Instructions

1. Add three parts vegetable oil for every four parts shortening called for in the directions. For instance, a recipe that calls for 1 cup shortening would use 3/4 cup vegetable oil. Combine the vegetable oil with the dry ingredients, such as flour and salt, all at once. The consistency of the dough will more oily and should be used right away or else the oil in the dough will begin to separate from the other ingredients.

2. Add 1/2 cup butter and 3/8 cup coconut oil for every 1 cup shortening called for in the recipe if you do not want to substitute vegetable oil. The coconut oil and butter should be cut into the flour and salt together with a blender or knife.

3. Consider increasing the amount of sugar and eggs in the pie recipe to counter the denser pie crust, recommends The Cook's Thesaurus. A pie crust made with oil will be greasier than one made with shortening or butter.