crisco all-vegetable shortening or 2 tablespoons crisco stick

Oils & FatsYear-round

Crisco is essentially pure fat (approximately 120 calories and 14g total fat per tablespoon) with no protein, fiber, or significant micronutrients; it contains trans fats from the hydrogenation process, though modern formulations have reduced trans fat content substantially.

About

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening is a commercially produced vegetable shortening composed of hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, primarily derived from soybean, palm, and canola oils. Developed by Procter & Gamble in 1911, it replaced animal lard as a shelf-stable, neutral-flavored fat for baking and frying. The hydrogenation process creates a solid fat at room temperature with a smooth, creamy texture. Crisco's molecular structure produces fine, flaky layers in pastries and maintains a high smoke point (approximately 360°C/680°F), making it suitable for high-heat cooking. The product is available in both can and stick forms, with the stick format offering convenient pre-measured portions similar to butter sticks.

Culinary Uses

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening is primarily used in baking to create tender, flaky pastries, pie crusts, biscuits, and cookies by preventing gluten development and creating distinct fat layers. Its neutral flavor and high smoke point make it suitable for deep-frying donuts, fried chicken, and other foods requiring sustained high temperatures without flavor transfer. In some applications, it is creamed with sugar in cake and cookie batters to incorporate air. The shortening is also used in frosting and pie fillings. While butter offers superior flavor, shortening is preferred in certain applications where texture and consistency are paramount, particularly in commercial and large-scale baking where product uniformity is essential.

Forms & Preparations

  • Can/Tub — Traditional packaging; smooth, creamy white fat in bulk form, scooped and measured with measuring cups or spoons.
  • Stick — Pre-measured solid sticks (typically 113g/4oz per stick), resembling butter sticks, allowing easy measurement and portioning without scooping.
  • Liquid/Pour — Specialized formulation designed for pouring into measuring cups; maintains pourable consistency at room temperature while maintaining baking properties.

Substitutes

  • Unknown — Use equal weight; produces richer flavor and slightly different texture, with more browning in baked goods. May require minor adjustments to liquid content due to milk solids.
  • Unknown — Use equal volume; creates flaky pastries with similar structure. Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor; unrefined adds coconut taste. Slightly lower smoke point (175-190°C).
  • Unknown — Use equal weight; produces excellent flakiness and traditional flavor. Neutral or slightly savory taste; similar smoke point to shortening.
  • Unknown — Cannot fully replace in pastries due to liquid form, but may substitute in some fried applications at 75-80% of specified amount; produces different texture in baked goods.
  • Unknown — Use equal weight; produces similar structure and smoke point. Refined palm oil has neutral flavor; less processed versions add subtle characteristics.