Out of Crisco, one case
Healthy Crisco substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut oil
Same amount as the Crisco
The healthiest Crisco substitutes are coconut oil (1:1 ratio) for baking, avocado oil (1:1 ratio) for cooking, or olive oil (1:1 ratio) for savory dishes. Each provides better nutritional profiles than traditional shortening.
- The tweak —
- Use room temperature coconut oil. If it's too hard, warm slightly to soften, then cool to room temperature.
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full Crisco card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Crisco |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut oilbaking | Same amount |
| 2 | Avocado oilcooking | Same amount |
| 3 | Olive oilcooking | Same amount |
| 4 | Gheecooking | Same amount |
| 5 | Applesaucecakes | 1 part for every 2 parts½ cup applesauce for 1 cup Crisco |
Coconut oil
slight coconut flavor
Coconut oil is one of the healthiest Crisco substitutes. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and lauric acid, which may have health benefits. It's solid at room temperature and works well in baking.
- Best for
- baking, pie crusts, cookies, cakes, vegan recipes
- Texture
- tender, moist
- Prep
- Use room temperature coconut oil. If it's too hard, warm slightly to soften, then cool to room temperature.
Contains medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid.
Avocado oil
neutral to slightly nutty
Avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. It has a high smoke point, making it excellent for cooking and frying. It's liquid at room temperature.
- Best for
- cooking, frying, salad dressings, marinades
- Texture
- liquid
- Prep
- Use directly as a liquid oil. No melting or preparation needed.
High in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Olive oil
distinctive olive flavor
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It's excellent for cooking and adds a distinct flavor to dishes. Use extra virgin for maximum health benefits.
- Best for
- cooking, salad dressings, marinades, savory baking
- Texture
- liquid
- Prep
- Use directly as a liquid oil. Choose extra virgin for maximum health benefits.
Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Ghee
rich, buttery
Ghee is clarified butter with the milk solids removed. It has a higher smoke point than butter and is lactose-free. It's solid at room temperature and works well in baking.
- Best for
- cooking, frying, baking, sautéing
- Texture
- solid at room temperature
- Prep
- Use room temperature ghee for baking. For cooking, melt it first.
Clarified butter with higher smoke point and no lactose.
Applesauce
slight apple flavor
Applesauce is a low-fat, low-calorie substitute for Crisco. It adds moisture and natural sweetness to baked goods. Use unsweetened applesauce for best results.
- Best for
- cakes, muffins, quick breads, brownies
- Texture
- moist, tender
- Prep
- Use unsweetened applesauce. Reduce sugar in recipe by ¼ cup per cup of applesauce used.
Low in fat and calories, adds moisture and sweetness.
How it behaves in this recipe
Healthy Crisco substitutes focus on better nutritional profiles while maintaining similar functionality. Coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil provide better fat profiles than traditional shortening, while applesauce offers a low-fat alternative.
Tips for substituting Crisco
10 tips- Coconut oil works best in recipes where a slight coconut flavor is acceptable
- Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it excellent for high-heat cooking
- Olive oil adds distinctive flavor, so use it in recipes where the flavor complements the dish
- Ghee is lactose-free and has a higher smoke point than butter
- Applesauce reduces fat and calories but may make baked goods denser
- For maximum health benefits, choose unrefined, cold-pressed oils
- Store oils properly to maintain their nutritional value
- Use oils in moderation as part of a balanced diet
- Consider the flavor profile of your recipe when choosing a healthy substitute
- Test your substitution in a small batch before making large quantities
Notes on Crisco
- For maximum health benefits, use coconut oil or avocado oil
- For cooking and frying, use avocado oil or ghee
- For baking, use coconut oil or ghee
- For low-fat options, use applesauce
- For antioxidant benefits, use olive oil
- For lactose-free options, use ghee or coconut oil
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the healthiest substitute for Crisco?
Coconut oil is one of the healthiest substitutes for Crisco. It contains medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid, which may have health benefits. It's solid at room temperature and works well in baking.
Can I use olive oil instead of Crisco in baking?
Yes, olive oil can be used instead of Crisco in baking, but it will add a distinctive olive flavor. It works best in savory baked goods or recipes where the olive flavor complements the dish.
Is coconut oil healthier than Crisco?
Yes, coconut oil is generally considered healthier than Crisco. It contains medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid, which may have health benefits. However, it's still high in saturated fat, so use it in moderation.
Can I use applesauce instead of Crisco in brownies?
Yes, applesauce can be used instead of Crisco in brownies using a 1:2 ratio (½ cup applesauce for 1 cup Crisco). The brownies will be denser and have a slight apple flavor. Reduce sugar by ¼ cup per cup of applesauce used.
What's the best healthy substitute for Crisco in pie crust?
Coconut oil is the best healthy substitute for Crisco in pie crust. It's solid at room temperature and creates flaky, tender crusts. Use cold coconut oil and work quickly to maintain flakiness.