Are you looking for a unique and delightful homemade treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This butter candle recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's the perfect quick dinner idea or a comforting dessert to share. Forget complicated baking; this recipe is all about simple ingredients transformed into a delicious dish. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this incredibly satisfying and flavorful butter candle.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your butter candle bakes beautifully and releases easily.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily achieved using an electric mixer, but a good old-fashioned whisk will work too if you're feeling strong!
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to mix well after each addition to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough final product.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the butter candle cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Slice and serve!
Tips for the Best Butter Candle:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming. If it's too cold, the mixture will be lumpy.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough butter candle. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the butter candle is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allowing the butter candle to cool completely ensures it will slice cleanly and hold its shape.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment! Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of cinnamon.
- Citrus Twist: Incorporate the zest of a lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Glaze it Up: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the cooled butter candle.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your loaf and the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, a slice of butter candle contains roughly 250-300 calories, with a moderate amount of fat and sugar.
This simple yet delicious butter candle recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your family and friends. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking! This recipe makes a wonderful addition to your collection of best recipes and is a fantastic choice for quick dinner ideas or a special treat. Enjoy!