Measuring ingredients accurately is an important part of baking and cooking. When a recipe calls for a specific measurement like 2/3 cup, you want to make sure you get as close as possible for the best results. Measuring butter can be tricky because of its soft and sticky texture. With some simple tools and techniques, you can accurately measure 2/3 cup of butter for your recipes.
What tools do I need to measure butter?
To properly measure butter, you will need:
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Kitchen scale (optional)
You’ll want a complete set of dry measuring cups, including 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup. A full set of measuring spoons is also useful for smaller amounts. A spatula will help you get all the butter smoothly out of the container. For the most accuracy, a kitchen scale can be used to weigh the butter, but cups work well too.
How to measure 2/3 cup butter using measuring cups
When using measuring cups, be sure to level off the butter so you have the exact amount needed. Follow these steps:
- Start with chilled, firmly packed butter. Soften it just enough so you can spoon it and level it off.
- Use a spoon to transfer chunks of butter into the 2/3 cup measuring cup. Press the butter firmly into the cup with the back of the spoon.
- Level off the top of the butter by running a straight edge like a butter knife or spatula across the top of the cup to make a flat, even surface.
- Check that you’ve filled the 2/3 cup exactly. Add or remove butter as needed before using.
- For recipes using melted butter like baked goods, you can melt the measured butter beforehand since the volume won’t change.
Packing the butter firmly into the cup and leveling it off avoids air pockets and gaps so you get just the right amount. Make sure to level with a straight edge, not your fingers. The warmth of your fingers can start melting the butter.
How to measure 2/3 cup butter by weight
For the most precision, you can use a kitchen scale to measure the butter by weight instead of volume. Use these steps:
- Make sure your scale is on a flat, steady surface and set to zero. Place your butter dish or wax paper on the scale.
- Measure out 5 1/3 ounces of butter. One cup of butter equals 8 ounces or 1 stick, so 2/3 cup equals 5 1/3 ounces.
- For ease, measure in grams. 160 grams of butter equals 2/3 cup.
Weighing the butter eliminates the need to level it off and provides exact precision. Just note that temperature affects butter’s weight slightly. For consistency, bring the butter to room temperature before weighing whenever possible.
Tips for measuring butter accurately
- Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator. Softened butter is difficult to measure accurately.
- Pack the butter firmly into the cup and level it off for true measurements.
- Use the right cup size like 1/3 cup or 2/3 cup rather than estimating.
- When creaming butter and sugar, measure the butter first then the sugar to avoid changing the butter’s volume.
- Weigh butter on a kitchen scale for the most precision.
- Adjust the amount slightly if your measured butter is off from what the recipe needs.
Following these best practices will help you consistently measure the right amount of butter needed for recipes.
What tools can I use if I don’t have measuring cups or a scale?
If you don’t have measuring cups at home, there are a few household items that can work to measure 2/3 cup butter:
- Kitchen spoon: Use a standard spoon like a tablespoon or serving spoon. 3 heaping spoons equals about 2/3 cup.
- Knife: Use a table knife to cut a stick of butter into 3 equal pieces. 2 pieces will be close to 2/3 cup.
- Jam jar or glasses: A typical 12-ounce jam jar or drinking glass holds around 1 1/2 cups. Fill it half to 2/3 full to estimate 2/3 cup.
While not as accurate as proper measuring tools, these handy household items can work in a pinch. The most important thing is to pack and level the butter as best as you can for an approximate measurement when you don’t have measuring cups.
Common butter measuring mistakes
When measuring any ingredient like butter, there are some common mistakes that can lead to baking fails. Be aware of these pitfalls:
- Not leveling off – Excess butter can throw off chemistry in baking recipes.
- Using volume instead of weight – Cup measurements aren’t as precise.
- Melting butter before measuring – Stick to cold, solid butter at room temperature.
- Using greased cups – Always measure in dry cups for accuracy.
- Measuring over mixing bowl – Leads to messy cups and wasted ingredients.
- Guesstimating amounts – Stick to proper measuring tools.
Being aware of these little mistakes can help you be more conscious about your measuring methods. Double check that you are leveling off butter neatly, keeping it chilled, and using dry measuring cups only.
Why does measuring butter accurately matter?
You may wonder why nitpicking over a tablespoon or two of butter makes a difference, but it can actually impact baking success. Here’s why precision is important:
- Chemistry – Recipes rely on the right ratios of ingredients like butter and flour.
- Texture – Too much or too little fat like butter can make baked goods dense or crumbly.
- Flavor – Butter provides richness, so too much can be overwhelming.
- Leavening – Butter coats flour proteins, impacting how cakes and breads rise.
- Moisture – Butter keeps baked goods tender and moist. Too little can dry them out.
An extra tablespoon of butter may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the final product. Accurately measuring ingredients like butter ensures recipes turn out as intended.
What are some common uses for a 2/3 cup butter measurement?
Here are some examples of recipes that may call for a 2/3 cup butter measurement:
- Cakes – Butter is creamed with sugar in recipes like yellow cake or carrot cake.
- Cookies – Butter is the main fat in most cookie doughs like chocolate chip and sugar cookies.
- Pastries – Croissants, biscuits, scones, and pie crusts rely on precise butter amounts.
- Frosting and fillings – Buttercreams and sweet spreads need enough butter for creamy texture.
- Sauces – Hollandaise and beurre blanc sauces emulsify butter into the liquid.
Knowing how to accurately measure 2/3 cup butter is useful any time you bake cookies, cakes, pastries, desserts, and more at home. Next time a recipe calls for it, you’ll know just how to measure it correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should butter be measured when cold or at room temperature?
For accuracy, butter should be measured when it is cold and firm but still pliable enough to level off. If the butter is melted or softened to room temperature, it will take up more volume in the cup. Chilled, solid butter is best for precise measuring.
Can I use measuring spoons instead of cups to measure butter?
Measuring spoons are not recommended for measuring larger amounts like 2/3 cup of butter. The butter won’t fit easily into the spoon, plus repeatedly filling and leveling multiple spoons introduces more room for error. Use measuring cups specifically designed for dry ingredients instead.
What is the best way to level off butter in a measuring cup?
The easiest way to level off butter is to use a straight edge tool like a butter knife, spatula, or straight side of another measuring cup. Run the straight edge across the top of the butter in the cup to create a flat, even surface. This gives you an exact measurement.
Why is it important to pack the butter firmly into the cup when measuring?
Packing the butter down eliminates extra air pockets that can skew the measurement. Be sure to pack the butter in the cup tightly with the back of a spoon or spatula. Then level it off for an accurate 2/3 cup amount.
How can I easily measure butter if I don’t have traditional measuring cups?
In a pinch, kitchen spoons, glasses, mugs or jars, and a knife can be used to approximate 2/3 cup butter. 3 heaping tablespoons equals about 2/3 cup. You can also cut a stick into thirds and use 2 pieces to estimate the amount.
Conclusion
Measuring butter precisely is a key skill for accurate baking. With the right tools and proper technique, you can confidently measure out 2/3 cup of butter anytime a recipe calls for it. Cold butter, sturdy measuring cups, a straight edge, and a bit of finesse are all you need. Taking care to correctly measure butter will set you up for baking success.
