Fat, Baking Ingredient | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free

Vegetable Shortening

Glycine max / Elaeis guineensis Allergen-Free
vegetable shortening

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Varies (e.g., Fabaceae for soy, Arecaceae for palm)
  • Primary Cuisine American (Baking)
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Soybean oil, Palm oil, Cottonseed oil

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of many baked goods, ensuring unparalleled flakiness and tenderness where butter might fall short."

Definition

A solid fat made from hydrogenated vegetable oils, primarily used in baking for its high melting point and ability to create flaky textures.

Sensory Profile

TasteNeutral, Bland
TextureFirm, Waxy, Smooth
AromaNeutral
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Fat Content

~100%

Shelf Life (Unopened)

Up to 2 years (room temperature)

Smoke Point

~360°F (182°C)

Nutrition Facts

Per 13g (1 tbsp)
Calories884 kcal
Total Fat100g
Saturated Fat26g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein0g
Total Carbohydrate0g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars0g
Calcium0mg
Iron0mg
Potassium0mg

Chef’s Secret

For ultra-flaky pie crusts, keep shortening and all ingredients very cold, and handle the dough minimally to prevent gluten development.

Substitutions

Best Match

Butter

1:1 (by weight, adjust salt if unsalted)

Adds flavor, creates flakiness, but lower melting point.

Margarine

1:1

Similar properties to shortening, often contains water.

Coconut Oil (solidified)

1:1

Good for flaky crusts, adds a subtle coconut flavor.

Lard

1:1

Excellent for flakiness, distinct savory flavor, not vegetarian/vegan.

Buying Guide

Choose trans-fat-free versions. Look for brands that specify their oil sources.

Flavor Pairings

Pie crusts Biscuits Frying

Recipes Using Vegetable Shortening

4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient One Dish Meal Vegetarian

Now And Later Vegetarian Empanadas

Satisfy your cravings NOW with these delicious vegetarian empanadas, and enjoy leftovers LATER! This recipe features a flaky, savory crust filled with a vibrant mix of vegetables and spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend appetizer. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these easy-to-make, flavor-packed empanadas!

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Preparation Occasion Cuisine Dietary

A Quick And Easy White Cake

This recipe delivers a moist and fluffy white cake in just 50 minutes! Perfect for beginners, this easy white cake recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps. Get ready to impress with this unbelievably delicious and surprisingly simple dessert.

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Kid Friendly Holiday Event Refrigerator 4 Hours Or Less

All Purpose Easy Shortening Pie Dough

Conquer flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pie crusts with this foolproof recipe! No pastry blender needed – this easy method uses two knives for perfectly crumbly results. Perfect for both sweet and savory pies, this recipe ensures a delicious base for all your baking creations. Get ready to impress!

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American 4 Hours Or Less Number Of Servings Time To Make

American Turkey Turnovers

These savory American Turkey Turnovers are the perfect make-ahead meal! Perfect for busy weeknights or prepping for a special occasion, this recipe yields delicious, golden-brown turnovers filled with a flavorful turkey mixture. Freeze them for later and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal anytime. Get the recipe now and discover a new freezer staple!

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4 Hours Or Less American Course Occasion

Amish Banana Nut Cake With Penuche Frosting

Indulge in this moist and decadent Amish Banana Nut Cake, a family favorite recipe! Perfectly spiced cake made with overripe bananas for ultimate flavor and moisture, topped with a rich and creamy penuche frosting. This recipe is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Make it a day or two ahead – the flavors deepen, and it's even more delicious! Prepare to be amazed by this classic.

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North American Cuisine Northeastern United States Time To Make

Amish Oatmeal Whoopie Pie Cookies

Experience pure bliss with these Amish Oatmeal Whoopie Pie Cookies! These delightful treats are even better than your favorite store-bought oatmeal cookie – soft, chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiched with a creamy, dreamy vanilla filling. A perfect blend of comforting flavors and irresistible textures, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Number Of Servings Low In Something Desserts Number Of Servings

Angel Food Candy

Indulge in this heavenly, crunchy Angel Food Candy! A classic recipe made easy, this recipe delivers a delightful blend of sweet and crunchy textures, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Crispy candy pieces dipped in rich, melted chocolate – a truly unforgettable treat!

