
Coconut Butter vs. Shortening: Which is Better for Baking?
When it comes to baking, the choice of fat can significantly influence the texture, flavor, and overall success of your recipes. Two popular options are coconut butter and shortening. While both can be used in various baked goods, they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different applications. In this article, we will explore the differences between coconut butter and shortening, their nutritional profiles, and how they affect your baking results.
Coconut butter is made from the flesh of the coconut, which is blended into a creamy, spreadable consistency. Unlike coconut oil, which is purely the fat extracted from the coconut, coconut butter contains both fat and fiber, along with the nutrients found in the coconut flesh. It has a rich, slightly sweet flavor and can add a tropical twist to baked goods.
Coconut butter is high in saturated fats, particularly medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are believed to provide various health benefits, including improved metabolism and energy levels. Here’s a quick comparison of the nutritional content of coconut butter:
Coconut butter also contains dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.
Shortening is a solid fat made from vegetable oils that have been hydrogenated to make them solid at room temperature. It is commonly used in baking because it creates a tender texture in cookies and pastries. Shortening has a neutral flavor, allowing the other ingredients in your recipe to shine.
Shortening is typically lower in saturated fats compared to coconut butter and contains no cholesterol. Here’s a quick look at its nutritional content:
While shortening may not provide the same health benefits as coconut butter, it is favored for its ability to create a desirable texture in baked goods.
When it comes to baking, the choice between coconut butter and shortening can lead to different results:
Coconut Butter: Baked goods made with coconut butter tend to be denser and can have a slightly chewy texture. The flavor is often richer and can impart a subtle coconut taste, especially if unrefined coconut butter is used. However, it may not rise as well as other fats, leading to flatter cookies or cakes.
Shortening: Cookies made with shortening typically have a lighter, fluffier texture due to its higher melting point, which helps retain shape during baking. The neutral flavor of shortening allows the sweetness of the baked goods to come forward without any competing flavors.
Coconut Butter: Best suited for recipes where a coconut flavor is desired, such as tropical cookies or cakes. It is also a great option for vegan baking, as it provides a rich texture without dairy.
Shortening: Ideal for recipes that require a tender, flaky texture, such as pie crusts or classic chocolate chip cookies. It is often used in recipes that aim for a crisp finish, as it helps cookies maintain their shape.
Choosing between coconut butter and shortening ultimately depends on the desired outcome of your baked goods. Coconut butter offers a unique flavor and nutritional benefits but may lead to denser textures. In contrast, shortening provides a light and fluffy texture with a neutral taste, making it a versatile option for various recipes.
For those looking to experiment in the kitchen, consider trying both fats in different recipes to see which one aligns with your baking goals. Whether you opt for the tropical richness of coconut butter or the reliable performance of shortening, understanding their distinct properties will help you create delicious baked treats.
Coconut butter is made from the flesh of the coconut, blended into a creamy consistency. It adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor to baked goods and is best for recipes that benefit from a coconut taste, like tropical cookies and cakes.
Shortening is a solid fat created from hydrogenated vegetable oils, known for its neutral flavor and ability to create a light, fluffy texture in baked goods. It is ideal for recipes requiring a tender, flaky finish, such as pie crusts and classic cookies.
Coconut butter is high in saturated fats and contains dietary fiber, while shortening is lower in saturated fats and has no cholesterol. Both have similar calorie content, but coconut butter offers additional health benefits from its medium-chain fatty acids.
The choice depends on your baking goals. Coconut butter provides a unique flavor and denser texture, while shortening yields a lighter, fluffier result. Experimenting with both can help determine which works best for your recipes.

Coconut Butter Candy Recipe: Indulge in a Deliciously Healthy Treat
Coconut butter has gained popularity as a versatile ingredient in both cooking and baking, especially for those seeking healthier alternatives to traditional sweets. In this article, we will explore a delightful coconut butter can...

Which is Better for Vitiligo: Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, or Cocoa Butter?
Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of pigmentation, leading to white patches on the skin. While there is no definitive cure for vitiligo, many individuals seek natural remedies to help manage the condition and ...

Can I Substitute Coconut Oil for Butter? A Comprehensive Guide
Coconut oil has gained popularity as a versatile cooking fat, often touted as a healthier alternative to butter. But can you really swap coconut oil for butter in your recipes? In this article, we will explore the nuances of subst...

Coconut Peanut Butter Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
If you're a fan of peanut butter and coconut, you're in for a treat! This coconut peanut butter recipe is not only simple to make but also adds a delightful twist to your favorite spread. With just a few ingredients, you can creat...
Ready to source an ingredient?
Whether you’re struggling to find the perfect ingredient, racing against the clock, or simply don’t have the bandwidth to manage sourcing — we’ve got your back.
Get a Free Sourcing Audit

Savings is BIG but the relationship value is MASSIVE! Glad we met when we did. Looking forward to building this partnership with you and David.
Yohan, here to say you’re one of my favorite suppliers. Aside from your high quality ingredients, you’re so great to work with. Thanks for all the help you’ve given us this year.
Working with Global Savors and Yohan has been very smooth when sourcing ingredients. They offer a great selection and and cost savings! Yohan has been awesome to work with and we look forward to continuing business together.






Global Savors is your trusted partner for seamless ingredient sourcing, offering end-to-end solutions that streamline procurement, simplify logistics, and elevate your supply chain efficiency.
View More News
© 2025 Copyrights by Global Savors. All Rights Reserved