Anjali Prasertong is a writer and public health dietitian focused on food systems, racial equity, and nutrition. Originally from Los Angeles, she has taught English in rural Japan, worked as a private chef in Malibu, and led an innovative city-funded corner store program in New Orleans that increased fresh food access in low-income neighborhoods. She was previously a contributing editor for The Kitchn, and currently lives in Denver with her husband and two kids.
updated May 2, 2019
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If you use your microwave to quickly soften butter for baking, you know that the difference between “perfectly soft” and “melty mess” is a matter of seconds. But before you grab a fresh stick to start over, check out America’s Test Kitchen’s great tip for reviving overly soft butter — all it takes is a couple minutes and a few ice cubes.
To save partially melted butter, place it in a bowl with a few ice cubes and stir. In less than a minute, the butter will quickly cool and solidify to the soft texture you are looking for. Simply remove the ice cubes and proceed with the recipe. (The small amount of water that has melted into the butter won’t affect the finished product.)
Keep in mind this method won’t work with completely melted butter, so if you are looking at a puddle at the bottom of the bowl, it’s best to save that butter for another use and start again with a fresh stick.
Do you have any tips or tricks for saving overly soft butter?
(Image: nastiakru/Shutterstock)
