🥧 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

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.