What Is Clarified Butter? A Complete Guide

Clarified butter, often referred to as ghee in various cuisines, is much more than just butter. By removing the milk solids and water, clarified butter transforms into a pure, golden buttery fat with a deep, nutty flavour and an impressive shelf life. Not only does it have a higher smoke point than regular butter, but it also offers versatility in both cooking and baking—especially in desserts where flavour and texture count the most.

Curious to add this gem to your baking arsenal? Here’s everything you need to know, including how to make it, where to use it, and tips on storing your leftovers.

Rye & Chocolate Shortbread Biscuits

How to Make Clarified Butter at Home
Making clarified butter is simpler than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you'll have a jar of liquid gold in no time!

 Ingredients

•  250 g (8 oz) of unsalted butter

 Instructions

1. Add the butter to a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low.
2. As the butter melts, you’ll notice the milk solids sinking to the bottom, while a foam forms on top.
3. Continue simmering gently until the butter turns a clear golden colour. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Skim the frothy foam off the surface with a spoon.
5. Carefully pour the golden butterfat into a clean jar, leaving the milk solids behind in the saucepan. Pro tip: Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to ensure a clean separation.

And just like that, you've made clarified butter!

Pistachio & Walnut Baklava with Milk Orange Marmalade Ice Cream

Desserts That Shine With Clarified Butter
With its nutty undertones and pure flavour, clarified butter works wonders in a variety of desserts. Here are a few delicious ways to use it:

•  Baklava  – Gives the delicate layers of filo pastry a luxurious flavour and golden, crisp texture.
•  Shortbread cookies  – Swap regular butter for clarified butter to enhance richness and crumbly perfection.
•  Butter-based tart crusts – Adds that extra depth to your tarts
•  Halva – A Middle Eastern sweet where clarified butter creates that luxurious melt-in-your-mouth experience.
  
  
  

Valrhona Dulcey, Vanilla & Chocolate Marble Cake

What Cakes Benefit from Clarified Butter?
Clarified butter isn’t just for pastries and sauces—it also works wonders in certain types of cakes. Thanks to its rich, nutty flavour and smooth texture, clarified butter can elevate cakes that require a delicate balance of moisture and structure. Here are a few examples of cakes that benefit from using clarified butter:

• Genoise Cake  – This classic sponge cake relies on aerated eggs for its structure. Clarified butter adds richness without weighing down the batter, maintaining the light, fluffy texture Genoise is known for.
•  Pound Cakes  – With their dense, buttery crumb, pound cakes shine when made with clarified butter. Its intense buttery flavour enhances the simplicity of these traditional recipes.
•  Madeleines  – These elegant French teacakes gain a deeper flavour and a beautifully tender texture with clarified butter. Perfect for dipping in tea or coffee!
•  Carrot Cakes  – Clarified butter enhances the warm spices in carrot cake, adding depth to the flavour while keeping the cake moist and decadent.
•  Butter Cakes  – When butter is the star, clarified butter ensures a pure, nutty flavour that complements every ingredient, from vanilla to chocolate.

Using clarified butter in these recipes doesn’t just enhance the flavour; it also improves texture by providing a smoother fat content and ensuring even baking.

Whether you're making a fruit-studded pound cake or dainty madeleines, swapping in clarified butter can be your secret weapon for unforgettable desserts. Add it to your baking toolbox and watch your cakes earn rave reviews!

Flavour Profile
Clarified butter has a richer, more intense flavour than regular butter. Its nutty and slightly caramel-like notes enhance sweet and savoury dishes alike. This intensified taste makes it a favourite among bakers, particularly when butter takes centre stage in dessert recipes.

Storage Tips for Leftover Clarified Butter
Here’s the good news—clarified butter has a remarkable shelf life when stored properly.

• Room Temperature: Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
• Refrigeration: Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 months. It may harden, so bring it to room temperature before use.
• Freezing: Have a bigger batch? Freeze it for up to 6 months in a sealed container. Thaw as needed.

With these simple storage methods, you’ll always have this buttery treasure on hand for your culinary adventures.

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