How to Make Spreadable Butter at Home (Freezer-Friendly!)

You’ve likely struggled with spreading cold butter on fresh bread or toast. It can tear the bread to bits. This homemade spreadable butter is perfect. It solves the problem effectively. Maybe you’re just feeling the sting of rising butter prices here in New Zealand. This homemade spreadable butter is the perfect solution.

It’s soft straight from the fridge. It’s simple to make with just three ingredients. It gives you more spread for your dollar. Better yet, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can batch it up and always have some on hand for baking or spreading.

Let me show you how to stretch a 250g block of butter into a soft, spreadable blend. This method is budget-wise and pantry-smart.

Other Links and Videos

Here is the video that shows you just how easy this is to make yourself: Butter Prices Are Insane In NZ | Here’s How You Can Make It Go Further

Try this delicious spread on these beautiful homemade buns: The Fluffiest Cheese and Ham Bread Rolls

Why Make Spreadable Butter at Home?

• Saves money: Butter is getting ridiculously expensive — this recipe helps it go further.
• Simple ingredients: You know exactly what’s in it — no emulsifiers or additives.
• Versatile: Use it for toast, sandwiches, scones, and even baking.
• Freezer-friendly: Make extra and freeze for later.

Ingredients

• 250g butter, softened to room temperature
• 100ml cold pressed oil – I used The Good Oil brand sunflower oil (light flavour and NZ made!)
• 100ml cold water

Method

1. Soften the butter: Leave your butter out at room temperature until soft but not melted.
2. Blend: In a mixing bowl (or food processor), combine the softened butter and blend in the oil slowly. Continue blending until smooth and fully combined.
3. Add water: Slowly add in the cold water while continuing to mix. The mixture will lighten in colour and turn beautifully fluffy.
4. Whip: Whip for 1 more minute until it’s pale, light, and easily spreadable.
5. Store: Scoop into clean containers or jars. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. However, I have kept mine in a clean container in my pantry, and it is still good. I wouldn’t recommend doing it in the summer months.

NZ Butter Prices Are Wild – This Homemade Spread Will Save You Money

Who knew making your own lovely whipped spreadable butter could be so easy? Follow these simple steps to make your butter go further.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Total Time:5 minutes mins

Equipment

• Stand Mixer Or a hand held beater works well too

Ingredients

• 250 g butter softened to room temperature
• 100 ml cold pressed oil – I used The Good Oil brand sunflower oil light flavour and NZ made!
• 100 ml cold water

Instructions

• Soften the butter: Leave your butter out at room temperature until soft but not melted.
• Blend: In a mixing bowl (or food processor), combine the softened butter and blend in the oil slowly. Continue blending until smooth and fully combined.
• Add water: Slowly add in the cold water while continuing to mix. The mixture will lighten in colour and turn beautifully fluffy.
• Whip: Whip for 1 more minute until it’s pale, light, and easily spreadable.
• Store: Scoop into clean containers or jars. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. However, I have kept mine in a clean container in my pantry, and it is still good. I wouldn't recommend doing it in the summer months.

Notes

If you make your own butter from scratch, this will be even cheaper at home to make. The best thing is that no preservatives or unnatural colours are used. You are in control of what goes into it.

Servings: 400 grams

Author: Farmers Wife Homestead

Cost: $4.25

Tips & Tricks

• For baking: This spreadable butter can be used 1:1 in baking recipes that call for regular butter. Be sure to bring it to room temperature if it is frozen.
• Custom flavour: Add a pinch of salt or even herbs/garlic if using as a savoury spread.
• Best oils to use: Light olive oil, rice bran oil, or cold-pressed sunflower oil work beautifully. Avoid strong-tasting oils like extra virgin olive oil unless you want the flavour.

Bonus Hack

Pour the spread into silicone moulds or ice cube trays. Freeze the mixture. Then pop them out into a ziplock bag for handy portioned pats of butter. These are ready to use straight from the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Grocery costs are climbing, especially here in NZ. Making small changes like this homemade spreadable butter can really help stretch the budget. It’s a practical little kitchen hack. It feels like a luxury. You get soft, creamy butter every time you reach for it.