I first learned about this trend in a TikTok video, and I think it’s the perfect cozy, spooky, moody appetizer for a Halloween party. How fun is this Butter Candle Recipe! I’m showing you how to make a delicious, edible candle made of softened butter seasoned with roasted garlic and herbs. Place your butter candle in a big, round loaf of crust bread, and light the wick! The butter will melt slowly, creating a gorgeous interactive appetizer that everyone will rave about! I really like this appetizer for Halloween. The candle reminds me of Hocus Pocus (just like my Hocus Pocus Cookies do!), but it’s on theme for any other night-time get-together too. For a classy appetizer spread, pair this with bacon wrapped water chestnuts and classic spinach puffs.
Butter Candle Recipe Highlights
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make edible candles from butter! Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Salted Butter: Let your butter sit out at room temperature until it’s soft and ready for whipping. Roasted Garlic: Make this first! Cut the top off of a whole bulb of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Wrap it in aluminum foil and roast in a 400°F/200°C oven for 30-40 minutes. Let the garlic cool before using. Fresh Herbs: Any combination of fresh herbs will work here. I’m using thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Salt and Pepper: For the best flavor, use freshly ground black pepper and sea salt to season your butter candle. Bread: Grab a large, round, crusty loaf of bread for the candle to sit in. I like this with sourdough, Italian bread, or homemade no-knead bread. You’ll also want a fresh baguette for serving.
How To Make A Butter Candle
Recipe Tips
Start with soft butter. Other recipes might call for melting the butter, but I don’t care for that texture. Instead, use very soft butter that can easily be molded. Use fresh herbs. Dried herbs won’t have the chance to hydrate in the butter, and just won’t taste as good. Use a cotton wick. Avoid using a wick that has a wax coating, as the wax will end up on the butter as it burns. Avoid air bubbles. As you layer the whipped butter into the mold, press it down with a spoon and tap it against the counter to work out any pockets of air. Chill overnight if you can. Give the butter time for the flavors to meld together. Try other flavors! For brunch, make a sweet edible candle with cinnamon and honey added. Switch up the herbs if you like too. I think adding basil and some parmesan cheese would be lovely.
What To Serve With a Butter Candle
You absolutely need to serve this with bread. Aside from the loaf of bread, I added lightly toasted baguette slices for those who didn’t want to dig in with their hands. You could also bake up a batch of homemade Witch Finger Breadsticks! To make the platter extra pretty, I included a pepperoni rose and some fresh berries and greenery. Have fun with your presentation!
How long will the butter candle burn?
This can depend on the size of your wick, the temperature of your butter, and how quickly people are eating it. Plan to light the candle about 20 minutes before your guests arrive. It should burn for at least two hours.
What should I do with leftovers?
If there is leftover butter after the party has ended, store it in the fridge. The garlic herb butter can be used to make garlic bread, dip seafood into, or as a gourmet topping for grilled steaks or chicken.
This herbed butter is so delicious, you can really enjoy it in or on anything!
What if I want the butter candle to burn faster?
Make a thicker wick! You can braid three pieces of the cotton wick together to create a larger one, which will burn hotter and faster than a single strand.
Where do I find an edible candle wick?
Your wick doesn’t need to be edible, and you definitely shouldn’t eat it! Instead, look for a food-grade wick, or one that is made from only cotton or hemp, without any wax or chemical coatings. The coolest appetizer recipe ever is this Butter Candle! Serve this at Halloween, on Christmas Eve, or at your New Year’s Eve dinner party. People will be talking about it all year. © Little Sunny Kitchen
