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The recipe calls for softened butter, but you forgot to remove it from the refrigerator 1 to 2 hours before baking. What would you do? You may think of microwaving it, but trust me, you don’t want to do that. The heat can melt or over-soften your butter unevenly, which can ruin your baked goods. Try Sally’s Baking Recipes‘ butter hack instead!
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This baking trick will soften your butter quickly. You no longer need to wait for hours, as it is ready in just 10 minutes. It will be soft and not melted. Try this tip next time you forget to bring out your butter ahead of time.
Here are more baking tips you might want to try: 6 Baking Tips Everyone Should Know
It is important to use room-temperature butter in recipes that call for it, as opposed to cold butter or melted butter. Room-temperature butter can trap more air during the beating process. When baked, the trapped air expands, creating fluffy baked goods.
Lightly poke the butter with your finger. It should feel cool to the touch. Your finger won’t slide all around. The butter should not feel too greasy or soft.
If the recipe calls for room-temperature butter, it may call for other room-temperature cold ingredients like sour cream, milk, and eggs.
If you have time, set the butter out about one to two hours before beginning a recipe. But if you don’t, get a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until boiling. Cut the butter into small pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl.
Once the water is hot, the steam will be trapped in the microwave. Place the sliced butter inside and close the microwave quickly. Do not turn on your microwave. The heat from the boiling water will soften your butter within 10 minutes.