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

Fruit Oranges Taste Mood Fruit

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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Time To Make Dietary High In Something 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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Independence Day To Go Spring Comfort Food

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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Inexpensive American Dinner Party Fruit

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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Preparation Amish Mennonite Northeastern United States Drop Cookies

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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Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient Course 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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Equipment Cakes Kid Friendly 60 Minutes Or Less

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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Time To Make Side Dishes Healthy 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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Taste Mood Equipment Oven Seasonal

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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Mexican Easy 30 Minutes Or Less Taste Mood

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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Stove Top 4 Hours Or Less Soups Stews Time To Make

Aztec Onion Lime Soup With Corn Dumplings

This vibrant Aztec Onion Lime Soup with fluffy blue corn dumplings is a flavor explosion! A simple yet sophisticated recipe perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. This hearty soup bursts with the bright flavors of lime, savory onions, and spicy serrano peppers, all perfectly complemented by the tender corn dumplings. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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4 Hours Or Less Dietary Grains Occasion

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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Dietary Main Ingredient Nuts 4 Hours Or Less

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 Heirloom Historical Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less

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 Cuisine Meat Main Dish

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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30 Minutes Or Less Dietary Number Of Servings Drop Cookies

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 Cookies And Brownies Course Desserts

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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Course Cookies And Brownies Dietary 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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