What Is Sweet Cream Butter?

Updated: Jul. 19, 2023

In the dairy aisle and wondering what makes sweet cream butter different from basic butter? We've got the answers you need!

When you’re browsing the dairy case looking for butter for your next bake, you’ll find that there are so many types of butter: salted, unsalted, cultured, organic, Irish—the list goes on.

While it’s easy to understand what many of these labels mean at first glance, even experienced bakers may find themselves asking so what is sweet cream butter again? 

What Really Is Sweet Cream Butter?

Sweet cream butter is just another name for plain ol’ butter. The term sweet cream is used to differentiate this type of butter from options that used cultured cream as a base.

Boxes labeled “sweet cream” use fresh cream as the base. Depending on the package you grab, this butter may also include a small amount of salt. Despite the name, sweet cream butter contains no sugar and it doesn’t have any inherent sweetness. You’ll find that it tastes like straightforward butter.

In contrast, butter made with cultured cream, like Vermont Creamery or Banner Butter, tends to have a tangier flavor.

Regular Butter vs. Sweet Cream Butter

So when it comes to regular butter versus sweet cream butter, there’s no difference to be had. In fact, most types of butter—from sweet cream to Irish to Amish—can be used interchangeably in recipes.

The one label you should pay close attention to, though, is salted or unsalted butter. Some recipes do specify, and you should take note to ensure the best results.

100 Recipes That Are Better with Butter
1 / 95
Â