Fats, Baking | Vegan Vegetarian

Shortening

N/A Allergen-Free
shortening

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Western
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, palm oil, cottonseed oil

The Forktionary Angle

"The Silent Workhorse: How Shortening Transforms Textures"

Definition

A solid fat, typically made from hydrogenated vegetable oils, used in baking to make pastries and crusts flaky and tender.

Sensory Profile

TasteNeutral, Bland
TextureSolid, Smooth, Waxy, Plastic
AromaNone to very mild
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Key Baking Function

Flakiness in Pastries

Melting Point Range

92-125°F (higher than butter)

Typical Shelf Life (Unopened, Room Temp)

1-2 years

Nutrition Facts

Per 13g (1 tbsp)
Calories900 kcal
Total Fat100g
Saturated Fat25g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein0g
Total Carbohydrate0g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars0g
Calcium0mg
Iron0mg
Potassium0mg

Chef’s Secret

Keep shortening very cold when making pie crusts to prevent gluten development and ensure maximum flakiness.

Substitutions

Best Match

Butter

1:1 (often slightly less butter due to water content)

Provides similar fat, but adds flavor and may result in less flaky texture in some baked goods.

Lard

1:1

Animal fat, excellent for flaky pie crusts, but has a distinct flavor.

Coconut Oil (solid)

1:1

Vegan option, solid at room temp, can impart a coconut flavor if unrefined.

Margarine (stick)

1:1

Similar fat content and texture, but can contain water and dairy. Check labels for vegan.

Buying Guide

Choose trans-fat-free vegetable shortening for health. Store in a cool, dark pantry.

Flavor Pairings

Pie crusts biscuits cakes cookies deep-fried foods.

Recipes Using Shortening

Occasion Gifts Breads Course

500 Margarita Bread

This legendary Margarita Bread recipe, a top-ten favorite for many, won Harold Freeman of Phoenix $150 in a newspaper contest years ago – and it should have been $500! Its irresistible blend of savory bread and tangy margarita flavor has created countless lifelong friendships among its devoted fans. Perfect for parties, gifts (mini foil pans are ideal!), or simply satisfying your cravings, this recipe is a must-try. Don't miss the amazing cheese spread – it's the perfect finishing touch! Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

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For Large Groups Chocolate For Large Groups Number Of Servings

22 Minute Cake

This isn't your grandma's cake! Get ready for a fudgy, intensely chocolatey dessert that's a cross between a cake and a brownie, similar to a Texas sheet cake. This easy recipe, passed down through generations, delivers rich chocolate flavor in just 22 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight treat or a special Sunday gathering. No mixer needed!

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Brunch Number Of Servings Brunch For Large Groups

Almost Cake Mix Vanilla Cupcakes

Transform your favorite cake mix into unbelievably fluffy and delicious vanilla cupcakes! This recipe uses a simple trick to achieve perfectly pastel-colored treats. Customize your cupcakes with a few drops of your favorite food coloring. We recommend pairing these with our creamy buttercream frosting (recipe #80118) – a delightful match made in baking heaven! For an extra touch, we've swapped out the usual sugar processing for a simple mix of 2 cups powdered sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Get ready for the ultimate easy-bake cupcake experience!

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Main Ingredient Dietary Main Ingredient Northeastern United States

Apple Pizza Pie

Relive the nostalgic charm of a 1970s farmhouse kitchen with this unique Apple Pizza Pie recipe! This sweet and savory twist on a classic dessert combines a buttery, cheesy crust with a spiced apple filling. A must-try for apple lovers and vintage recipe enthusiasts!

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Novelty Dietary Low Saturated Fat Low Protein

Applebee's Onion Peels

Recreate the magic of Applebee's crispy onion rings at home! This Top Secret Recipes-inspired recipe delivers perfectly golden, crunchy onion rings with a flavorful, savory coating. Get ready for a delicious appetizer or side dish that will impress your family and friends. Easy to follow instructions and readily available ingredients make this recipe a must-try.

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Time To Make Low Fat 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Applejack Donuts

Relive childhood memories with these irresistible Applejack Donuts! Inspired by a beloved bakery, this recipe recreates the warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated delight that's perfect for weekend brunches or a special treat. These fluffy, apple-spiced donuts are easy to make and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Get ready for a delicious sugar rush!

