Substituting Unsalted Butter For Salted: How To Swap Them In Recipes (2024)

by Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · Leave a Comment

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Substituting unsalted butter for salted (and vice versa) can be helpful depending on what your recipe calls for and what is in the fridge! I'm going to show you some simple conversions to help your use them interchangeably! Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know!

Using Salted & Unsalted Butter

Butter is used in a ton of different recipes all the way from baking to cooking. You may have noticed at the store that there are two distinct kinds: salted and unsalted. In fact, some recipes just ask for butter, while some specifically request salted or unsalted butter.

Of course, you may only have unsalted butter on hand and don't want to run to the store for some salted butter (or the opposite). Don't worry, I'm going to show you a quick and simple way to swap them out!

Substituting Unsalted Butter For Salted: How To Swap Them In Recipes (1)
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  • What's The Difference
  • Swapping Butters
  • Unsalted To Salted Chart
  • Salted To Unsalted Chart
  • 📖 More Baking Guides
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Reviews

What's The Difference

Obviously, the difference between salted and unsalted butter is, of course, salt. Some recipes call for salted and some require unsalted, but do you know why?

Many bakers prefer to have unsalted butter on hand as it gives them complete control over the amount of salt that goes into the dish (which can make a major difference in desserts and other baked goods).

In fact, the exact amount of salt in butter can vary among brands, making it hard to replicate recipes exactly if you aren't consistently using the same brand of butter.

Salted butter, on the other hand, can last much longer in the fridge which makes it more convenient.

If you want to know more about the differences between these two kinds of butter, I have an entire post dedicated to salted vs unsalted butter! Check it out!

Swapping Butters

As a general guideline, for every half cup (or 1 stick) you have of unsalted butter, simply add in ¼ teaspoon of salt for the salted butter equivalence!

If working backward, and you only have salted butter on hand but the recipe calls for unsalted, simply reduce the extra salt added to the dish by ¼ teaspoon per every half cup. It's really that easy!

Unsalted To Salted Chart

Unsalted ButterSalted Butter
¼ cup (½ stick)Add ⅛ teaspoon of salt
½ cup (1 stick)Add ¼ teaspoon of salt
¾ cup (1½ sticks)Add ⅜ teaspoon of salt
1 cup (2 sticks)Add ½ teaspoon of salt

Salted To Unsalted Chart

Salted ButterUnsalted Butter
¼ cup (½ stick)Reduce ⅛ teaspoon of salt from the recipe
½ cup (1 stick)Reduce ¼ teaspoon of salt from the recipe
¾ cup (1½ sticks)Reduce ⅜ teaspoon of salt from the recipe
1 cup (2 sticks)Reduce ½ teaspoon of salt from the recipe

Now you know how to substitute unsalted butter for salted! Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think!

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Substituting Unsalted Butter For Salted: How To Swap Them In Recipes (2)

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Substituting Unsalted Butter for Salted Butter: Homemade Powdered Milk Butter

Substituting unsalted butter for salted (and vice versa) can be helpful depending on what your recipe calls for and what is in the fridge! I'm going to show you some simple conversions to help your use them interchangeably! Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know!

Author | Angela

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 78kcal

Prep 5 minutes minutes

Cooking 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

  • ¾ cup powdered milk (whole, not non-fat)
  • cup water
  • ¼ cup oil (olive, avocado, coconut, etc)
  • 1 pinch salt (optional for salted butter)
  • yellow food coloring (optional)
  • butter flavoring (optional)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions

  • In your food processor (or mason jar) add powdered milk, water, oil, and salt, if using. Also, add in the optional butter flavoring and food coloring, adjusting it to taste.

  • Blend (or shake), making sure to check occasionally to test the consistency. It will take a few minutes- you want it to be thick and creamy.

  • Once the butter has reached your desired consistency (*see note), it can be served immediately. Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • You have to use whole fat powdered milk (Nido brand). If you use a non-fat variety, it will not have a very good flavor.
  • This butter will not be quite as thick as typical butter, but it will be super creamy and easier to spread!
  • Once the butter spends some time in the fridge, it will firm up considerably.
  • The yellow food coloring and butter flavoring are not necessary- your butter will still be delicious without them! It is all personal preference.
  • To store: Put your butter into an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 78kcal (4%) | Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) | Protein: 2g (4%) | Fat: 7g (11%) | Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg (3%) | Sodium: 33mg (1%) | Potassium: 106mg (3%) | Sugar: 3g (3%) | Vitamin A: 75IU (2%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 73mg (7%) | Iron: 0.04mg

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

DIY butter, how to make butter, how to swap salted and unsalted butter, salted to unsalted butter conversions, substituting unsalted butter for salted butter

Course Condiments, Substitutions

Cuisine American

Substituting Unsalted Butter For Salted: How To Swap Them In Recipes (3)

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

bakeitwithlove.com/about/

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