Tyler Brooks
The butter candle is a viral trend that has taken TikTok and Instagram by storm. It involves making a candle out of butter, which is then lit and used as a delicious, warm butter dip for bread, steak, seafood, vegetables, or anything else that goes well with butter. The process of making a butter candle involves melting butter, adding seasonings, pouring it into a mould with a food-safe wick, and then freezing or refrigerating it until it sets. The unique and creative presentation of the butter candle makes it an impressive and interactive appetizer for any get-together or dinner party, adding a cozy and tasty spark to the occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Candle | Edible, made of butter |
| Ingredients | Butter, garlic, salt, herbs, honey, cinnamon, maple syrup, etc. |
| Mould | Paper or plastic cup |
| Wick | Food-grade, edible, made of organic hemp, beeswax, or cotton |
| Preparation | Melt butter, add ingredients, pour into mould, freeze, tear away mould, place in bread, light |
| Serving Suggestions | Bread, steak, seafood, vegetables, meats, mashed potatoes, rice, popcorn |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wick
Firstly, it is important to measure the diameter of your candle. The diameter will determine the size of the wick you will need. For instance, a wider diameter will require more heat for the melt pool to reach the edge of the candle. If your candle is 3.5" in diameter or less, a single wick should suffice. For candles with a diameter of 4" or more, it is recommended to use multiple wicks.
The type of wax you are using will also determine the type of wick. Different waxes have different densities and melting points, requiring different levels of heat from the wick. For example, candles made from beeswax require a Cotton Braid wicking due to its hard and sticky consistency.
The fragrance and colour of your candle can also impact the performance of the wick. Fragrances and dyes can affect the overall burn performance, so it is recommended to test your candles periodically to ensure the wick size is still suitable.
To determine if you have the right wick size, a burn test is recommended. After a 3-hour burn period, observe the melt pool. It should be just at the wall of the candle container, with minimal soot and no mushrooming or carbon build-up. If there is soot or carbon build-up, the wick is too large. If the melt pool does not extend to the wall of the container, the wick is too small.
It is important to note that there is no universal one-size-fits-all wick, and finding the right wick may take time and patience. Testing different brands and sizes of wicks will help you find the best fit for your candle.
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Preparing the butter
For a basic butter candle, you can use plain butter with no added ingredients. However, if you want to add some extra flavour, there are several options to choose from. One popular option is to add roasted garlic to the melted butter. You can blend the garlic and butter together until they form a smooth, homogeneous mixture. This mixture can then be poured into your chosen mould.
Another option is to add herbs to the butter. You can experiment with different types of herbs to find your preferred flavour. Fresh herbs are recommended, as they will impart a more intense flavour to the butter. Simply chop your chosen herbs finely and mix them into the melted butter.
You can also get creative and experiment with other additives. Some people like to add honey to their butter for a touch of sweetness. Cinnamon is another popular option, especially when paired with honey. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try adding maple syrup or roasted garlic to the mixture.
Once you've prepared the butter and added your desired flavourings, it's time to move on to the next step of making your butter candle: preparing the mould and wick.
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Making the candle
Next, you need to prepare the wick. It is important to use a food-grade wick, such as one made from organic hemp or 100% cotton twine, to ensure that it is safe to consume. Dip the wick in melted butter so that it holds a flame better. You can then secure the wick in the centre of your chosen mould with tape, a wick holder, or by tying the wick around a stick or chopstick placed over the mould.
Now you are ready to pour the melted butter into your mould. A paper or plastic cup can be used as a mould, but you can also get creative and shape the butter into a candle by hand. Make sure the wick remains centred as you pour in the butter. Once your mould is filled, place it in the fridge or freezer to allow the butter to firm up. This should take around one to two hours.
Finally, once the butter has set, remove it from the mould. If you have used a paper or plastic cup, simply tear it away from the butter. Trim the wick, light the candle, and enjoy!
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Lighting the candle
Lighting a butter candle is a simple process, but it does require some preparation. Once you have made your butter candle, you should chill it for at least an hour in the freezer. If you want to store it for later, you can keep it in the freezer, but remember to take it out about 15 minutes before you want to light it, so it can soften.
When you are ready to light your candle, remove it from the freezer and tear away the paper cup. Place the candle in the centre of a loaf of bread. If you want to get creative, you can cut a hole in the bread, so the candle fits snugly inside. You can also add herbs or spices to the butter before moulding the candle for a more intense flavour.
Before lighting, trim the wick to about half an inch. Lighting the wick will slowly melt the butter, creating a warm, delicious dip for your bread. You can also dip other foods, such as radishes or cooked potato spears. Always take care when lighting a butter candle, and never leave it unattended or within reach of children.
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Dipping and pouring
There are two approaches to making butter candles by dipping and pouring: hand-sculpting softened butter, and melting and pouring butter into a mould.
Hand-sculpting softened butter
First, unwrap a stick of butter and let it soften until malleable. Place the butter in the centre of a piece of plastic wrap and use a rolling pin to flatten it. Place a food-safe wick in the centre of the flattened butter. Use the plastic wrap to roll and shape the butter into a candle. Before serving, chill the candle in the refrigerator or freezer.
Melting and pouring butter into a mould
First, melt the butter in a small pot over low heat on the stove, or in 20-second increments in the microwave, stirring each time you reset the microwave. Make a wick by cutting a piece of food-safe string and dipping it into the melted butter. Tie the buttered string around a stick or chopstick, ensuring the string touches the bottom of the mould. Pour the melted butter into the mould, ensuring the wick is centred. Place the butter candle in the fridge until firm, for at least one hour.
Butter candles are typically served with bread, but can also be served with anything you would usually eat with butter. For dipping, consider seafood, meat, or vegetables. For pouring, think mashed potatoes, rice, or popcorn.
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Frequently asked questions
A butter candle is a candle made of butter. It is typically served with bread, but can also be served with anything you would like to dip in butter.
You should use a food-safe wick, ideally made from organic hemp and beeswax. Avoid using a wick with a metal core, as this can leach toxic metals into the food.
You can use a paper or plastic cup as a mould for your butter candle. If using a paper cup, make sure it is microwave-safe.
Freeze your butter candle for at least one hour, or until it is firm.
Butter candles are typically served with bread, but you can also serve them with seafood, vegetables, meats, mashed potatoes, rice, or popcorn.