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Taste Mood Preparation Southern United States American

Aunt Bernice's Cornbread

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations, Aunt Bernice's Cornbread is a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest. This recipe, originally using white cornmeal, delivers a deliciously moist and subtly sweet cornbread with a perfectly crisp crust. Prepare to be amazed by its simple yet unforgettable flavor!

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Dinner Party Preparation Dinner Party Breads

Aunt Carrie's Banana Bread

This isn't just banana bread; it's a legend! For over 50 years, this recipe (from a cherished, yellowed newspaper clipping) has been a family favorite. My Aunt Carrie, a renowned caterer, considered this her most requested treat. Her handwritten success notes are testament to its irresistible flavor. Get ready to bake a slice of history – moist, nutty, and utterly unforgettable!

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North American Low Protein Low In Something Desserts

Baked Apple Dumplings

Indulge in the warm, comforting embrace of classic New England Baked Apple Dumplings! This cherished recipe, inspired by a 1947 culinary gem, features flaky pastry cradling sweet, spiced apples. A delightful dessert perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Get ready to experience a taste of history!

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Comfort Food Number Of Servings Fruit Tropical Fruit

Banana Bread W Chocolate Chips

This moist banana bread recipe is a game-changer! The perfect blend of sweet bananas and rich chocolate chips creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Unlike other banana bread recipes, this one stays incredibly moist and delicious, guaranteed to be a family favorite. Get ready to experience the ultimate banana bread – moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible!

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Course Desserts Bananas Preparation

Banana Cake With Homemade Pudding Icing

This unbelievably moist banana cake is topped with a creamy, homemade pudding icing that's simply irresistible! It's so good, it disappears fast – but thankfully, it freezes beautifully for later. The perfect combination of fluffy cake and dreamy icing makes this recipe a must-try for banana bread lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Occasion Seasonal Equipment Holiday Event

Banana Oatmeal Cake

This surprisingly delicious Banana Oatmeal Cake is a delightful departure from traditional yellow or chocolate cakes. Perfect for bridal or baby showers, its unique flavor profile will impress your guests. The moist, subtly spiced cake is studded with nuts and raisins, creating a delightful textural contrast. Don't be alarmed by the slightly runny batter – that's part of its charm! Get ready to bake up a batch of unforgettable memories.

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Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Preparation Desserts

Bananas N Cream Bundt Cake

Indulge in this irresistible Bananas N' Cream Bundt Cake, a recipe sensation shared by Carmen and originally featured in Taste of Home! This moist and delicious cake is a crowd-pleaser, needing no frosting – perfect for a quick snack or delightful dessert. Get ready to experience pure banana cream bliss!

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Beginner Cook Course Dietary Cake Fillings And Frostings

Basic Vanilla Frosting

Indulge in this incredibly easy-to-make vanilla frosting! With just a few pantry staples, you can create a fluffy, delicious topping perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies – anything your heart desires. This recipe is quick, simple, and guaranteed to impress.

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Savory Pies Oven Taste Mood Time To Make

Basil Biscuit Topped Chicken Pot Pie

This comforting chicken pot pie gets a delicious upgrade with a fragrant basil biscuit topping! Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible flavor in just 40 minutes. Get ready for flaky biscuits and a creamy chicken filling – pure comfort food bliss!

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Fruit Holiday Event Seasonal Cuisine

Best In The West Berry Cobbler

This award-winning berry cobbler boasts a sensational, crackly sugar topping created by pouring boiling water over the batter before baking! Using your favorite combination of fresh or frozen berries, this recipe is easy to follow, incredibly impressive, and unbelievably versatile. Get ready to experience cobbler perfection!

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Time To Make Preparation Dietary Breads

Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffins

Discover Grandma's secret recipe for light and fluffy blueberry muffins! These golden-brown treats, unearthed from an old cookbook, are bursting with juicy blueberries and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Easy to follow instructions make these perfect for beginner bakers.

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Pitted Fruit Desserts Peaches Fruit

Peach Upside Down Muffins

These irresistible Peach Upside Down Muffins are a delightful twist on classic peach upside-down cake! Imagine tender, juicy peach slices nestled in a buttery brown sugar base, all baked into fluffy, golden muffins. This recipe is easily adaptable – perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a delightful weekend brunch. Get ready for a burst of peachy goodness in every bite! (Note: This recipe is easily scalable to make more than 12 muffins.)

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