Most bakers assume all fats are equal, but high-ratio shortening is a different animal. It contains emulsifiers that allow your frosting to hold more sugar and liquid without breaking. I have researched these products to see how they stack up for different kitchen needs. If you want professional results, you need the right tool. Here is my ranking of these options, starting from the essentials to the top-tier choice.
| Best For | Product | Name | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small-batch Decorating |  |
Oasis Supply High-Ratio Cake Shortening for Cake Decorating, Buttercream, Frosting and Decorative Icing, Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving, 2.5 lb | 9.8/10 | View on Amazon |
| Professional Icing Texture |  |
Oasis Supply High-Ratio Gold Icing Shortening, Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving, Premium Bakery Shortening for Buttercream, Frosting and Icing, 2.5 lb | 9.4/10 | View on Amazon |
| High-volume Production | |
Oasis Supply High-Ratio Gold Icing Shortening, Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving, Premium Bakery Shortening for Buttercream, Frosting and Icing, 5 lb | 9.0/10 | View on Amazon |
| Frequent Cake Bakers | |
Oasis Supply High-Ratio Cake Shortening for Cake Decorating, Buttercream, Frosting and Decorative Icing, Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving, 5 lb | 8.6/10 | View on Amazon |
| Basic Home Baking |  |
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce | 8.2/10 | View on Amazon |
1. Oasis Supply High-Ratio Cake Shortening for Cake Decorating, Buttercream, Frosting and Decorative Icing, Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving, 2.5 lb
Buyers frequently mention that the smaller size prevents the product from going rancid in the pantry.
The lack of trans fats is a common highlight in positive feedback.
Users often report that this performs better than standard grocery store brands for holding fine piping details.
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2. Oasis Supply High-Ratio Gold Icing Shortening, Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving, Premium Bakery Shortening for Buttercream, Frosting and Icing, 2.5 lb
Reviewers often praise the Gold version for its ability to produce a whiter, cleaner-looking icing.
The professional-grade emulsification is a frequently cited benefit for smooth finishes.
Users report this shortening holds its shape well even in humid kitchen environments.
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3. Oasis Supply High-Ratio Gold Icing Shortening, Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving, Premium Bakery Shortening for Buttercream, Frosting and Icing, 5 lb
High-volume bakers consistently rank this as their primary choice for reliability.
Positive feedback often centers on how much more frosting volume is achieved compared to standard shortening.
Users often note that the larger container makes it easier to scoop consistently for big batches.
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4. Oasis Supply High-Ratio Cake Shortening for Cake Decorating, Buttercream, Frosting and Decorative Icing, Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving, 5 lb
Many buyers point out that they save money in the long run by purchasing this larger quantity.
The structural integrity of this shortening is often described as superior for tiered cakes.
Frequent users note that the product stays fresh throughout the life of the large container.
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5. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce
Many users note that this product is widely available in local grocery stores.
Buyers often mention that this is their go-to for flaky pie crusts rather than detailed cake decorating.
Reviews frequently distinguish this product as being too soft for stable, high-sugar buttercream.
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Choosing Between Them
For those focused on small-batch decorating, the 2.5 lb Oasis Supply Cake Shortening is a perfect fit, while the 2.5 lb Gold version provides the professional texture that experienced bakers demand. If you are a frequent baker or handle large quantities, the 5 lb Oasis Supply Cake Shortening is a reliable choice, whereas the Oasis Supply Gold 5 lb is my absolute favorite for its superior emulsification and performance. For basic, everyday kitchen tasks where structural stability is less critical, the standard Crisco remains a functional standby.
Keep in mind that high-ratio shortening is a professional-grade ingredient that behaves differently than the standard grocery store shortening you might be used to. It is designed to hold more sugar and create a stable, silky finish, so you may need to adjust your usual recipes to get the best result. Using the right fat can turn a good cake into a bakery-quality masterpiece.
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