What Is High Ratio Shortening & Where To Buy? Best Top Tips

Last Updated on January 12, 2023

Today, we’re going to be answering the question: what is high ratio shortening and where can I buy it? The search is over; this article will tell all. Generally, shortening is any fat in baking that is solid at room temperature. Also, it provides baked goods with a crumbly and soft texture. In addition to that, shortening does not possess any flavor or odor. And you no longer need to store it in the fridge. Common examples include margarine, vegetable shortening, and hydrogenated solidified oils.

Moreover, high-ratio shortening is best when you are making icing. The main reason is that it makes the icing more convenient to work with your recipe. Additionally, the high ratio shortening is firmer than usual shortenings. Likewise, it keeps the icing from not breaking down. 

What is a Shortening?

Shortening arose since it coats each flour’s protein molecule. As a consequence, it makes it more difficult for long strands of gluten to be produced. That is why the strands become shorter than usual. Because of this, it got its “shortening” name.

Today, shortening usually refers to hydrogenated oils. For instance, vegetable shortening is a semi-solid fat with low water content and high smoke point. Because of this, it produces tender results in baked goods. Furthermore, oils make a more solid pastry. On the other hand, fats result in a flaky pastry.



Additionally, the amount of shortening in batters and doughs differs depending on the baked goods. With that, cakes have 10 to 20 percent shortening, and pie crusts have above 30 percent shortening. In addition to that, loaves of bread have approximately 1 to 2 percent of shortening. Also, keep in mind that adding the shortening to the recipe increases the tenderness of the baked goods. As a consequence, high proportions may result in the cake collapsing.

Moreover, shortening is excellent in baking. For this reason, it has beneficial qualities. It has a high degree of plasticity, good shortening power, and long storage life. Its characteristic flavor is pleasant but usually bland. In addition to that, it can lubricate and slightly weaken the structure of baked goods to produce tenderness. 

Is Shortening Similar to Crisco?

It is indeed wrong to refer to Crisco as a shortening. It is because a shortening is, in fact, a collective name, rather than a particular ingredient. For this reason, shortening covers plenty of products. In contrast, Crisco is a famous vegetable shortening brand made by The J.M Smucker Company in the USA. 

In recent years, Crisco is the best option in the cake decorator’s pantry. However, trans-fat usage in all foods has resulted in problems since present laws banned it. Similarly, the harmful trans-fat found in the old Crisco formula is the main factor; but it does give buttercream its yummy flavor.

Try out this recipe: Tasty Bakery Frosting Recipe with Crisco

What is High Ratio Shortening and Where to Buy It? 

It is hundred percent fat with no additional water or salt. Also, it has micro emulsifiers. For this reason, it enables the mixture to hold more liquid and sugar. That is why it is more temperature stable. Moreover, it does not make the icing taste greasy.

It also helps to keep more air after whipping it, which will add volume. Likewise, it is white in appearance, so it will not change the color of the icing. Furthermore, it helps to keep the cakes moist and provides them with a smoother texture. Hence, high-ratio cake recipes often use it. With that, it is a guarantee that it is worth your money, although it is more expensive than shortening brands, such as Crisco.

Thereby, high-ratio shortening is the best choice for smoother buttercream icing. Likewise, buttercream icing created with high ratio shortening is creamier and more flavorful than Crisco. Moreover, you can purchase high-ratio shortening online. In addition to that, a popular brand is Sweets.

Sweetex Golden Flex Icing Shortening

Although a high ratio shortening costs more than Crisco, you can use less shortening when you make your recipes with it. With that, you can use about 2/3 cup of high-ratio shortening for every cup required in the icing recipe. Furthermore, you can buy high-ratio shortening at Walmart.

As an alternative, look for a store brand that has trans-fat. With that, make sure to check the labels of the grocery store’s brand. However, the flavor is not as delicious compared to buttercream icing created with the high ratio shortening. That is why the best approach is to select brands containing trans fat.

Is High Ratio Shortening Vegan?

Any type of vegetable high-ratio shortening is vegan. It contains only vegetable products and no animal products. It is made of ingredients such as soybeans or cottonseed. 

Be sure to buy shortenings that are only vegetable shortenings, if you want a vegan shortening. All vegetable shortenings should be vegan, however, some shortenings contain animal fat, so be sure to always check the label.

A popular brand of vegan high ration shortening is Sweetex. Sweetex is a soybean-based high-ratio shortening that is vegan-friendly. It is a popular choice for making vegan frostings, and though it is made of 100% fat, does not have a greasy or waxy texture.

