01
Lard
6.77/8 cup : 1 cup
Same solid fat texture and very high smoke point; makes exceptionally flaky pie crust
6.7
vegetarian shortening
substitute.
10 vegetarian substitutes for shortening — top pick Lard at 67% function match.
all substitutes on this page are vegetarian
top substitutes
02
Butter
6.71 1/8 cup : 1 cup
Use equal amount butter; adds richer flavor and golden color to baked goods and pie crusts
6.7
03
Coconut Oil
6.71 cup : 1 cup
Same solid texture, works well in baking
6.7
show 7 more substitutes
04
Cream Cheese
6.71 cup : 1 cup
Cold, cubed for pie crust; makes tender flaky dough
6.7
05
Palm Oil
5.01 tbsp : 1 tbsp
Same semi-solid consistency
5.0
06
Cooking And Salad Oil
3.31 cup : 1 cup
Use 7/8 cup liquid oil per cup shortening; works in quick breads and cakes, not flaky pastry
3.3
07
Margarine
3.31 cup : 1 cup
Softer texture; chill before cutting into pastry dough, works 1:1 in cookies and cakes
3.3
08
Ghee
3.31 cup : 1 cup
Adds nutty flavor, slightly softer pastry texture
3.3
09
Avocado Oil
3.33/4 cup : 1 cup
Use 3/4 cup liquid oil; best for quick breads
3.3
10
Vegetable Oil
3.33/4 cup : 1 cup
Use 3/4 cup oil per 1 cup shortening; works in quick breads and cookies, not flaky pastries
3.3
pitfalls to avoid
watch out
Coconut Oil: Adds mild coconut undertone in baked goods
watch out
Cream Cheese: Denser and tangier than shortening in pastry
watch out
Palm Oil: Distinct palm flavor in delicate pastries
watch out
Cooking And Salad Oil: Flavor more noticeable when served raw
watch out
Cooking And Salad Oil: Liquid oil — cannot cream for flaky pastry layers
watch out
Margarine: Softer than shortening — chill dough before rolling
watch out
Ghee: Nutty browned-butter taste changes neutral pastry
watch out
Avocado Oil: Liquid oil — cannot cream into sugar for flaky layers
watch out
Avocado Oil: No solid fat structure — pie crust won't be flaky
watch out
Vegetable Oil: Liquid oil — won't produce flaky pie crust
watch out
Vegetable Oil: Use 3/4 cup oil per 1 cup shortening