Creaming definition cooking
Creaming is the process of thoroughly mixing and whipping butter with eggs or sugar that are to be combined with various dry ingredients for example sugar to create a uniformly smooth mixture in which the butter is evenly distributed.
See how to cream below.
When mixed completely, the butter mixture provides a light and fluffy textured result that is uniform in consistency, so that air pockets and air holes in baked goods are eliminated.
How to cream butter and sugar by hand
- Cut butter into cubes and soften before creaming, start by filling a large bowl to half with hot water from the tap.
- Using a smaller bowl to hold the butter, and sugar, put the smaller bowl into the large one and let butter soften for a minute, mixing constantly with a wooden spoon.
Do not allow the butter to melt. It should feel soft, but not warm or gooey. - After the mixture seems easier to mix, remove the smaller bowl and empty the larger bowl.
Now fill the larger bowl with cold water until the outside of the bowl is cold. - Put the smaller bowl back in the larger one and beat with a wooden spoon.
Continually scrape the sides of the bowl until the mixture has changed colour and texture. - You want it to look fluffy and light yellow, with peaks.
How to cream butter and sugar using a mixer
- Cut butter into cubes.
- Put butter in to a mixing bowl and use beaters on low to soften the butter.
Beat until cubes are combined into a soft texture. - Increase the speed of the mixer to medium and beat butter for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the sugar gradually, continuing to beat the mixture on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture has changed colour and texture,
Remember to scrape the sides of the bowl often. - You want it to look fluffy and light yellow, with peaks.
Important tips
- If the butter breaks down during softening or creaming, place the butter (or the butter and sugar mixture) into the fridge for 5 to 15 minutes.
Then start creaming again. - Understand you can’t just mix. You have to start at low, then a minute at high until soft
How To Cream Butter & Sugar For A Cake
Here you are shown creaming together butter and sugar for a light, fluffy cake.