How to Make Wood Butter

To keep your wooden utensils and cutting boards it tip top shape, learn how to make this easy and inexpensive wood butter. It also makes an amazing addition to a homemade basket gift for loved ones. 

Wooden Cooking Tools

We have been transitioning away from plastic, silicon and aluminium in our kitchen, and been replacing these with wooden, glass and ceramic items instead. As part of this, I now have a collection of wooden spoons, and wooden cutting boards that tend to dry out and look sad after months of washing. To help better protect these items, I have been making this homemade wood butter or spoon butter.

Wood Butter

Also known as spoon butter, this butter is a mixture of beeswax and oil or animal fat that is rubbed on wood items to help keep them look fresh and not drying out. This DIY wood butter is simple and inexpensive to make as well.

The best part about this is that it can also be used on wooden furniture and butcher block countertops.

Applying Wood Butter

To use this butter, apply a generous amount to clean, dry wooden spoons, cutting boards and other wooden utensils. 

Rub in the butter with a soft, clean towel and let them sit out for a few hours, though overnight is the best.

Buff off any excess butter if needed and use as normal.

Apply whenever your tools begin to look a little dry and rough.

Storing Spoon Butter

To store, place in a glass jar with a lid and keep in a cool, dark place.

When stored correctly, it should last for 6 – 12 months or even longer.  You may just need to give it a stir every so often. 

If it smells off, it is time to make a new batch.

Ingredients for Spoon Butter

To make this spoon butter, you will need:

• Beeswax – It is best to use good quality pellets as they are easier to melt.
• Coconut Oil – Animal fat or food grade mineral oil can also be used instead of coconut oil. Just note that although lard and tallow can be used, they do have a strong scent. Be careful if using mineral oil and want to give as a gift, as it is a petroleum based product that many people don’t want near their food.
• Essential Oils – This is optional. If you do want to add them, then you just need a couple of drops. Some oils that could be used are clove, rosemary, and lemon. Essential oils are optional, but they can add fragrance as well as antibacterial properties to your wooden kitchen items.
• Jar with lid to store it in.

The oil in this recipe penetrates the wood, keeping it in tip top shape, helping provide moisture and to help prevent drying out and cracking. The beeswax locks in the oil and adds a protective coat, giving your tools a smooth, shiny appearance. 

Making Wood Butter

 

Add the coconut oil and beeswax into a microwaveable glass jug.

Slowly melt the mixture stirring in between each 30 second increment. This could also be done in a double boiler.

Once all has melted, add the essential oil if using.

Pour into your jar and let harden before using.

This butter should be a stiff, scoopable paste when done, though this does depend on the climate in your area.

If you find it too hard, use a little less beeswax. If too soft, add a little more beeswax.