Melted butter can be used to flavor recipes in place of butter extract, and while salted butter has more flavor, to avoid salt use unsalted butter (use Unsalted Butter Substitute). You will start with less melted butter and add more as you monitor the consistency of the recipe. Using melted butter as a substitute in cake recipes can make them softer. = 1/2 stick of melted butter; add to the recipe for flavor a tablespoon at a time to not alter the consistency of the recipe.