Shortening

N/A (Processed Fat) Baking Ingredient

Shortening Baking Ingredient

At a Glance

  • Category Baking Ingredient

The Forktionary Angle

"The Silent Workhorse: How Shortening Transforms Textures"

Definition

A solid fat, usually vegetable-based, used in baking to make pastries and other baked goods tender and flaky.

Key Baking Function Flakiness in Pastries
Melting Point Range 92-125°F (higher than butter)
Typical Shelf Life (Unopened, Room Temp) 1-2 years

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Shortening are:

Neutral Creamy (texture)

Chef’s Secret

For the flakiest pie crusts, ensure your shortening is very cold and avoid overworking the dough, which develops gluten.

Best Substitutes

Butter

- adjust liquid slightly
Ratio 1:1

Lard

Ratio 1:1

Margarine

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose hydrogenated vegetable shortening for most baking needs. Avoid trans-fat-free versions if you need specific textural properties.

Recipes Using Shortening

Gifts Preparation Quick Breads Gifts

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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Oven Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Course

55 Minute Dinner Rolls

Whip up these fluffy, delicious dinner rolls in just 55 minutes! Perfect for any meal, this recipe is adapted from the "Carbohydrate Counting Made Easy" cookbook, endorsed by the Knoxville Area Community Hospital's Diabetes Support Group. Each roll boasts only 134 calories, 4g protein, 2g fat, and 26g carbs, making it a guilt-free treat for everyone. Inspired by our experience at Camp Hertko Hollow in Boone, Iowa (515-276-2237), a fantastic diabetes camp providing kids with a supportive and inclusive environment. Learn more and register your child: http://www.diabetes.org/communityprograms-and-localevents/diabetescamps/ia-hollow.jsp

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60 Minutes Or Less Casseroles North American Beef

711 Kirkwood's Barley Casserole

This easy barley casserole recipe is a comforting classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner! Customize it to your liking – add your favorite spices, use ground meat or swap for mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. Ready in under an hour, this simple dish is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a flavorful and satisfying meal!

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Time To Make American Comfort Food 60 Minutes Or Less

Amazing Red Velvet Cake With Frosting

Indulge in this irresistible Red Velvet Cake, a family heirloom recipe! This decadent dessert boasts a vibrant red hue (make sure you have enough food coloring!), incredibly moist texture, and a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Get ready for a taste sensation that's dangerously addictive!

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Dietary Course Oven Time To Make

Angel Cookies

These heavenly Angel Cookies are a delightful cross between melt-in-your-mouth shortbread and delicate sugar cookies! With a light, crisp texture and subtly sweet flavor, they're incredibly addictive. Prepare to be amazed as these cookies disappear faster than you can say 'recipe'! Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a touch of pure baking bliss.

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Pies And Tarts Apples Low Protein Fruit

Anme's Apple Crumb Pie

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Anme's Sizzling Apple Crumb Pie! This classic dessert features a flaky, buttery crust cradling a sweet and spiced apple filling, all topped with a crunchy, golden brown crumb topping. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to follow instructions make it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.

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Breads Quick Breads Time To Make Kid Friendly

Apple Doughnuts Baked

Blast off into flavor with these delicious apple doughnuts, a recipe inspired by Utah's Teacher in Space, Linda Preston! This baked version is a healthier twist on a classic treat, perfect for a cozy afternoon or a special occasion. Enjoy the warmth of cinnamon-sugar and the sweet taste of apples in every bite. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Weeknight Dietary Holiday Event Apples

Apple Of Her Eye Pie

Get ready to ditch your old apple pie recipe! This Apple Of Her Eye Pie is a game-changer. Sweet apples and sharp cheddar cheese create an unexpected flavor harmony that will leave you craving more. Imagine flaky, buttery crust enveloping juicy apple chunks with a delightful cheesy twist. This isn't your grandma's apple pie – it's a culinary adventure! Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.

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North American Time To Make Preparation Dietary

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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Dietary Preparation Dietary Course

Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor! These Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic, featuring moist, chewy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Made with wholesome applesauce, these cookies are a delicious treat for any occasion – perfect for a cozy night in or a bake sale hit! Get ready to experience the ultimate oatmeal cookie upgrade.

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Breads Time To Make Quick Breads 4 Hours Or Less

Apricot Nut Bread

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of this moist and delicious Apricot Nut Bread! Bursting with juicy apricots and crunchy nuts, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, this recipe combines the sweetness of apricots with the satisfying crunch of nuts for a truly unforgettable baking experience.

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Weeknight Valentines Day Course Cakes

Bacardi Double Chocolate Rum Cake

Indulge in this decadent Double Chocolate Rum Cake, infused with Bacardi rum and a luscious raspberry filling! Easy to make, yet incredibly rich and moist, this show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat. The combination of dark chocolate, sweet raspberries, and a hint of rum creates an unforgettable flavor experience.

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Low In Something Low In Something 15 Minutes Or Less Desserts

Bailey's Buttercream Icing

Indulge in this decadent Bailey's Irish Cream Buttercream Icing! A Texas family secret, kicked up a notch with the irresistible flavor of Bailey's Irish Cream. This isn't your grandma's buttercream – it's richer, smoother, and far more exciting! Perfect for topping your favorite cake, this recipe makes enough luscious icing for one 9-inch layer cake. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Equipment Occasion Equipment Dietary

Banana Bars

These irresistible Banana Bars are even better than banana bread! Kids and adults alike will adore this simple, yet incredibly delicious treat. While the creamy frosting is optional (it's THAT good!), these bars are fantastic on their own. A classic recipe inspired by a well-loved Taste of Home cookbook, these bars are perfect for a quick bake or a delightful dessert.

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Cheesecake Desserts Main Ingredient Dietary

Bavarian Apple Cheesecake

Indulge in this heavenly Bavarian Apple Cheesecake recipe, a family favorite passed down through generations! This recipe boasts a creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling infused with the warm, comforting flavors of apples, creating a truly unforgettable dessert. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping masterpiece.

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Cuisine European Low In Something 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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Hand Formed Cookies Presentation Easy Beginner Cook

Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookies

Indulge in the irresistible taste of classic peanut butter cookies! This recipe, adapted from Betty Crocker's website, is incredibly easy to double and yields perfectly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Each cookie boasts approximately 110 calories (according to Betty Crocker) and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a delightful baking experience!

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Pitted Fruit Cakes 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary

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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