Substitutes

The Best Shortening Substitutes for Baking

Use butter or coconut oil as an easy 1:1 substitute for tender pie crusts.

βš–οΈ The Golden Ratio
1 cup butter = 1 cup shortening

Best substitutes

Replace with Ratio Best for
Butter 1:1 replacement Cookies, frosting
Coconut Oil 1:1 replacement Pie crusts

Shortening is a 100% solid vegetable fat. Butter adds flavor but contains 20% water, making crusts slightly less flaky. Solid coconut oil is the best structural swap.