A can of cream of mushroom soup can be a real dinner saver. It works great in casseroles and can turn into a sauce or gravy in a pinch.
Shortening Substitute
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Out of shortening and need some for a recipe? No problem, this clever substitute will work just fine in most baking recipes.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
2 reviews
3 comments
ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted margarine at room temperature, or vegetable oil
directions
Combine the butter and margarine (or oil) in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until the ingredients are completely combined.
Use the shortening substitute immediately, or store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Use anywhere shortening is called for.
recipe tips
Make sure the butter and margarine are at room temperature for easy blending.
Store the shortening substitute in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors in the refrigerator.
Consider using the shortening substitute for frying or greasing pans as well. The margarine (or oil) increases the smoke point of the mixture.
common recipe questions
Can I use salted butter/margarine?
You can, just make sure to reduce the salt called for in a recipe (you may need to do this by taste) since true shortening is unsalted.
What is shortening?
Shortening is a type of fat used in baking to create tender and flaky textures in pastries, cakes, and cookies.
Why would I need a shortening substitute?
If you are out of shortening or looking for a healthier alternative, a shortening substitute can be used in place of it in most baking recipes.
How long can I store the shortening substitute?
The shortening substitute can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
What dishes can I use the shortening substitute in?
Use the shortening substitute in any recipe that calls for shortening, such as pie crusts, biscuits, or frosting.
Can I use the shortening substitute immediately after making it?
Yes, the shortening substitute can be used immediately after making it.
tools needed
Mixing Bowl: For combining the butter and margarine (or oil) to create the shortening substitute. Make sure to beat the ingredients together until completely combined. A hand mixer or stand mixer can also be used for this step.
Covered Container: For storing any leftover shortening substitute in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Just make sure it is sealed tightly to prevent any odors from the fridge from being absorbed.
Electric Mixer: A handheld or stand mixer works best for beating the butter, margarine, and/or oil together in the mixing bowl.
Measuring Cup: Used to accurately measure out the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of unsalted margarine or vegetable oil required for the shortening substitute. Make sure to level off the ingredients for precise measurements.
Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to make sure all of the ingredients are evenly mixed and incorporated. This helps prevent any clumps or pockets of unmixed butter or margarine from forming in the substitute.
what goes with it?
Chocolate Chip Cookies: swap out traditional shortening for this substitute in your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. The buttery flavor will enhance the richness of the chocolate chips and create a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Homemade Biscuits: use this substitute in your biscuit recipe for a flaky, buttery finish. The combination of butter and margarine will create a deliciously rich biscuit that pairs perfectly with a hearty bowl of soup or stew.
Classic Pie Crust: Looking to make a flaky pie crust that will rival your grandma's? Pair the shortening substitute with your pie crust recipe for a buttery, golden crust that will make your pie the star of the show.
nutrition data
102 calories, 11 grams fat, 0 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in carbs.
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reviews & comments
Do the butter and oil have to be warm or just room temperature?
Room temperature, as directed in the recipe. If they are warm it will not be like shortening which is a solid, not a liquid.
April 30, 2020
Highly recommend
This recipe was very bad it did not work turned into crumbs this is a waste of ingredients
If the butter and margarine were not at room temperature as directed then I could see it happening. All you'd need to do is let them warm up and mix.
July 26, 2013
I've only used this for a few things so far but it's worked. I don't keep shortening on hand since I so rarely use it but I do usually have butter and margarine in the fridge. I don't know that it would work for something like frying though because the butter might not be able to handle the heat but for baking or other things it's worked ok.
can you explain exactly what shortning means in a recipe please. can you tell me where i can get both oz and gram recipes. many thanks for your time. Ann Browning Scotland email address removed for security purposes have a nice day.
Shortening is a solid fat used in baking and cooking. It can refer to any kind of fat but usually in the U.S. it refers to hydrogenated vegetable oils (such as Crisco).