Set the pan on the stove, and heat it until the water is 190°F (90°C).
,


Keep an eye on the butter. The heat from the water will soften it, but it can also cause the butter to melt if you let it sit too long.



Heat the water in a glass mixing bowl in the microwave if you do not have a double boiler. Place the butter in a mixing bowl that's slightly larger, and set it on top of the water-filled bowl to soften.
Fill the bottom saucepan on a double boiler 2/3 of the way full with water.
Take the saucepan off of the heat.

,
Set the butter in the top portion of the double boiler, and place it on top of the bottom saucepan.
Let the butter sit on the double boiler just until softened, and then remove.
{"src": "wikihow-all_test", "title": "How to Soften Butter Quickly3"}