Sweetex gives a higher yield and more volume than traditional shortening and contains more emulsifiers. It gives the frosting a light, fluffy texture; just like buttercream made with butter. It is also great for making cakes and cookies.

What Can I Use Instead of High Ratio Shortening?

Instead of high-ratio shortening, you can use regular shortening, or lard in its place in most cases. In addition, you can also use margarine or butter in place of high-ratio shortening.

If the recipe you are making is vegan then be sure to use a vegetable shortening, or a vegan margarine or butter alternative. Vegetable shortening is vegan, but not all shortenings are vegetable shortenings so be sure to read the label. In addition, most kinds of margarine are vegan but some do contain milk, so you will want to be sure that you check the label as well.

Does High Ratio Shortening Go Bad?

High-ratio shortening can go bad but it does have a long shelf life. Most high-ratio shortenings can last at room temperature for eight months to two years before opening when properly stored. After opening, your high ratio shortening can last for three to six months at room temperature in an airtight container.

Be sure to store your high ratio shortening in a cool, dry location, away from sunlight. Shortening is sensitive to heat and will melt in warm temperatures. Storing it in your pantry is the best place to keep your shortening.

If you notice that your shortening has any mold on it, you should throw it out. In addition, throw out your high ratio shortening if it has an off smell, taste, or appearance.

It is best not to keep your shortening in the fridge. When stored in the fridge, shortening can become hard and difficult to work with. The oils will thicken up and it will get a cloudy appearance.

Can High Ratio Shortening be Frozen?

You can freeze high ratio shortening, but there will be changes in consistency, so it is often best not to freeze it. After opening, high-ratio shortening can last for one year in the freezer.

When storing in the freezer, place your shortening in a Ziploc bag or wrap it in plastic wrap. To make it easier, cut your shortening into portion sizes to make it easier to store and defrost.

When ready to use, let your shortening come to room temperature before using it in your recipe. Once it has defrosted, do not refreeze it again. Freezing your shortening can be beneficial if you live in a particularly warm climate.

Is Lard High Ratio Shortening?

Lard is not the same as high-ratio shortening, but the two are very similar. High-ratio shortening contains more emulsifiers than lard.

Lard is made from pork fat, so it is not vegetarian or vegan-friendly. High-ratio shortening is almost always made from soybeans, cottonseed, or palm oil, making it vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Using High Ratio Shortening in Your Baking

Now that we know what high-ratio shortening is and what it does in your baking, you may be wondering how to make buttercream and frosting using this great ingredient. If so, we’re here to help! We’re going to be taking a look at how to make both high-ratio frosting and high-ratio buttercream. Once you’ve learned how to do this, you’ll be knowledgeable on all things high ratio shortening!

How to Make High Ratio Frosting?

Let’s first take a look at how to make high ratio frosting, when using high ratio shortening. The ingredients you’ll need for this are:

• 2 cups of high ratio shortening (such as Sweetex or CK)
• 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of butter flavoring
• 1/2 teaspoon of almond flavoring
• 4 lbs of confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Now all you need to do is:

1. Grab a bowl and add the shortening, vanilla, butter flavoring, and almond flavoring. Cream them together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, as well as the cream. Start by mixing slowly, and then increase the speed as you go. Keep mixing for around 8 minutes until your buttercream is light and fluffy. If you notice any bubbles in the frosting, add a teaspoon of milk to help.
3. Add the salt and give one final mix. Your frosting is ready to use!

How to Make High-Ratio Buttercream?

If you’re looking to make high ratio buttercream with high ratio shortening, then look no further. The ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are:

• 2 cups of high ratio shortening (such as Sweetex or CK)
• 1 cup of unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of lemon flavoring
• 10 cups of confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of meringue powder

Now all you need to do is:

1. Add the shortening to a stand mixer (or electric mixer) and beat until it becomes smooth and creamy. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Scrape the bowl as you go.
2. Next, you’ll need to add the confectioners’ sugar, gradually. Once the sugar is added, you can add the salt and meringue powder. Mix well, and again, be sure to scrape the bowl as you keep mixing.
3. Slowly pour in your milk and mix on medium speed. Add your vanilla and lemon flavoring and incorporate by mixing well.
4. If your batter appears too thick or has air bubbles, add a teaspoon of milk. If your batter appears too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar. Repeat until you have achieved the consistency you require.
5. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge until ready to use.

Conclusion

I hope this post has helped to answer the question: what is high ratio shortening? And gives you an idea of the best places to buy it, and how to use it in your baking. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to using high ratio shortening? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!