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Preparation Desserts Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less

Anman Steamed Buns With Azuki Sweet Red Bean Paste

Fluffy Anman steamed buns filled with luscious sweet azuki red bean paste – a delightful treat popular in China and Japan! These melt-in-your-mouth buns are perfect fresh from the steamer, but also delicious cold or reheated. Make a big batch – they keep for days! Leftover azuki paste can be refrigerated, frozen, or enjoyed as a spread. This recipe uses a modified azuki paste recipe and a fantastic bun recipe adapted from Recipezaar (credit: Ms. See). Prepare to be amazed!

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30 Minutes Or Less Spring New Years Oven

Aunt Nelda's Sugar Cookies

Indulge in the legendary taste of Aunt Nelda's sugar cookies, a family heirloom recipe passed down through generations! These aren't your average sugar cookies; they're melt-in-your-mouth scrumptious, with a delicate texture and irresistible sweetness. Adapted from a treasured 1949 Good Housekeeping recipe, these cookies are perfect for any occasion – from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. Get ready to experience a taste of nostalgia and pure baking bliss!

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Holiday Event 30 Minutes Or Less Preparation Holiday Event

Authentic Mexican Marranitos Molasses Gingerbread Pigs

Indulge in the irresistible magic of Authentic Mexican Marranitos! These aren't your average gingerbread pigs; these molasses-rich treats, also known as cochinos or puerquitos, boast a moist, rich crumb beneath a glossy, subtly flaky top. Unlike traditional gingerbread, they're delightfully spiced with cinnamon (and optionally ginger!), relying on molasses for their deep, spicy-brown flavor. Marco Rangel, of Fort Worth's Panaderia San Marcos, shares his family bakery's secret recipe, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth marranitos, perfectly sized (around 4.5 inches) for a delightful treat. This recipe allows you to customize the texture; adjust the baking soda for extra-fluffy pigs! Prepare to be amazed by this unique and delicious Mexican-American tradition.

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Taste Mood Course Weeknight Finger Food

Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in this moist and delicious Banana Cake, a New York Times recipe sensation! This recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience with its perfectly spiced banana cake and creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. Easy to follow instructions ensure baking success for even novice bakers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible treat!

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Equipment Nuts Main Ingredient Weeknight

Banana Coconut Bread

Indulge in the tropical paradise of our Banana Coconut Bread! This moist and delicious loaf cake is bursting with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the creamy richness of coconut. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Get ready for a taste of the islands!

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North American Taste Mood Oven Dietary

Barb's Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the irresistible aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls baking in your kitchen! This recipe boasts a sweet, soft dough that's incredibly easy to make. Get ready for fluffy, gooey, cinnamon-sugar perfection – a true crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet treat craving.

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Low In Something Cuisine Oven North American

Barbara's Tea Cakes Cookies

These delightful tea cakes are a cherished family recipe, perfect for holiday gatherings and any occasion! A dear friend shared this recipe years ago, and it's become a beloved tradition. From Girl Scout meetings to school parties and potlucks, these cookies are always a hit. Enjoy them plain, or elevate them with the simple yet elegant glaze and icing. The secret is in the delicate balance of texture – perfectly crisp edges with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.

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Healthy Healthy Stove Top Flat Shapes

Basic Flour Tortillas

Elevate your tacos, burritos, and quesadillas with these easy-to-make homemade flour tortillas! Forget store-bought – our recipe delivers unbelievably soft and flavorful tortillas in just minutes. Learn the simple secrets to achieving restaurant-quality results at home. Perfect for beginners!

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Time To Make Main Dish Main Ingredient Cuisine

Beef Rolls Rindsrouladen

Experience the rich flavors of Germany with this authentic Beef Rolls (Rindsrouladen) recipe, passed down through generations! These savory beef rolls, filled with tangy pickles, onions, and mustard, are surprisingly addictive. Originally a hit at a school heritage day, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Don't let the unique combination of ingredients fool you – this is a culinary masterpiece you won't want to miss!

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Cookies And Brownies 30 Minutes Or Less Oven Preparation

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with these chewy, moist, and decadent double chocolate chip cookies! Loaded with two types of chocolate chips for an intense chocolate flavor, this recipe from Cuisine Magazine is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for cookie lovers of all ages!

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Desserts Desserts Cookies And Brownies Preparation

Mrs Clinton's Chocolate Chip Cookies

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations! These incredibly delicious chocolate chip cookies are perfectly chewy and bursting with chocolate flavor. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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