Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Diving in on a baking project?
Don’t forget to soften the butter first!
Softened butter is used in a variety of recipes, fromyellow cakeandpound caketo your favorite cookies andbuttercream frosting.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
What’s the best way to soften butter?
When it comes to how to soften butter quickly, there are a few methods to try.
Keep reading to find the best way to soften better for your next recipe.
Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Why Soften Butter?
Softened butter is easier to cream with sugar, allowing air to be incorporated into the mixture.
How Long Does It Take To Soften Butter?
Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
The time it takes to soften butter will depend on the softening method.
However, the counter softening method involves pre-planning, and sometimes you don’t have an hour to wait.
These methods will help you get that stick just right before you bake.
Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Leave It Out
This is the simplest method for softening butter.
Remove the butter from the fridge, and let it sit outon the countertopwith the wrapper still on.
It will usually soften in about 30 to 45 minutes but will depend on how warm your kitchen is.
Cube It
Unwrap the stick of butter and place it on a plate.
Cut the stick of butter into cubes.
Breaking up the stick will help to speed up the process of softening the butter on the counter.
Cubed butter may soften in as little as 15 minutes.The thinner the pieces, the faster it will soften.
Use A Jar
Run very hot water inside a jar, then dump out the liquid.
Place the jar over the wrapped stick of butter, with the opening side down on the counter.
The butter should be softened in about 10 to 15 minutes.
How To Soften Butter Quickly
Need to soften butter quickly?
Grate It
Cold butter can be grated using abox graterto break it up.
This is similar to a process that many professional bakers use with butter for laminating pastries.
Plus, it can be a fun stress reliever!
verify to stop and scrape down the bowl every few minutes.
In many cases it’s possible for you to proceed with your recipe in that same mixer bowl.
These terms are often used interchangeably.
However, it is important to note thatroom temperaturecan vary drastically, depending on the warmth of your home.
How To Tell When Butter Is Soft
So how can you tell when butter is properly softened?
Of course, you canuse a thermometer, which should read between 65F and 70F.
Or, you might do it all by feel.
If you gently push into the butter with your finger, you should see a small indentation.
If the butter squishes out of the wrapper, chances are, it’s too soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
When butter is cold, it is a solid.
When it gets too hot, the fat begins to break down.
Transferringfrozen butterstraight from the freezer to the countertop to soften can create unwanted condensation.
Instead, allow the butter to thaw in the refrigerator before softening it.
As long as you don’t melt the butter, no.
Softened butter is softened butter no matter how you get there.
Land O’Lakes.How to Soften Butter.
