🥧 Baking

Can You Substitute Coconut Oil for Shortening? Ratios

Learn whether you can substitute coconut oil for shortening in baking and cooking. Discover proper ratios, techniques, and when coconut oil works best as a shortening alternative.

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Quick Answer

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.

Best Substitutes

Coconut Oil

1:1

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:

cookiescakesmuffinsbiscuitspie crustsvegan baking

Solid at room temperature, creates tender baked goods with subtle coconut flavor

Refined Coconut Oil

1:1

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 bakingwhen you want neutral flavortraditional recipes

Neutral flavor, works well when you don't want coconut taste

Virgin Coconut Oil

1:1

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 dessertscookiescakeswhen you want coconut flavor

Subtle coconut flavor, works well in tropical desserts

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 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.

Summary

Learn whether you can substitute coconut oil for shortening in baking and cooking. Discover proper ratios, techniques, and when coconut oil works best as a shortening alternative.