Best Vegetable Shortening Substitutes for Cakes

Pick substitutes that preserve tenderness, aeration, and even rise in cake batters. Cake structure depends on balanced fat, sugar, and hydration. Wrong swaps can create a dense or dry crumb.

Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData CentralMethodology

Can I make a cake without vegetable shortening?

Yes. Start with Butter at 1 cup shortening = 1 cup + 2 tbsp butter, then adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.

Top Recommendation

Butter

Use 1 cup shortening = 1 cup + 2 tbsp butter

Butter's water adds flavour but reduces flakiness. Chill the dough well.

View full adjustment notes →

How much does 1 cup of vegetable shortening weigh?

On CupOrGram, 1 cup of vegetable shortening is treated as 205 grams. Use the conversion page if you want the original ingredient weight before choosing a substitute.

Vegetable Shortening cups to grams →

Alternative Options for Cakes

Common Questions for Cakes

What can I use instead of vegetable shortening for cake?

Butter at 1 cup shortening = 1 cup + 2 tbsp butter is the closest match — Butter's water adds flavour but reduces flakiness. Chill the dough well. If that is unavailable, Lard (1:1) or Coconut Oil (refined, solid) (1:1).

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