Baking Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Crisco Shortening

Got a baking project and realized there’s no Crisco in the pantry? No sweat!

Finding a substitute isn’t as hard as it might seem.

We’ve all been there. You’re mid-recipe, apron on, and—bam—you’re out of something.

This time, it’s Crisco. Good news, though.

Your kitchen is likely hiding some fantastic swaps. From butter to avocado, we’re here to spill the beans on the top five alternatives.

These switches are not just about making do; they can even kick your baking up a notch.

Ready to transform a potential baking mishap into a masterstroke? Let’s get into it.

What is Crisco Shortening?

Crisco Shortening is a type of fat used in baking, frying, greasing pans, and a variety of other baking-related needs.

It takes its name from the company that created it, Procter & Gamble’s Crisco.

This shortening was introduced in 1911, becoming the first modern dough conditioner – a type of ingredient added to the dough to improve the texture and volume of baked goods.

Though originally covering only cream horns and Danish pastries, this shortening quickly became popular for cakes, pies, biscuits, muffins, and more.

Crisco Shortening has a smooth texture and neutral flavor, making it an excellent choice for all types of recipes that need fats, such as cookie dough or frostings.

It stays solid at room temperature but melts on baking, allowing users to easily cream shortening with sugar.

For fried recipes like french fries or chicken nuggets, Crisco Shortening provides improved crispiness compared with other types of oil or fat used in cooking.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Crisco Shortening

If you’re looking for a substitute for Crisco shortening, there are several great alternatives that can provide you with the same benefits.

Here are the five best substitutes for Crisco shortening:

1 – Butter

Butter is one of the most popular and widely-used fats in the realm of cooking, baking, and desserts.

Its creamy taste and velvety texture add a certain richness to any dish it is added to, making it a favorite choice for sweet treats like flaky pastry, fudgy brownies, and cookies.

If desired, butter can be substituted for Crisco shortening in any recipe; all one needs to do is use the same weight given or 1/2 cup of butter for every 3/4 cup of Crisco shortening.

Taking this into account can save time for recipes craving a little bit more flavor without having to run out to the store.

2 – Lard

Lard has a distinct flavor; it is slightly smoky, intense, and distinctly savory.

It also has an unforgettably smooth texture that is often used to make pie crusts and other doughs exceptionally flaky.

Although lard was once the go-to fat for baking and cooking, many people now turn to Crisco shortening or other vegetable and nut oils as substitutes.

While these alternatives serve a purpose in recipes, lard is still frequently preferred because of its superior flavor and ability to make the dough rise light and fluffy.

For dishes that call specifically for vegetable shortening, one can replace half of the amount with lard while keeping similar texture and flavor results.

3 – Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is increasingly being used in many different kinds of culinary applications.

It has a very mild yet distinct coconut flavor and scent to it that adds a nice complexity to dishes.

Texture-wise, it can be solid or liquid depending on the temperature of your house or kitchen.

You can easily substitute it for Crisco shortening in baking if you’re looking to cut back on some unhealthy fats in your diet.

Just make sure you use unrefined virgin coconut oil, as its flavor and nutrients stay intact due to minimal processing during production.

Whichever you choose, experiment with portions and enjoy the new flavors coconut oil can bring to a dish.

4 – Margarine

Margarine is a relatively inexpensive type of buttery spread.

It has a mild and unsalted taste with a slightly sweet, creamy texture that many people find highly desirable.

It is fantastic for spreading on toast or mixing into cakes and other baked goods.

As an increasingly popular replacement for Crisco shortening, margarine can be melted in a pan over low-medium heat without changing its structure – an advantage that holds true for creamier varieties of margarine as well.

Experimenting with recipes using margarine will likely result in delightfully airy and moist desserts that your friends and family are sure to love.

5 – Bacon Grease

Bacon grease is truly a versatile kitchen staple.

It’s surprisingly simple to make, and its strong, salty flavor works great in savory dishes.

It has a thick, slightly gritty texture that provides dimension to whatever recipe you’re following.

If, after cooking bacon, you find yourself without Crisco shortening, the clever cooks among us know that bacon grease can work as a substitute in certain cases.

Frying up some pancakes or scrambled eggs? Bacon grease can do the trick just as well as conventional shortening products — plus, it adds something special that no other seasoning does.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many substitutes for Crisco shortening that can be used in a variety of recipes.

Butter and margarine are popular options as they have a similar taste and texture to the original product.

Lard and bacon grease are great choices if you’re looking for something with a more robust flavor.

Finally, coconut oil is an excellent choice for its nutritional benefits, versatility, and subtle coconut flavor.

Whichever you choose, there are bound to be delicious results.

Taking the time to experiment with different substitutes can add a unique spin to your favorite recipes and make them even more enjoyable.