In this brief article, we will answer the question, “Can you substitute butter-flavored shortening for butter?” and provide information on the difference between butter and butter-flavored shortening as well as how pies and cakes that are prepared from both of them taste.
Can you substitute butter-flavored shortening for butter?
Yes, you can substitute butter-flavored shortening for butter. This can be particularly used for baking purposes.
However, baked goods taste good when they are made with butter. Foods prepared from shortening has slightly lesser flavor.
For instance, cookies made with butter tend to be more crispy. Cookies made with shortening do not have the required amount of crispness but rise higher during baking. Cookies prepared from shortening are chewy and are able to hold shape better.
What is the difference between butter and butter-flavored shortening?
The main difference between butter and butter-flavored shortening is that butter is prepared from 80 percent of butterfat and 20 percent of water whereas butter-flavored shortening is prepared from additives to give it a buttery flavor.
Besides, it can be prepared from 100 percent vegetable oil. Butter-flavored shortening might not contain as much water content as butter.
Why is butter-flavored shortening used?
People who do not have butter at home can use butter-flavored shortening to prepare baked goods. Apart from this, butter-flavored shortening tends to raise the baked products and makes them slightly fluffier.
They also tend to trap air bubbles and also has an increased melting point. The texture of the butter-flavored shortening can be softer.
How does pie made with butter and butter-flavored shortening taste?
The pie crust tends to be flaky when it is prepared from butter. It also tends to have a richer texture and flavor.
On the other hand, butter-flavored shortening can give a firmer texture to pie crust. This is because vegetable oil has a higher melting point which allows it to withstand higher temperatures for a longer time.
This means that the pie crust can be kept for a longer time in the oven. Once the shortening begins to melt, there can be flaky pie crust obtained. However, the flavor might not be as good as butter.
How do cakes made with butter and butter-flavored shortening taste?
Taste can be a significant difference between foods prepared from butter or butter-flavored shortening. Cakes prepared from butter can be soft and tasty.
Creaming the butter can make the cakes fluffier and light. The ones made with shortening tend to raise more and hold their shape and texture more.
How to use butter instead of butter-flavored shortening?
The ratio for using butter instead of butter-flavored shortening is 1:1. However, if you do not have butter at home and instead use shortening, then the substitution can differ a bit.
If your recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, use 1 cup of butter-flavored shortening and ¼ tsp of salt which is optional.
In the case of ½ cup of butter, use ½ cup of shortening with ⅛ tsp salt. In the case of ¼ cup butter, use ¼ cup shortening with a pinch of salt. The ratios can differ based on the brand of butter-flavored shortening.
What are some ingredients added to prepare butter-flavored shortening?
Butter-flavored shortening can be prepared using hydrogenated vegetable oil, palm oil, citric acid, mono, and diglycerides. For giving a buttery color and texture, artificial and natural flavorings along with beta carotene can be added.
What are some butter-flavored shortenings available in the market?
- Crisco is a popular butter-flavored shortening that is available. If you wish to substitute Crisco butter-flavored shortening for 1 cup of butter, mix 1 cup of Crisco shortening with 2 tbsp water.
Crisco butter-flavored shortening has 50 percent of less fat and can be good for baking or shallow frying. Crisco also sells butter-flavored shortening in the form of sticks.
- Nutiva is a coconut oil-based shortening with a buttery flavor. Some of the ingredients used to prepare this product include pressed coconut oil, natural flavors, and anatto extract (to replicate the color of butter).
It can be used to saute or stir-fry goods. Apart from this, it can be added to popcorn to give them a buttery feel. It does not contain dairy making this suitable for vegans. It can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees.
- Milkdamia is a buttery spread prepared with coconut oil and macadamia nuts. It has a buttery flavor with slight nutty tones. It comes in both salted and unsalted versions.
- Forager buttery spread is prepared from cashews, sunflower oil, and lecithin. It has a slight milky taste.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “Can you substitute butter-flavored shortening for butter?” and provided information on the difference between butter and butter-flavored shortening as well as how pies and cakes that are prepared from both of them taste.
Reference
https://www.landolakes.com/expert-advice/butter-vs-shortening-in-baking/
