We’ve all had that experience where you are going to make a recipe that calls for softened butter and the butter is sitting in the fridge, hard as a rock. I almost never remember to pull my butter out of the fridge with enough time for it to soften on the counter. So if you’re anything like me, here are a couple of quick and easy ways to soften your cold butter.
The Traditional Way
Probably the best way to soften your butter evenly without melting it is to place it out on the counter. This can take 30 minutes to an hour. You can speed this process up by cutting your butter into 1″ cubes. This method works well if you have time to wait for your butter to soften.
In the Microwave
One really quick way to soften your butter is to microwave it. I typically microwave for 5-10 seconds at a time and rotate the butter onto different sides for even heating. You can microwave the butter in its wrapper if it is in a paper wrapper. However, if your butter is in a metal wrapper, you will need to remove the wrapper and place the butter on a plate. Be very careful with this method that you don’t melt your butter as you want soft butter, but you don’t want melted butter.
Hot Glass “Hack”
Another kitchen “hack” is to soften butter using a hot drinking glass.
- Boil water.
- Pour the water into a drinking glass (it must actually be made of glass).
- Pour the water out and place the glass over a stick of butter resting vertically.
- Leave for about 15 minutes until softened.
Hot Water Method
Another way is using radiant heat from heating water in your microwave.
- Cut butter into 1″ cubes and place on a heat-proof plate.
- Microwave 2 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl or cup for 2 minutes or until very hot.
- Quickly remove the water (be careful not to burn yourself) and place the butter into the microwave.
- Leave the butter in the warm microwave for about 10 minutes.
Make sure the butter is spread out in the bowl or on the plate, so there is space for the butter to be exposed to heat.
Now that your butter is soft, try making my Best Banana Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting. Happy Baking!
