How Many Tablespoons Is 1/3 Cup of Butter? A Baker’s Essential Guide
This article provides a definitive answer to a common kitchen question: 1/3 cup of butter is equivalent to 5 and 1/3 tablespoons, or more practically, 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon. This simple conversion is crucial for accurate baking and cooking.
Why Accurate Butter Measurement Matters
Precision is paramount in baking. Unlike some savory dishes where a little extra or less of an ingredient is forgiving, baking relies on specific ratios to ensure the proper chemical reactions occur, resulting in the desired texture and taste. Butter, in particular, plays a critical role in:
- Texture: Butter adds richness and tenderness, creating a flaky or moist crumb depending on how it’s incorporated.
- Flavor: Butter contributes a distinct flavor that enhances the overall profile of baked goods.
- Structure: In some recipes, butter helps to create structure by trapping air or binding ingredients together.
Inaccurate butter measurement can lead to:
- Dry or crumbly cakes and cookies
- Tough or greasy pastries
- Incorrect spread during baking
- Disappointing overall results
Therefore, understanding how to accurately measure butter, including converting cups to tablespoons, is essential for consistent and successful baking.
Practical Methods for Measuring Butter
There are several convenient methods for measuring butter, each with its own advantages:
- Stick Method: Many butter brands in the US and some other countries are sold in sticks with tablespoon markings printed directly on the wrapper. This makes it incredibly easy to cut off the exact amount needed. Look for markings indicating tablespoons.
- Dry Measuring Cups: Pack the butter firmly into a dry measuring cup (1/3 cup size). Ensure there are no air pockets for an accurate measurement. Level off the top with a straight edge.
- Kitchen Scale: The most precise method is to use a kitchen scale. 1/3 cup of butter weighs approximately 75 grams or 2.6 ounces.
- Water Displacement Method: This works well for cold butter. Fill a liquid measuring cup with cold water. To measure 1/3 cup (or 75 grams) of butter, add butter until the water level rises by 1/3 cup (or 75 ml).
Understanding the Conversion: Cups to Tablespoons
The basic conversion factor is: 1 cup = 16 tablespoons. From this, we can derive the following:
- 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
- 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
- 1/8 cup = 2 tablespoons
Therefore, 1/3 cup can be calculated as follows:
(16 tablespoons / cup) * (1/3 cup) = 5.33 tablespoons
Since it’s difficult to measure precisely 0.33 of a tablespoon, it’s best approximated as 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon. (Since 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring butter seems straightforward, but several common mistakes can lead to inaccurate results:
- Using softened butter with the stick method: Softened butter is more pliable and can compress, leading to less butter per measured tablespoon. It’s best to measure butter when cold and firm.
- Not leveling off dry measuring cups: Overpacking or underpacking the cup significantly impacts the accuracy.
- Using liquid measuring cups for solid butter: Liquid measuring cups are designed for measuring volume, not density. Packing butter into a liquid measuring cup will result in inaccurate measurements.
- Assuming all butter sticks are the same size: While most US butter sticks are standardized, always check the packaging to confirm the size and tablespoon markings.
Quick Reference Table
| Measurement | Tablespoons | Grams (approx.) | Ounces (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup (2 tbsp) | 2 | 28 | 1 |
| 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) | 4 | 57 | 2 |
| 1/3 cup (5 1/3 tbsp) | 5.33 | 75 | 2.6 |
| 1/2 cup (8 tbsp) | 8 | 113 | 4 |
| 1 cup (16 tbsp) | 16 | 227 | 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a difference between measuring salted and unsalted butter?
No, there’s no significant difference in volume or weight between salted and unsalted butter. The salt content does not affect the measurement. However, remember to adjust the amount of salt in your recipe accordingly.
What’s the best way to soften butter for baking?
The best way to soften butter is to leave it at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can easily melt the butter unevenly. Aim for butter that is pliable but still holds its shape. Correctly softened butter is crucial for proper creaming with sugar.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Margarine can be substituted for butter in some recipes, but it will affect the flavor and texture. Margarine typically contains more water than butter, which can result in a less rich and flavorful product. Consider using a high-quality margarine with a similar fat content to butter for the best results.
How do I measure melted butter?
Measuring melted butter is slightly different. Melt the butter completely, then let it cool slightly before measuring. Pour the melted butter into a liquid measuring cup and measure to the desired amount. Avoid measuring hot butter, as it can expand and lead to inaccuracies.
What if my butter sticks don’t have tablespoon markings?
If your butter sticks don’t have tablespoon markings, use the dry measuring cup or kitchen scale method for the most accurate results. Refer to the conversion table above to convert cups to tablespoons.
Can I double or triple a recipe that uses 1/3 cup of butter?
Yes, you can double or triple a recipe. Simply multiply the amount of butter required (1/3 cup) by the desired scaling factor. For example, doubling the recipe would require 2/3 cup of butter (which is equivalent to 10 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons).
What’s the difference between measuring butter by volume and by weight?
Measuring by weight is generally more accurate than measuring by volume. This is because volume can be affected by factors such as packing and air pockets. Using a kitchen scale ensures a consistent and precise measurement every time.
How do I store leftover butter?
Store leftover butter in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Butter can also be frozen for longer storage. Properly stored butter can last for several weeks in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer.
My recipe calls for “cold butter.” What does that mean?
“Cold butter” means that the butter should be firm and straight from the refrigerator. Cold butter is often used in recipes where a flaky texture is desired, such as pie crusts and biscuits. The cold butter helps to create layers of fat that separate during baking, resulting in a flaky texture.
What does “creaming butter and sugar” mean?
Creaming butter and sugar involves beating the two ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a light and airy texture in the final product. Proper creaming is essential for many cake and cookie recipes.
How can I prevent my butter from browning too quickly in the oven?
If your butter is browning too quickly in the oven, try lowering the oven temperature slightly or tenting the baking dish with aluminum foil. You can also use clarified butter or ghee, which have a higher smoke point than regular butter. Browning butter adds flavor, but burning it does not.
Is European-style butter the same as American butter for measuring purposes?
While European-style butter typically has a higher fat content and lower water content than American butter, the volume remains the same for measuring purposes. 1/3 cup of European-style butter is still equivalent to 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon. However, the higher fat content can affect the final texture and flavor of your baked goods.