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

Toddler Friendly Occasion Toddler Friendly High Calcium

1960 Original Kentucky Buttermilk Biscuit

Taste the legendary flavor of Kentucky with this authentic 1960s buttermilk biscuit recipe! Scaled down from a family heirloom, these melt-in-your-mouth biscuits are unbelievably flaky and tender. Get ready for the best biscuits you'll ever make – a true culinary masterpiece that will leave you speechless. Prepare to be amazed!

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Preparation Pies And Tarts Fruit Preparation

3 Toppings For Apple Pie

These three sensational apple pie toppings were a bazaar and fair sensation! I sold countless pies thanks to these crowd-pleasing recipes. Elevate your apple pie game with easy-to-make streusel, crumble, and a third surprise topping – perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a cozy night in. Get ready to wow your family and friends!

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Toddler Friendly Course Tropical Fruit Toddler Friendly

Almond Coconut Joy

Escape the heat with this creamy, dreamy Almond Coconut Joy! A refreshing, non-alcoholic frozen treat the whole family will adore. Made with fresh bananas (freeze them ahead for extra-smooth results!), this recipe is a simple yet decadent delight. Perfect for a hot summer day or any time you crave a cool, delicious treat. Get the recipe from My Daily Moments!

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Main Ingredient Taste Mood Occasion American

Amish Gooey Rhubarb Rolls

Indulge in the irresistible gooeyness of these Amish Rhubarb Rolls! Based on a treasured family recipe, these rolls boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delightful rhubarb filling. Get ready for a taste of Amish country baking at its finest – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Breads Time To Make

Angel Biscuits

Flaky, melt-in-your-mouth Angel Biscuits! This recipe delivers perfectly fluffy biscuits, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a taste of homemade heaven. Smother them in gravy, slather with butter and jam, or enjoy them plain – they're that good! Plus, you can freeze the uncooked dough for baking later, making this recipe incredibly convenient. Get ready for the most delicious biscuits you've ever tasted!

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Oven Low In Something Apples European

Apple Danish

Indulge in a taste of history with this irresistible Apple Danish recipe, passed down through generations! Made with tart Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this delectable pastry is perfect for a cozy afternoon coffee gathering, a special weekend brunch, or a delightful breakfast treat. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this classic, time-tested recipe – a true culinary heirloom!

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Preparation Dietary Healthy Easy

Apple Roll

This irresistible Apple Roll recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! My husband loved it, and that says a lot! Enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust – the perfect comforting dessert or delightful breakfast treat. Easy to follow instructions make this recipe perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.

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30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Cookies And Brownies Preparation

Applesauce Raisin Nut Cookies

Indulge in the irresistible softness and delightful crunch of our Applesauce Raisin Walnut Cookies! These puffy delights, bursting with warm cinnamon and clove spices, are a true baking masterpiece. The applesauce keeps them moist, while walnuts add the perfect textural contrast. This easy recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices – get ready for a cookie experience like no other!

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Low Fat Refrigerator Number Of Servings Low Cholesterol

Australian Damper

Authentic Australian Outback Campfire Bread! This hearty, rustic loaf is traditionally cooked in the embers of a campfire, making it the perfect companion for your next camping adventure or a unique addition to your bush cooking repertoire. Learn how to make this simple yet incredibly flavorful bread, a true taste of the Australian outback.

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Course Time To Make Cookies And Brownies Easy

Babysitter Cookies

Nostalgia in every bite! These cookies are a delicious throwback to childhood mud pies, packed with fun mix-ins and a surprisingly simple recipe. Relive the joy of creative baking with this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for family baking days or satisfying your sweet tooth.

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American 4 Hours Or Less Comfort Food Kid Friendly

Baked Chicken Delicious

Fall in love with this irresistible Baked Chicken Delicious recipe! This easy chicken dish boasts incredible flavor and fills your home with an amazing aroma. While it's not a quick meal (80 minutes total cook time), most of that time is hands-off oven baking. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend feast, this recipe is reminiscent of chicken cacciatore but with its own unique deliciousness. Serve with buttery egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience.

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American Main Ingredient Course Chocolate

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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Cake Fillings And Frostings Healthy Preparation 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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Meat 60 Minutes Or Less Course Taste Mood

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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60 Minutes Or Less Beef Main Dish Course

Bavarian Meatballs And Cabbage

Taste the tradition! This comforting Bavarian Meatballs and Cabbage recipe is a nostalgic dish, perfect for a cozy night in. Tender meatballs simmered in a creamy sauce with sweet cabbage and crunchy carrots – a classic German-community favorite that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes. Get ready for a hearty and flavorful experience!

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Equipment Breads Oven Inexpensive

Beer Buns

These irresistible Beer Buns are incredibly easy to make – no kneading required! A secret family recipe passed down through generations, these soft, pull-apart rolls are the perfect complement to hearty soups, stews, and chili. Their tender texture and subtle beer flavor will elevate any meal. No slicing needed – simply pull apart and enjoy!

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Picnic Sweet Picnic Dietary

Bestest Oatmeal Cookies For Mysterygirl

These oatmeal cookies are a family favorite, tweaked to perfection! Originally from a school cookbook, this recipe delivers chewy, delicious cookies that will quickly become your go-to. Get ready to experience the best oatmeal cookies you've ever tasted – perfect for any occasion.

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Kid Friendly Fruit Course Occasion

Pineapple Drop Cookies

Melt-in-your-mouth Pineapple Drop Cookies! This easy recipe delivers incredibly tasty cookies bursting with juicy pineapple flavor. Perfect for a quick bake or a delightful treat for any occasion. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

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