The Best Butter for Baking!

What is the best butter for baking?

Not all butter is made equally and when it comes to baking the kind of butter used can make a difference in how well the treat comes out. 

So let’s talk about it!

To salt or NOT To Salt?!

First and foremost, one of the main questions I had when I started baking and continue to see online when it comes to baking is the debate between unsalted versus salted butter.

Personally, this baker always prefers to use salted butter and in fact never even buys unsalted butter even though most recipes call for it. So why is that?

Turns out, that in terms of production, there are no regulations on the salt content for “salted butter” and as a result, bakers will opt for the unsalted so that they can add exactly what they want to their baking. As someone who loves to balance my sweet treats, I always opt for salted butter and as I often bake in bulk, I have taken to buying the two-pack boxes from Kroger.

For personal bakes or just to add some love into a dish or plate, I love the Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter which we have started getting from Costco but can be found in local grocery stores as well. What makes this butter so delicious? Well, all butter is not made equally: fat content, water, sweet cream, grass-fed or whether or not it is cultured has an impact on its flavor and how well it bakes. 

The difference between American and European butter?

It is not about sourcing, but rather the fat content from each style. While American butter typically has about an 80% butterfat content, European butters can have 82% to 90% butterfat and this can add to the richness of that butter flavor.

Can you bake with cultured butter?

Yes! Cultured butter is made from pasteurized cream which is exposed to live cultures (hence the name) and this often yields a thicker, more tangy taste.

So… which butter is best for baking??

I would highly recommend a salted, European style butter for bakes. Again, I love the Kerrygold butter with its Willy Wonka golden ticket packaging and ultra deliciousness, especially for bakes where the butter flavor really matters such as shortbread cookies and even in caramel!
While baking is a science, it is always important that your personal preferences have a place in your bakes too! Play around with different butters in a recipe you already are familiar with and see which outcome you like best! After all it isn’t for sale, it’s your hobby!