan substitute for shortening?
Yes, vegetable oil is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to shortening. Use 3/4 cup vegetable oil per 1 cup shortening.