Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in baking?

Question

See if you can substitute salted for unsalted butter and how it affects flavor and salt levels.

Answer 1

You can generally use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in baking, but you'll need to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty result.

Detailed Explanation:

Unsalted butter is typically preferred in baking because it gives the baker precise control over the salt content of the final product. However, if salted butter is all you have, you can absolutely use it with a small adjustment:

• Salt Content Variation: The amount of salt in salted butter varies by brand, but generally, one stick (1/2 cup or 113g) of salted butter contains about 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
• Adjustment Rule: If your recipe calls for unsalted butter and also calls for added salt, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by 1/4 teaspoon for every 1/2 cup (1 stick) of salted butter you use.
• Taste Test: For very delicate recipes or if you're unsure, you might want to taste a tiny bit of the batter before baking (if it's safe to do so) to gauge the saltiness.
• When to Avoid: For recipes where the precise balance of salt is extremely critical, or for very sensitive items like delicate pastries or highly refined cakes, using unsalted butter is always the safer bet.

For most everyday baking like cookies, muffins, and standard cakes, adjusting the salt will yield good results.

Pro Tip:

If you use salted butter, ensure it's fresh. Salted butter can often sit on grocery shelves longer due to salt acting as a preservative, so always check the expiry date.