Are you tired of using the same old butter in all your baked goods? Do you want to try something new and different? Look no further than margarine! Margarine is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baking recipes, from cakes to cookies to pies.
What is Margarine?
Margarine is a type of spread that is made from vegetable oil, water, and sometimes milk. It was originally created as a cheaper alternative to butter, and has since become a popular substitute for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. Margarine comes in a variety of forms, including sticks, tubs, and spray.
Baking with Margarine: Tips and Tricks
Substituting Margarine for Butter
Margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter in most baking recipes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making the switch. Margarine has a higher water content than butter, so it is important to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe to compensate. For every cup of butter, use 1 cup of margarine minus 2 tablespoons.
Adjusting Recipes for Margarine
If you are using margarine instead of butter in a recipe, you may need to adjust the baking time and temperature. Margarine melts at a lower temperature than butter, so you may need to bake your goods at a slightly lower temperature for a bit longer to ensure they cook all the way through.
Choosing the Right Margarine
When baking with margarine, it is important to choose the right type. Stick margarine is the best option, as it has a higher fat content and fewer additives than tub margarine. Look for margarine with at least 80% fat content and no trans fats.
Recipes to Try with Margarine
Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1 cup margarine
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cream together margarine, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually stir into the creamed mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
Banana Bread
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Pie Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup margarine, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- In a large bowl, combine flour and margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a ball.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate.
- Transfer crust to pie plate and trim edges.
Pound Cake
- 1 cup margarine
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Brownies
- 1 cup margarine
- 2 cups white sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Melt margarine in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar and cocoa powder.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually stir into the chocolate mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Benefits of Baking with Margarine
Health Benefits
Margarine is often touted as a healthier alternative to butter, as it is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. It is also a good source of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which can help lower your risk of heart disease.
Flavor Benefits
Margarine has a more neutral flavor than butter, which can be beneficial in certain recipes where you don’t want the butter flavor to overpower other ingredients. It can also lend a slightly nutty flavor to your baked goods.
Texture Benefits
Margarine has a higher water content than butter, which can help keep your baked goods moist and tender. It can also create a lighter texture in cakes and cookies.
FAQs
While margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in most baking recipes, it may not work as well in recipes that require a strong butter flavor or a specific texture.
Margarine has a higher water content than butter, which can actually help cakes rise more and create a lighter texture.
Yes, margarine can be a good vegan substitute for butter in baked goods. Just make sure to check the ingredients to ensure that the margarine is free from animal products.
Margarine can be used in puff pastry, but it may not produce the same flaky texture as butter.
While margarine is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than butter, it is still a processed food and may contain additives or trans fats that are not good for your health. It’s important to choose a high-quality margarine that is made with healthy oils and does not contain trans fats or artificial ingredients.
Conclusion
Margarine is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baking recipes, from chocolate chip cookies to pie crust to brownies. By substituting margarine for butter, you can enjoy the health, flavor, and texture benefits it has to offer. So the next time you’re baking, give margarine a try and see how it can elevate your recipes.
