Best Vegetable Shortening Substitutes for Muffins & Quick Breads

Use forgiving substitutions that still maintain moisture and lift in quick batters. Quick breads tolerate swaps better, but leavening and hydration still need balance to avoid gummy centers.

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

Can I make muffins or quick bread 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 Muffins & Quick Breads

Common Questions for Muffins & Quick Breads

Best vegetable shortening substitute for muffins?

Butter, used at 1 cup shortening = 1 cup + 2 tbsp butter. Butter's water adds flavour but reduces flakiness. Chill the dough well.

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