Butter Powder Uses

Butter powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cooking applications.

It has a rich, creamy flavor similar to real butter, but with a longer shelf life.

Learning how to properly use butter powder can open up new possibilities in the kitchen.

What is Butter Powder?

Butter powder is made by removing the water content from real butter and mixing the remaining fats with powdered milk. This gives it a dry, powdery texture that can be easily stored and transported without refrigeration.

The powder contains real butterfat along with milk proteins and emulsifiers. When mixed with water, it takes on a rich, creamy consistency similar to softened or whipped butter.

While it doesn't taste exactly the same as regular butter, powdered butter can be used in place of butter in many recipes. It has uses in both sweet and savory cooking.

Benefits of Using Butter Powder

There are several key benefits to keeping butter powder on hand:

• Long shelf life - Powdered butter lasts much longer than regular butter or oils. Unopened containers can keep for 5+ years at room temperature.
• No refrigeration needed - The powder remains stable without refrigeration, making it ideal for camping trips, emergency kits, and pantries.
• Easy to transport - Taking butter on camping trips or remote locations is difficult. The powder solves this problem.
• Always available - No need to worry about running out of butter for baking, even if you forgot to pick some up from the store. The powder acts as a reliable backup.

Key Takeaway: Butter powder has a similar flavor to real butter but keeps for years without refrigeration, making it perfect for cooking in remote locations or emergency situations.

Tips for Cooking with Butter Powder

While convenient, butter powder behaves a bit differently than regular butter during cooking. Here are some key tips:

• Use less liquid - Butter powders often call for equal parts powder to water. But this can make the end result too thin. Start with much less liquid instead, adding slowly until the desired consistency is reached.
• Don't over-mix - The emulsifiers can break down if overmixed, causing separation. Gently fold or whisk instead of beating vigorously.
• Add to dry first - When baking, add butter powder directly to the dry ingredients instead of creaming it first. This helps evenly distribute flavor.
• It won't melt - The powder tends to clump and burn rather than melting smoothly like butter. Grease pans with oil or shortening first instead.
• Boost flavor - On its own, butter powder has a mild flavor. Boost it by adding salt, sweeteners, or spices when reconstituting.

With some care taken during preparation, powdered butter can produce excellent results across both sweet and savory recipes.

Using Butter Powder in Baking

Butter powder shines when added to baked goods, from breads to cookies and more. The powder integrates seamlessly when added to other dry ingredients.

Be sure to add a bit of extra liquid to account for the powder needing hydration. Other than that, you can substitute in a 1:1 ratio for regular butter or oils.

Some examples of great baking uses include:

• Cakes, cupcakes, muffins
• Cookies, biscuits, scones
• Pie crusts and fillings
• Sweet breads and rolls
• Waffles, pancakes, crepes

For all these applications, first mix the butter powder directly in with the other dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, etc. Then add eggs, milk, or any other wet ingredients to the batter.

If the directions call for creaming butter and sugar first, beat the powder with the sugar before adding other ingredients. The end results may be slightly more dense or have a finer crumb texture. But the rich flavor will still come through beautifully.

Key Takeaway: Butter powder integrates seamlessly into baked goods for a rich flavor when added to dry ingredients. Adjust liquids to account for the extra hydration needed.

Making Savory Sauces and Gravies

While excellent for baking, one of the best uses for butter powder is making quick pan sauces, gravies, and savory mixes. The emulsifiers help incorporate liquids beautifully while providing a rich mouthfeel.

To make an easy pan sauce, start by deglazing a pan used to cook meats or veggies over high heat. Once the fond is lifted and liquid simmering, reduce heat and whisk in butter powder a bit at a time until fully incorporated. Thin with broth, wine, or other flavorful liquids as needed.

The same method can be used to produce smooth, delicious gravies. Simply whisk the powder into the hot cooking juices leftover from roasts or other meats. Let simmer until thickened. Adding herbs, spices, or pan drippings boosts flavor even further.

Beyond sauces, butter powder has many uses in savory cooking:

• Roux base for soups, gumbos
• Enriching mashed potatoes
• Mix-ins for stuffing and dressings
• Flavored butters for seafood
• Coating vegetables before roasting

With just a bit of butter powder, it’s easy to add richness and body to savory cooking creations. Experiment with adding it to pan sauces, gravies, soups, and more.

Reconstituting Butter for Spreads and Popcorn Topping

While ideal for cooking, some may also wish to use butter powder as a spread or topping. Reconstituting to a soft consistency makes this possible.

For a spreadable butter, start with 1 cup powder and 3-4 tablespoons water. Slowly whisk or beat together, adding tiny amounts of liquid until smooth and creamy. Chill afterwards so it can firm up. Flavor with sweeteners, herbs, spices, or zest.

The same method can be used to create easy stove-top popcorn topping. Simply reconstitute the powder with additional seasoning to drizzle over freshly popped corn. Sweet or savory versions work beautifully.

Here’s a handy table outlining butter powder ratios for common uses:

Add liquid slowly and adjust to the desired consistency for each application. More or less may be needed based on humidity and elevation.

FAQs

Is butter powder healthy?

Butter powder contains real butterfat, which is high in saturated fats. Enjoy in moderation as part of healthy eating plan. Powdered versions may be slightly lower in calories than regular butter.

What recipes work best with butter powder?

The powder works beautifully in baked goods, gravies, sauces, savory mixes, etc. Avoid recipes requiring melting butter or delicate textures. Stir-fries also don't work well due to clumping.

Can it be used for greasing pans or sautéing?

No - butter powder does not melt smoothly like regular butter. Use oils or other fats instead when pan lubrication is needed before or during cooking.

Does butter powder totally replace regular butter?

It can replicate butter in many instances with great flavor and convenience. However, the texture and melting points differ from pure butter. Expect somewhat different results depending on the recipe and preparation method.

What’s the best butter powder brand?

Quality can vary greatly between brands. Well-reviewed premium brands like Anthony's, Hoosier Hill Farm, and Augason Farms offer excellent flavor and performance. Avoid no-name discount brands.

Conclusion

With its rich dairy flavor and powdered convenience, butter powder is a handy staple for cooking in places where transporting perishables may be an issue.

Keep some on hand for camping trips, emergency kits, small spaces, or even everyday baking and cooking when you run out of the real stuff!