Out of Shortening, one case
Can you substitute coconut oil for shortening?
3 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut oil
Same amount as the shortening
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for shortening using a 1:1 ratio in most recipes. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and creates tender, flaky baked goods with a subtle coconut flavor.
- The tweak —
- Use solid coconut oil at room temperature. If melted, refrigerate until solid before using. Works exactly like shortening in recipes.
- Best for —
- cookies
One casethe full shortening card
Why it works
ShorteningCoconut oil can substitute for shortening because both are solid fats that provide structure and tenderness in baked goods. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and has similar melting properties to shortening, making it an excellent replacement.
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of shortening |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut oilcookies | Same amount |
| 2 | Refined coconut oilall baking | Same amount |
| 3 | Virgin coconut oiltropical desserts | Same amount |
Coconut oil
subtle coconut
Coconut oil is an excellent substitute for shortening. It's solid at room temperature and creates tender, flaky baked goods with a subtle coconut flavor that works well in many recipes.
- Best for
- cookies, cakes, muffins, biscuits, pie crusts, vegan baking
- Texture
- tender, similar to shortening
- Prep
- Use solid coconut oil at room temperature. If melted, refrigerate until solid before using. Works exactly like shortening in recipes.
Solid at room temperature, creates tender baked goods with subtle coconut flavor.
Refined coconut oil
neutral taste · similar to shortening
Refined coconut oil has neutral flavor and works well when you don't want the coconut taste. It's solid at room temperature and provides the same texture as shortening.
- Best for
- all baking, when you want neutral flavor, traditional recipes
- Prep
- Use solid refined coconut oil at room temperature. Works exactly like shortening in recipes.
Neutral flavor, works well when you don't want coconut taste.
Virgin coconut oil
subtle coconut
Virgin coconut oil has a subtle coconut flavor that works well in tropical desserts and many baked goods. It's solid at room temperature and creates tender results.
- Best for
- tropical desserts, cookies, cakes, when you want coconut flavor
- Texture
- tender, similar to shortening
- Prep
- Use solid virgin coconut oil at room temperature. Works exactly like shortening in recipes.
Subtle coconut flavor, works well in tropical desserts.
How it behaves in this recipe
- Cookies
- Coconut oil creates tender cookies with subtle coconut flavor. For crispier cookies, use half coconut oil, half shortening.
- Cakes
- Coconut oil works well for cakes, creating moist, tender results with subtle coconut flavor.
- Pie crusts
- Coconut oil creates tender pie crusts with subtle coconut flavor. Use solid coconut oil and work quickly.
- Biscuits
- Coconut oil works well for biscuits, creating tender results with subtle coconut flavor.
- Vegan baking
- Coconut oil is good for vegan baking, providing the necessary fat content without animal products.
Tips for substituting shortening
8 tips- Use solid coconut oil at room temperature for best results
- If coconut oil is melted, refrigerate until solid before using
- For neutral flavor, use refined coconut oil
- For subtle coconut flavor, use virgin coconut oil
- Coconut oil works well in both sweet and savory recipes
- Store coconut oil in a cool, dry place
- Coconut oil can be used in all the same ways as shortening
- Test your substitution in a small batch first
Notes on shortening
- Refined coconut oil for neutral flavor
- Virgin coconut oil for subtle coconut flavor
- Half coconut oil, half shortening for balanced flavor
- All coconut oil for maximum health benefits
- Coconut oil with other fats for different textures
Questions
6 questionsCan you substitute coconut oil for shortening in all recipes?
Yes, coconut oil can be substituted for shortening in most recipes using a 1:1 ratio. It's solid at room temperature and has similar melting properties to shortening.
What's the difference between coconut oil and shortening?
Coconut oil is solid at room temperature like shortening, but it has a subtle coconut flavor and is made from coconuts. Shortening is made from vegetable oils and has neutral flavor.
Does coconut oil change the taste of baked goods?
Virgin coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor, while refined coconut oil has neutral flavor. The flavor is usually mild and works well in most recipes.
Can I use melted coconut oil instead of shortening?
No, use solid coconut oil at room temperature. If it's melted, refrigerate until solid before using. Melted coconut oil won't work the same way as shortening.
Is coconut oil healthier than shortening?
Yes, coconut oil is generally healthier than shortening. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and doesn't contain trans fats like many shortenings.
Can I use coconut oil for pie crust?
Yes, coconut oil works well for pie crusts. Use solid coconut oil and work quickly to maintain flaky layers. The crust will be tender with a subtle coconut flavor.