Butter extract is used in cooking for the flavor. This article will provide you with a complete guide to butter extract including how to use it to improve your baking flavors.
What Is Butter Extract?
Butter extract is often assumed to be the same thing as vanilla extract. Butter extract is made from butter, but sometimes it is made from a blend of butter and vanilla.
It can be found in most grocery stores in both the baking section and the flavorings section. Some grocery chains only have it in their flavorings sections.
While they may look similar, real vanilla extract has a richer flavor than butter extract and is always made with vanilla beans.
What Is Butter Extract Used For?
Butter extract is often used in baking recipes for more flavor. It can be used to mimic the flavor of butter and give a rich, buttery taste to cookies, cakes, brownies, etc.
It can also be added to icings for a richer taste or used to make quick frosting recipes. Butter extract works well in most recipes that call for melted butter.
Is Butter Extract Vegan?
While it does not contain any animal products, butter extract is not vegan-friendly. It is made by extracting water from butter.
Butter extract contains milk proteins, so it cannot be considered vegan-friendly. If you are looking for a vegan alternative to use in place of butter extract, consider using soybean or sunflower oil.
You can also use melted coconut oil and add a few drops of almond or vanilla extract to give it a richer flavor.
What Can Be Substituted For Butter Extract?
While butter extract is made from butter, it does not contain the lactose found in real butter.
Therefore, there are many alternative ingredients that can be used in its place. These include olive oil, corn oil, canola oil, coconut oil, soybean oil or sunflower oil.
How To Make Butter Extract
You can make your own butter extract by adding water to butter and straining it out. To make 1 cup of extract, you will need 1/2 pound of unsalted butter and 1 cup of water. Put the butter and water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and allow it to cool. Use a large spoon or spatula to press all of the liquid out of the butter into a container. After a few squeezes, you will see that there is now water in the butter and it has taken on a yellowish color. Add the liquid to a jar and keep it tightly sealed in the refrigerator. Your homemade extract should last for 6 weeks.
How To Cook With Butter Extract
Butter extract is used most often in baking, but it can be used to add flavor to other dishes.
Instead of using margarine or oil when sautéing vegetables, try adding butter extract instead.
Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of extract to a dish that is already cooked. Or, add it to the cooking oil before you start cooking and let it simmer for 20 minutes before adding the other ingredients.
Is butter extract the same as butter flavoring?
No, butter flavoring and butter extract are not the same thing. Butter flavoring is a liquid flavor that is used in baking as a substitute for butter. The primary ingredient found in this product is water, which is why it actually has a lower fat content than butter. This liquid product is used because butter has a relatively high fat content, and it will melt into baked goods.
Where can I buy butter extract?
You can find butter extract in most grocery stores. It is typically located in the baking aisle. You may find that some grocery stores only sell it in the flavorings section, so be sure to check there first. It is usually sold for around $4 for a 16-ounce container.
Does butter extract go bad?
Yes, butter extract does go bad after a few months. If you have a small container and you are not expecting to use it for more than a few months, you can freeze it.
Does butter extract contain dairy?
Yes, most butter extract contains dairy. Some butter extract does not contain dairy, but it is often labeled as “non-dairy butter flavoring.”
Conclusion
Butter extract is a great product used to give baked goods the rich flavor of butter. It can be found in most grocery stores and is relatively cheap. You can use it in cooking and baking recipes as you would any other flavoring.