Butter is a staple ingredient in baking, and for good reason. Not only does it add flavor to baked goods, but it also helps to create a tender and moist crumb. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about butter in baking, including the different types of butter available and how they can be used in various recipes.
First, let's start with the basics. Butter is made by churning cream until the fat separates from the liquid. The fa
t is then collected and shaped into blocks or sticks. The most common type of butter found in grocery stores is made from cow's milk and has a fat content of around 80%.
In baking, butter is used in a variety of ways, including as a spread, a mixer, and a fat in doughs and batters. When butter is used as a spread, it adds flavor and moisture to the surface of the baked goods. When used as a mixer, butter helps to incorporate air into doughs and batters, which can result in lighter and fluffier baked goods. When used as a fat in doughs and batters, butter helps to create a tender crumb and adds flavor.
When it comes to choosing butter for baking, there are a few different options available. The most common types of butter used in baking are:
Sweet Cream Butter: This is the most commonly found butter in grocery stores and is made from cow's milk. It has a fat content of around 80% and can be used in a wide range of baking recipes.
Salted Butter: This type of b
utter has salt added to it, which can enhance the flavor of baked goods. It can be used in place of sweet cream butter in most recipes, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe if you use salted butter.
Unsalted Butter: This type of butter does not have salt added to it, which can be beneficial in baking recipes where the salt content needs to be controlled. Unsalted butter can also be used in place of sweet cream butter in most recipes, but you may want to add salt to the recipe if you use unsalted butter.
European-style Butter: This type of butter has a higher fat content than regular butter, usually around 82%. This means that it has a richer, more intense flavor, which can be beneficial in some baking recipes.
Whipped Butter: This type of butter has been whipped with air, which can make it easier to spread a
nd incorporate into doughs and batters. It is not recommended for use in recipes that require creaming butter and sugar together.
Clarified Butter: This type of butter has had the milk solids removed, which makes it ideal for high-heat cooking or frying. However, It is not recommended for use in b
aking recipes, as it will not provide the same flavor and texture as regular butter.
Now that we've covered the different types of butter available, let's take a look at how they can be used in various baking recipes.
When making cakes, cookies, and other baked goods that require creaming butter and sugar together, it's best to use unsalted butter or sweet cream butter. The fat in the butter will help to create a tender crumb, while the sugar will add sweetness and help to create a light and fluffy texture.
For recipes that call for butter to be used as a spread, such as scones and biscuits, it's best to use cold butter. When the butter is cold, it will create pockets of air in the dough, which will help to create a flaky texture.
In recipes that call for butter to be used
as a mixer, such as pie crust, it's best to use cold butter that has been cut into small pieces. This will help to incorporate air into the dough, which will create a flaky texture. You can also use European-style butter in these recipes for a richer flavor.
For recipes that call for butter to be used as a fat in doughs and batters, such as croissants and puff pastry, it's best to use European
-style butter. The higher fat content will create a flaky and tender texture in the finished product.
In summary, butter is a crucial ingredient in baking, adding flavor and texture to a wide range of baked goods. The different types of butter available, such as sweet cream butter, salted butter, unsalted butter, European-style butter, whipped butter, and clarified butter, can be used in various recipes to achieve different results. When making cakes, cookies, and other baked goods that require creaming butter and sugar together, it's best to use unsalted butter or sweet cream butter. For recipes that call for butter to be used as a spread or a mixer, it's best to use cold butter. And for recipes that call for butter to be used as a fat in doughs and batters, it's best to use European-style butter. With this knowledge, you'll be able to choose the right butter for your baking needs and create delicious, flavorful treats.
Try out different ways to use butter with our BAKE ON kits!