Most of us have come across one or two recipes that required the inclusion of butter extract. It features a tantalizing flavor that you just cannot resist. It also works great in recipes especially if you do not want to cook without adding to your waistline.
What happens when you have a recipe that requires butter extract but you do not have any? Well, is there a substitute for butter extract? The answer is simple. Yes, there is a substitute for butter extract if you need it.
There is more than one substitution for butter extract. In this guide, we will help you make your recipe just like you want it without affecting the results. Let’s take a look.
Understanding Butter Extract
Before we go any further, you must understand what you are dealing with. What is butter extract?
Butter flavored extract is made using real butter. It has the same taste as butter. You should think of butter extract as a concentrated solution that does not have any compounds, resins, or other alcohol-soluble oils.
It is an FDA requirement that extracts should have alcohol content higher than 35 percent to qualify as an extract.
This extract can be made using a range of ingredients that depend on the brand behind the extract. However, they normally contain some alcohol, water, extracts of milk, as well as a natural flavor. In most cases, pure butter extract is free of gluten, and sugar.
You can use butter extract to amplify the assortment of tantalizing recipes. It is most effective in low-calorie or low-fat recipes in which you cannot use real butter.
Some of the recipes that require butter extract include Norwegian Krumkake. It is considered to be a secret ingredient for people on a diet because it has all the flavor butter has without the fat.
Effective Substitutes for Butter Extract
Which butter-flavored extract substitute should you consider supposing that you do not have butter extract at your exposal? There are several options for you to consider.
Vanilla Extract
This extract is known to be a major ingredient in a couple of western desserts and some baked foods such as brownies, cookies, and cakes. It is also used widely in making puddings, ice creams, as well as custards.
Vanilla extract is normally produced by percolating and macerating vanilla pods in a water and ethanol solution. The flavor compound found in vanilla extract is vanillin.
You can use this butter extract alternative in a range of recipes but there is a limit.
You should not add the extract as a replacement when making bread unless it is dessert bread. The main reason behind this is that butter extract provides that cake batter flavor for the recipes. Even though vanilla extract would work, it would not give your recipe a better taste.
Either way, the best thing to do is try it out and see what happens.
You need to add a cup of milk to a drop of the extract to get an idea of the flavor and strength of the extract then make adjustments according to your preferences.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This is another butter flavoring replacement that we recommend. It has around 120 calories in each tablespoon.
If you are working on a recipe that requires around half a cup of butter, you can go for ¼ a cup and around 2 olive oil tablespoons.
This oil works perfectly as a glaze or a dip for pastries and bread.
Also, read: Olive Oil Brands to Stay Away From
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
You can use this specific coconut oil in place of the butter extract although it will depend on your recipe. The oil will give you characteristics almost similar to the versatile and unique nature of butter. Therefore, if you have a recipe that calls for around ½ a cup of butter, you can replace it with half a cup of the Viva naturals extra virgin coconut oil.
This oil is made using organic, fresh coconuts, which makes it a perfect choice for anyone who is avoiding gluten, paleo, or keto.
It is certified by the USDA as a non-GMO organic choice for different cooking purposes.
Real Butter
You might not have thought of this, but real butter will work perfectly as a substitute for butter extract. However, this is only a good choice if you are lactose intolerant.
Some of us are concerned that dairy intake might increase the level of cholesterol in our bodies. If you do not want anything to do with dairy product intake, you can go for some dairy-free options. However, you do not need to worry that intake of butter will mess up your health. The fact is that real dairy is better for your body.
Think of this option as a healthy option for you.
However, you need to know that adding butter as a replacement for butter extract might affect the food’s texture. Therefore, while you add butter, ensure that you adjust any other liquid that might be in your recipe.
How do you Use Butter Extract?
There are different ways of using butter extract to improve the overall flavor of your recipe. It provides your meal with a cake batter flavor that you will surely appreciate.
In case you are working on a cake batter recipe, you might require a bit of crispiness on the exterior with a rich and soft interior. You can choose to use the ingredients along with butter extract.
In case the butter needs both butter and the extract, you can avoid using real butter and instead compensate with more butter extract.
Since the extract works almost the same as butter, you will simply add the extract with the other ingredients in a bowl, and create your cookies after which you will bake for around 10 minutes. Do not add the extract to improve the waffle and pancake flavor.
Is butter extract the same as imitation butter?
Are you looking for a delicious, all-natural butter extract? Or, are you trying to find a healthy alternative to imitation butter? Either way, you may be wondering if butter extract is the same as imitation butter.
Here’s what you need to know: Butter extract is made from real butter, while imitation butter is made from vegetable oils. Butter extract contains all of the flavor compounds found in butter, while imitation butter only contains some of these compounds. Butter extract is more expensive than imitation butter. So, what’s the bottom line?
If you’re looking for the best taste and health benefits, go with butter extract. But if you’re on a budget, imitation butter will do in a pinch.
How to make your own butter extract
Have you ever wanted to make your own butter extract?
It’s actually quite easy to do, and it’s a great way to add some extra flavor to your baking. Butter extract is made by infusing butter with flavorings. The most common way to do this is to simmer butter in a saucepan with the desired flavors, then strain out the solids and allow the butter to cool. Y
ou can use any number of flavorings, but some of the most popular include vanilla, lemon, and orange. You can also experiment with other flavors, like chocolate, maple, or even coffee.
The key to making a good butter extract is to use high-quality butter and fresh, flavorful ingredients. If you use old, bland butter, your extract will be old and bland, too. Here’s how to make your own butter extract:
To make 1 cup of extract
1. Start with 1/2 cup of high-quality unsalted butter. The better the butter, the better the extract will be.
2. Add one cup of water and the butter into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
3. Add the vanilla extract and stir until combined.
4. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
5. Press all of the liquid out of the butter into a container. (Use Saptuala or a large spoon)
6. Add the liquid to a tightly sealed jar. (It will keep for several months)
Now that you know how to make your own butter extract, put it to good use in your baking. It’s a great way to add some extra flavor to cakes, cookies, and other sweets.
Conclusion
Most of us avoid calories but still want the amazing taste of butter. That is why a substitution for butter extract is important.
You can consider this extract as a product that provides you with great health with all the flavors.
For further reading:
- Can You Make Buttermilk With Almond Milk
- Substitutes for White Cranberry Juice
- Sunflower Butter Substitutes
Feel free to share your observations with me in the comments section!
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