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

Main Dish Main Dish North American Lunch

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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Occasion Course Fruit Comfort Food

2Bleu's Pecan Danish

Indulge in this incredibly easy 2-Bleu cheese and pecan Danish recipe! This delectable treat can be baked as individual rolls or a stunning ring. For a super-speedy version, we're using crescent roll dough for a melt-in-your-mouth pastry that requires NO rising time! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treat. Get ready for a flavor explosion of creamy blue cheese and crunchy pecans!

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Cuisine Preparation Cuisine High Calcium

Afternoon Ruby Tea Biscuits

A taste of Green Gables! Learn to bake these delightful, melt-in-your-mouth Ruby Tea Biscuits – a beloved recipe perfect for kids and adults alike. This classic recipe, inspired by Anne of Green Gables, is easy to follow and results in incredibly delicious biscuits that are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for afternoon tea the Anne of Green Gables way!

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Freezer Summer Refrigerator Freezer

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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Time To Make North American Brunch Course

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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Cookies And Brownies Cookies And Brownies Drop Cookies 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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Easy Preparation Easy Low In Something

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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Asian Chinese Snacks Beans

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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60 Minutes Or Less Small Appliance Desserts Oven

Applesauce Spice Cake

Indulge in this moist and delicious Applesauce Spice Cake, a family favorite since 1985! This recipe, originally featured in Bon Appetit (February 1985), delivers warm spice notes and a perfectly tender crumb. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, it's the perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Dietary Asian 4 Hours Or Less Preparation

Asian Style Scallion Pancakes

Crispy, savory Asian scallion pancakes, a family favorite! These delicious pancakes are made with a simple dough, generously layered with scallions, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served with a vibrant dipping sauce of sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Inspired by a Food Network Magazine recipe (October 2009), these pancakes are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Mexican 30 Minutes Or Less Rolled Cookies Equipment

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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Grains Presentation Picnic Kid Friendly

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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Preparation Inexpensive Preparation Refrigerator

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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Healthy 2 Mexican Flat Shapes Occasion

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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Cuisine Time To Make Course European

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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Oven Cookies And Brownies Desserts Oven

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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Course Desserts Cookies And Brownies Course

Macadamia Nut Cookies

Indulge in these irresistible Macadamia Nut Cookies, a recipe inspired by a coworker's culinary masterpiece! These chewy, nutty delights are bursting with buttery flavor and crunchy macadamia nuts. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a truly unforgettable cookie experience. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure deliciousness!

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Time To Make Dietary 30 Minutes Or Less 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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