Baking with Coconut Oil?

[Biscuits & Gravy]

Can I substitute it in recipes that call for shortening? If so, do I substitute an equal amount? (ie: 1 cup coconut oil for 1 cup shortening)

Any other tips for using it? I just bought some for the first time, so I have not used it before.

[dogmom327]

That's what I do...just a one for one substitute. I also use it in place of "oil" in recipes. Just melt it if using it to replace "oil".

[columbusmomma]

I sometimes use it in place of butter for frying. That works well too!

[lil_earthmomma]

I also do a straight substitution with shortening or butter for coconut oil, when baking vegan treats for my SIL.

[krankedyann]

Be aware that due to the different melting points, if you're making something like cookies, they're going to spread all over the place and might not necessarily come out the same. However, if what you're making is in a baking pan, it works awesome. It is substituted one for one.

[lil_earthmomma]

Originally Posted by krankedyann

Be aware that due to the different melting points, if you're making something like cookies, they're going to spread all over the place and might not necessarily come out the same. However, if what you're making is in a baking pan, it works awesome. It is substituted one for one.

ACK! This is so true!!! I made vegan shortbread this christmas and had to increase the flour by a third! Worked like a charm after that!