Crisco substitutes
Crisco substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Butter
Same amount as the Crisco
Dairy butter with similar fat content and melting properties.
The best substitutes for Crisco are butter, lard, coconut oil, or vegetable shortening depending on your dietary preferences and recipe requirements.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Crisco | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Butterbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Lardpie crusts | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Coconut oilbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Vegetable shorteningbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Margarinebaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Vegan shorteningbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
Butter
different taste, similar texture
Dairy butter with similar fat content and melting properties.
- Best for
- baking, pie crusts, cookies, frosting
Higher saturated fat content, may need refrigeration.
Lard
different taste, similar texture
Animal fat with similar texture and melting properties.
- Best for
- pie crusts, baking, frying, biscuits
Traditional choice for flaky pastries, not suitable for vegetarians.
Coconut oil
different taste, similar texture
Solid at room temperature, works well in baking and cooking.
- Best for
- baking, pie crusts, cookies, vegan recipes
May impart slight coconut flavor, solidifies when cold.
Vegetable shortening
similar taste and texture
Generic vegetable shortening with similar properties to Crisco.
- Best for
- baking, pie crusts, cookies, frosting
Very similar to Crisco in texture and melting properties.
Margarine
similar taste and texture
Plant-based spread with similar fat content and melting properties.
- Best for
- baking, cookies, cakes, frosting
Choose stick margarine for baking, not tub varieties.
Vegan shortening
similar taste and texture
Plant-based shortening made from palm oil or other vegetable oils.
- Best for
- baking, pie crusts, cookies, vegan recipes
Check ingredients to ensure it's suitable for your dietary needs.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between Crisco and butter?
Crisco is made from hydrogenated vegetable oils and is solid at room temperature, while butter is made from cream and contains water. Crisco creates flakier pastries but butter has better flavor.
Can I use Crisco for frying?
Yes, Crisco has a high smoke point and works well for frying. It's commonly used for deep-frying and pan-frying in traditional American cooking.
Is Crisco healthier than butter?
Crisco has less saturated fat than butter but may contain trans fats. The healthiest choice depends on the specific product and your dietary needs.
Can I substitute Crisco in all baking recipes?
Crisco can be used in most baking recipes, but it works best in recipes that benefit from its flaky texture, like pie crusts, biscuits, and some cookies.
Tips for substituting Crisco
10 tips- Crisco is excellent for making flaky pie crusts and biscuits
- It has a high smoke point, making it good for frying
- The neutral flavor makes it versatile in both sweet and savory recipes
- Crisco creates tender, flaky textures in baked goods
- It's shelf-stable and doesn't require refrigeration
- The shortening helps create light, airy textures in cakes and cookies
- It's commonly used in traditional American baking recipes
- Crisco works well in creaming method recipes
- It's a good choice for making decorative frosting and icings
- The shortening helps prevent gluten development in pie crusts