The Secret to Perfect Baked Goods: Cultured Butter
If you’re a baking enthusiast, you probably already know the importance of using quality ingredients. One ingredient that often gets overlooked, however, is butter. While most of us might reach for whatever’s on sale at the grocery store, using high-quality cultured butter can make a world of difference in your baked goods. Here’s why:
What is Cultured Butter?
Cultured butter is butter made from cream that has been inoculated with healthy bacteria. This process gives the butter a tangy, slightly sour flavor that’s often described as “cheesy” or “nutty.” This flavor comes from the lactic acid produced by the bacteria as they break down the cream.
The Benefits of Using Cultured Butter in Baking
Using cultured butter in your baking can have a number of benefits. For one, the tangy flavor can add another layer of complexity to your baked goods, making them more interesting and flavorful. Additionally, the higher fat content in cultured butter (ideally around 82%) means that it has a lower water content compared to regular butter. This can make a big difference when baking, as it creates flakier, more tender pastries and cakes.
But that’s not all. Cultured butter also contains more buttermilk solids than regular butter, which gives it a richer, creamier texture. This can make your baked goods taste more luxurious and indulgent, even if you’re not using any other fancy ingredients.
Where to Find Cultured Butter
While some specialty stores carry cultured butter, you may have trouble finding it at your local grocery store. If that’s the case, don’t worry – you can easily make your own cultured butter at home. All you need is heavy cream, a starter culture (such as yogurt), and a bit of time.
To make your own cultured butter, simply mix the starter culture into the cream and let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Once the cream has thickened and become slightly sour, whip it until it separates into butter and buttermilk. Strain off the buttermilk and use it to make pancakes or biscuits, and store the butter in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
When to Use Cultured Butter
While cultured butter can be used in any recipe that calls for regular butter, there are some baked goods where it really shines. For example, it’s perfect for making flaky croissants, buttery brioche, or rich pound cake. It can also be used to add a special twist to more everyday treats, like chocolate chip cookies or banana bread.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to take your baking to the next level, consider using cultured butter. Its tangy flavor, rich texture, and high fat content make it the perfect ingredient for creating perfect pastry and other baked goods. Whether you buy it at the store or make it yourself, once you try using cultured butter in your baking, you may never go back to regular butter again.
