🥧 Baking

Shortening Substitute for Cake: for Moist, Tender Cakes

Discover the best shortening substitutes for cake including butter, vegetable oil, and other alternatives. Learn how different substitutes affect cake texture and moisture.

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Quick Answer

The best shortening substitutes for cake are butter (1:1 ratio) for rich flavor, vegetable oil (1:1 ratio) for moist texture, or a combination of both. Butter adds flavor while oil creates very moist cakes.

Best Substitutes

Butter

1:1

Butter is the most popular shortening substitute for cakes. It adds rich, buttery flavor and creates tender, moist cakes. Cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy for best results.

Best for:

pound cakesbutter cakeswhen you want rich flavortraditional cakes

Adds rich, buttery flavor and creates tender, moist cakes

Vegetable Oil

1:1

Vegetable oil creates very moist, tender cakes with neutral flavor. It's easier to work with than solid fats and produces consistently moist results. Perfect for sheet cakes and moist cake recipes.

Best for:

sheet cakesmoist cakeswhen you want easy preparationcarrot cakes

Creates very moist, tender cakes with neutral flavor

Half Butter, Half Oil

1:1 (1/2 butter + 1/2 oil)

This combination gives you the flavor of butter with the moisture of oil. It creates cakes that are both flavorful and very moist, often considered the best of both worlds.

Best for:

all cake typesbalanced flavor and moistureprofessional results

Combines flavor of butter with moisture of oil

Coconut Oil

1:1

Coconut oil works well for vegan cakes and creates moist results. It's solid at room temperature and has a subtle coconut flavor that works well in many cake recipes.

Best for:

vegan cakestropical-flavored cakeswhen avoiding animal productscoconut cakes

Solid at room temperature, good for vegan cakes

Applesauce

1 cup shortening = 1/2 cup applesauce

Applesauce is a low-fat option that adds moisture and natural sweetness to cakes. Use half the amount of shortening and reduce other liquids slightly.

Best for:

low-fat cakeshealthy cakeswhen you want natural sweetnessspice cakes

Low-fat option that adds moisture and natural sweetness

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For rich flavor, use butter and cream it well with sugar
  • 💡For very moist cakes, use vegetable oil or half butter, half oil
  • 💡Don't overmix the batter after adding flour to avoid tough cakes
  • 💡Use room temperature ingredients for best results
  • 💡Grease and flour pans well or use parchment paper
  • 💡Test for doneness with a toothpick - it should come out clean
  • 💡Cool cakes completely before frosting
  • 💡Store cakes covered to maintain moisture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute butter for shortening in cake?

Yes, butter can be substituted for shortening in cake using a 1:1 ratio. Butter adds rich flavor and creates tender, moist cakes. Cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy for best results.

What's the best shortening substitute for moist cake?

Vegetable oil creates the most moist cakes as a shortening substitute. It's liquid at room temperature and creates very tender, moist results with neutral flavor.

Why do my cakes turn out dry?

Dry cakes are usually caused by overbaking or overmixing. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time, and mix just until combined after adding flour.

Can I use coconut oil instead of shortening in cake?

Yes, coconut oil works well as a shortening substitute in cakes. Melt it first, then let it cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients. It adds a subtle coconut flavor.

What's the difference between shortening and butter in cake?

Shortening creates more tender, moist cakes with neutral flavor, while butter adds rich, buttery taste. Shortening produces more consistent results, while butter adds flavor and complexity.

How do I make a low-fat cake without shortening?

Use applesauce as a shortening substitute, using half the amount. Reduce other liquids slightly and expect a denser, more moist cake with natural sweetness.

Summary

Find the best shortening substitutes for cake including butter, vegetable oil, and coconut oil. Learn how different substitutes affect cake texture and get perfect results every time.