Why You Should Keep Butter Powder in Your Pantry

Butter powder is a game-changing pantry staple that extends the shelf life of butter. Versatile and easy to use in everything from baked goods to sauces and spice mixes, this shelf-stable ingredient will transform your cooking routine. Discover the basics of butter powder, including its common applications and how to make it yourself.

What Exactly Is Butter Powder?

Butter powder is simply dehydrated butter that has been ground into a fine, powdery texture. It’s produced through a process called spray drying, where liquid butter is sprayed into a hot chamber to remove moisture.

This process eliminates the moisture, leaving behind a fine powder that can easily be rehydrated with water or other liquids.

Powdered butter is known for its long shelf life, making it a perfect companion for outdoor adventures like camping and hiking, as well as a reliable option for emergency food storage. It's also an ideal solution for home cooks who want the rich, buttery flavor without the need to store a stick of butter.

How to Incorporate Butter Powder into Your Recipes

Butter powder can be seamlessly added to a wide range of dishes, from baked goods to savory meals. Here are some popular ways to use it:

Baked Goods - Substitute powdered butter for regular butter in recipes for cakes, cookies, and breads. Mix it with other dry ingredients for a more consistent texture.

Emergency Food Storage - Due to its long shelf life, powdered butter is a go-to ingredient for emergency food supplies. It can be easily rehydrated with water or other liquids during times of need, such as after a natural disaster.

Sauces and Gravies - Add a rich, creamy taste to your sauces and gravies by incorporating powdered butter. Simply whisk it into liquids like milk or broth until it forms a smooth, velvety sauce.

Seasoning - Use powdered butter as a flavorful seasoning for vegetables, meats, popcorn, and more. Sprinkle it over your food either before cooking or right before serving for a buttery kick.

How to Create Butter Powder at Home

Though you can easily find butter powder in specialty stores or online, it's also simple to make it yourself at home. Here’s a straightforward recipe to help you get started:

Ingredients:

1 cup of unsalted butter

1 cup of nonfat dry milk powder

Instructions:

Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat.

Transfer the melted butter into a blender or food processor.

Add the nonfat dry milk powder to the blender and blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Spread the blended mixture onto a baking sheet and let it dry for several hours, stirring occasionally to break up any clumps that form.

Once fully dried, transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and pulse until it turns into a fine powder.

Store the butter powder in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place.

How to Keep Butter Powder Fresh

To preserve butter powder, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry location, away from any moisture to avoid clumping or spoilage. When kept under the right conditions, powdered butter can stay fresh for up to a year.