How to Use a Ceramic Butter Mold

Butter molds are used to decorate and shape butter.

Butter molds are containers that mold butter into different shapes and designs. They have been used as far back as the 18th century. The first molds were made from wood. When no mold was available, the butter was formed into shapes by hand. Today, plastic, ceramic or silicone molds are common.

Things You'll Need

• Ceramic butter mold
• Butter
• Spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Knife
• Plate

Instructions

1. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Place the mold inside the bowl, making sure it is completely covered by the water. Soak the mold for at least 30 minutes, which prevents the butter from sticking to the mold as it is being removed.

2. Keep the sticks of butter at room temperature for about 45 minutes or until they are softened.

3. Remove the mold from the bowl and rinse it with cold water. Unwrap the sticks of butter and place them in the mold.

4. Spread the butter throughout the mold, covering it all. Cover the mold with plastic wrap. Place the mold in the refrigerator for two hours or until the butter is firm to the touch.

5. Remove the mold from the refrigerator and take the plastic wrap off the surface. Insert the tip of a sharp knife in between the butter and the mold. Slide the knife around the edges, loosening the butter, so it can be easily removed. Invert the mold over a plate. Tap gently on the bottom of the mold to release the butter.

Tips & Warnings

• Refrigerate the mold for an additional 30 minutes after soaking it in the ice water. The colder the mold, the less chance of the butter sticking to it.

• Keep the butter wrapped so it does not pick up any other flavors in the refrigerator.

References

• The Kitchn: Old-Fashioned Butter Molds
• Cookie Molds: Butter Molds