How Much Is 2/3 Cup of Butter on a Stick?
The answer to this common baking conundrum is approximately 10 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons, or 5.33 ounces, assuming a standard stick of butter contains 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons or 4 ounces). Therefore, you’ll need slightly more than one stick to reach the desired amount.
Understanding Butter Measurements: A Baker’s Primer
Butter, that golden cornerstone of countless recipes, often presents a measurement challenge. Recipes commonly call for butter by volume (cups) while butter is frequently sold and used by weight (ounces or grams) or by stick. This discrepancy can lead to inaccurate measurements and, consequently, less-than-perfect results in the kitchen. Let’s unravel the mystery of butter measurements, focusing specifically on how to reliably measure 2/3 cup from a stick.
Decoding the Standard Butter Stick
In the United States, butter is most often sold in sticks, typically packaged four to a box. Each stick is standardized to contain 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) or 4 ounces (approximately 113 grams). This convenient format makes measuring butter relatively straightforward. However, variations in butter stick weight do exist, especially if purchasing butter from overseas. Always check the packaging!
Calculating 2/3 Cup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting the correct amount of butter is essential for many baking applications. Here’s how to get precisely 2/3 cup from sticks of butter:
- Step 1: Identify the Standard Stick: Ensure your butter sticks are the standard US size of 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons or 4 ounces). Check the wrapper for confirmation.
- Step 2: Calculate the Required Tablespoons: Since 1/2 cup equals 8 tablespoons, and we need 2/3 cup, calculate: (2/3) * (1/2 cup) = 1/3 cup. Since 1 cup contains 16 tablespoons, 1/3 cup equals (1/3)*16 tablespoons = 5.33 tablespoons (approximately 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon).
- Step 3: Measure and Cut: Take one standard stick of butter, that contains 8 tablespoons, cut off 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon. This is about 66% of the total stick. Alternatively, if you are comfortable with weighing, then measure approximately 5.33 ounces or 150 grams of butter.
- Step 4: Optional – Melt and Measure: For incredibly precise measuring, you can melt the butter and measure 1/3 cup using a liquid measuring cup. But remember, melting can change the texture of the butter in some recipes, so refer to recipe instructions carefully.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Accurate butter measurement isn’t always intuitive. Here are some potential pitfalls and solutions:
- Mistake 1: Assuming All Butter Sticks Are the Same: Butter packaging and stick weight can vary by brand and country. Always check the label.
- Mistake 2: Eyeballing Measurements: Estimating by eye can be wildly inaccurate. Use a ruler or measuring cup for precise cuts.
- Mistake 3: Using Inaccurate Measuring Tools: Ensure your measuring cups and spoons are calibrated correctly. Avoid flimsy plastic or bent metal spoons.
- Mistake 4: Pack Butter Tightly: When measuring melted butter, pour directly into a liquid measuring cup. Do not pack melted butter! This will lead to inaccurate volume measurements.
Butter Measurement Conversion Chart
| Measurement | Tablespoons | Ounces | Grams (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Cup | 4 | 2 | 57 |
| 1/3 Cup | 5.33 | 2.67 | 75 |
| 1/2 Cup (1 Stick) | 8 | 4 | 113 |
| 2/3 Cup | 10.66 | 5.33 | 150 |
| 3/4 Cup | 12 | 6 | 170 |
| 1 Cup | 16 | 8 | 227 |
The Importance of Accurate Butter Measurements in Baking
Butter plays a critical role in the texture and flavor of baked goods. Too little butter can lead to a dry, crumbly result, while too much can make items greasy and dense. Accurate measurement ensures that your baked goods achieve the desired outcome, be it a flaky pie crust, a moist cake, or perfectly tender cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if my butter stick is not labeled with ounces or tablespoons?
If your butter stick isn’t clearly labeled, you can use a ruler. A standard US butter stick is approximately 3.17 inches long (8 cm). Measure the length and divide it proportionally to determine the equivalent of 2/3 cup.
Can I use salted or unsalted butter when a recipe calls for 2/3 cup?
The choice between salted and unsalted butter often depends on the recipe and your personal preference. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall salt level, especially in baking. Many chefs prefer unsalted butter for this reason. Salted butter can be used, but you might want to reduce the amount of salt you add separately to the recipe.
Does the temperature of the butter affect the accuracy of the measurement?
Yes, the temperature does matter. Softened butter, which is called for in many recipes, is easier to measure accurately. Hard butter is difficult to cut cleanly, leading to imprecise measurements. Melted butter occupies a different volume than solid butter, so be sure to follow the recipe’s specifications carefully.
How do I soften butter quickly?
There are several ways to soften butter quickly: you can microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds), cut it into smaller pieces and let it sit at room temperature, or grate it with a cheese grater. Be careful not to melt it!
Is there a substitute for butter in baking?
While butter offers a unique flavor and texture, substitutes like shortening, margarine, and oil can be used in some recipes. However, the results may differ, so consider the specific requirements of the recipe.
What is European-style butter, and how does it differ in measurement?
European-style butter typically has a higher butterfat content than American butter, which affects its texture and flavor. The sticks themselves may be a different size or weight, so check the packaging carefully.
Can I use a kitchen scale to measure butter instead of cups?
Absolutely! Using a kitchen scale is the most accurate method for measuring butter. Refer to the conversion chart above for the appropriate weight in ounces or grams.
Why does the stick of butter sometimes crumble when I try to cut it?
This usually happens when the butter is too cold. Let it warm up slightly before cutting. Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water can also help to create clean cuts.
What happens if I accidentally add too much butter to a recipe?
Adding too much butter can result in a greasy or dense final product. In baking, it can cause cookies to spread too thin or cakes to be overly moist. Try to adjust other ingredient proportions accordingly, but it may be best to start over to ensure optimal results.
How should I store butter to keep it fresh?
Butter should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped to prevent it from absorbing odors. You can also freeze butter for several months. Always keep the original wrapper intact when storing butter.
Is there a difference between measuring cold butter and measuring melted butter?
Yes. Cold butter has a different density than melted butter, and thus a different volume. Melted butter often takes up less space than an equivalent amount of solid butter.
What is the best way to measure 2/3 cup of butter for a recipe that requires it cold?
The best way is to cut a section off of a stick of butter based on the guides on the packaging, or by measuring with a ruler. Remember to measure it at the correct point on the stick and make sure your knife is sharp and clean.