Vegetable Shortening

N/A (Processed fat blend) Fats & Oils, Baking Ingredient

Vegetable Shortening Fats & Oils, Baking Ingredient

At a Glance

  • Category Fats & Oils, Baking Ingredient

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, used in baking for tenderness, flakiness, and to prevent gluten development.

Fat Content ~100%
Shelf Life (Unopened) Up to 2 years (room temperature)
Smoke Point ~360°F (182°C)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Vegetable Shortening are:

Neutral bland (designed not to impart flavor)

Chef’s Secret

For extra flaky pie crusts, keep shortening very cold and cut it into the flour mixture quickly to prevent melting, creating small pockets of fat.

Best Substitutes

Butter

but may alter texture
Ratio 1:1

Lard

may alter flavor
Ratio 1:1

Coconut Oil

may add coconut flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Opt for non-hydrogenated or trans-fat-free versions if available for healthier options.

Recipes Using Vegetable Shortening

Cakes 4 Hours Or Less American Northeastern United States

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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Time To Make Mixer 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

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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Asian Pasta Rice And Grains Chinese Dinner Party

Ali's Fried Rice

Transform your leftover scrambled eggs into a delicious and satisfying Ali's Fried Rice! This recipe uses 2 cups of rice (add a third cup for extra rice-y goodness!), and is packed with fresh veggies. A quick and easy weeknight meal perfect for veggie lovers and anyone who appreciates a flavorful, comforting dish. Ready in under an hour!

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Seasonal Desserts Course Fall

Absolute Perfection Ginger Spice Cookies

Indulge in the ultimate ginger spice cookie experience! These soft, chewy, and delightfully crisp cookies are bursting with warm spices and the exquisite tang of crystallized ginger. A perfect blend of textures and flavors, these cookies are irresistible served warm with hot cider on a crisp fall day, alongside a scoop of lemon ice cream, dunked in cold milk, or paired with sliced apples and cheddar cheese. Make a batch for yourself, or impress friends and family with these beautifully giftable cookies—they ship wonderfully! This recipe is easily doubled (trust us, you'll want to!). Adapted from Bon Appetit.

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Oven Bar Cookies Dietary Preparation

Applesauce Raisin Bars

These irresistible Applesauce Raisin Bars are a delightful blend of sweet and chewy goodness! Made with wholesome applesauce and plump raisins, these bars are perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a sweet treat. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is a must-try for baking enthusiasts of all levels. Get ready for a burst of flavor in every bite!

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less Pies And Tarts

Apple Pie Made With Boiled Cider

Experience the magic of this exceptional apple pie! Three secrets elevate it above the ordinary: rich, intensely flavored boiled cider (or a delicious alternative using frozen apple juice concentrate), a 2-hour baking process for ultimate caramelisation and a tender crust, and the crucial step of letting it cool completely for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. This King Arthur Flour-inspired recipe is a game-changer, producing arguably the best apple pie you'll ever make. The boiled cider adds a depth of flavor unlike any other apple pie. A pint bottle, easily sourced online from various cider mills (Vermont offers the best value!), yields multiple pies. Its versatility extends beyond pie – use this delicious apple syrup as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream! For perfect ease, a KitchenAid mixer or food processor is ideal for the crust.

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Low In Something Mexican Dietary Healthy

Authentic Homemade Flour Tortillas

Transport yourself to the heart of Mexico with this authentic flour tortilla recipe! A little time investment yields incredible flavor—fresh, hot, and utterly delicious tortillas you'll crave. Perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or simply enjoyed on their own. Learn the secrets to perfectly soft and pliable tortillas.

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Course For Large Groups Cupcakes Desserts

Coconut Choco Delights

Indulge in these irresistible Coconut Choco Delights! Moist coconut flakes baked into a tender cupcake base are topped with a decadent, rich chocolate frosting. The perfect blend of tropical sweetness and chocolatey goodness – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! #coconutcupcakes #chocolatecupcakes #coconut #chocolate #baking #easyrecipe #dessert

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Preparation Dinner Party Thanksgiving Sweet

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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4 Hours Or Less 4 Hours Or Less Coffee Cakes Time To Make

Banana Nut Coffeecake With Caramel Icing

Indulge in this irresistible Banana Nut Coffeecake, a Penzeys-inspired recipe perfected over time! This moist and flavorful coffeecake features perfectly ripe bananas, crunchy nuts, and a rich, decadent caramel icing. Get ready for rave reviews – it's guaranteed to be a family favorite. See the notes for my helpful tips and tweaks!

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Gifts 60 Minutes Or Less Breads Kid Friendly

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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Equipment Coconut Main Ingredient Oven

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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Asian Healthy Time To Make Cuisine

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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Cakes Cakes Mexican 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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Pies And Tarts Pies Fruit Seasonal

Berry Streusel Pie

This Berry Streusel Pie recipe, a Bon Appétit July 2002 star, is a delightful fruit pie perfect for any occasion! Using a simple, buttery crust and a crunchy streusel topping, this recipe showcases the sweet and tart flavors of berries. Feel free to use fresh or frozen berries (Trader Joe's berry mix is a great shortcut!). Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible dessert – it's almost too good to wait three hours to cool!

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High In Something 60 Minutes Or Less Cuisine Canadian

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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Cakes Desserts Dinner Party Easy

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 Course Pasta Rice And Grains 4 Hours Or Less

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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