Substitute for buttermilk with these simple, tasty alternatives. Perfect for baking when you’re out of buttermilk!
Substitute for Buttermilk in Baking
Ever started baking and realized you’re out of buttermilk? 🥄
We’ve all been there—you’re halfway through mixing up a cake or biscuits and bam, no buttermilk in sight. Don’t worry! You can bake yummy treats without it. You probably have what you need in your kitchen.
These swaps are quick, work well, and won’t mess up your recipe. Let’s look at the top substitutes for buttermilk in baking and when to use them.
🥛 What Is Buttermilk, Really?
Buttermilk isn’t just regular milk. It used to be leftover from making butter. Now, most buttermilk is cultured buttermilk, made by adding special bacteria to milk.
This makes it tangy and thick. The acidity in it helps baking soda make your baked goods tender and fluffy. That’s why finding a good substitute is key.
✅ Quick Answer: The Best Substitute for Buttermilk
The fastest and most reliable substitute is milk + acid. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ve got homemade buttermilk!
This works for almost any recipe—cakes, muffins, pancakes, or biscuits. It’s easy, effective, and tastes almost like the real thing.
🍋 Milk + Lemon Juice
This is the classic swap most bakers use. The lemon juice adds a tangy flavor and helps with rising.
- Use 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Stir before using.
💡 Works great in pancakes, waffles, and quick breads.
🍶 Milk + Vinegar
If you don’t have lemon juice, vinegar is your best friend. White vinegar works best, but apple cider vinegar adds a mild fruity note.
- Use 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar.
- Rest for 5 minutes before using.
Perfect for biscuits, scones, and savory baked goods.
🥥 Yogurt + Water or Milk
Yogurt is naturally tangy and thick. Mixing it with water or milk makes it like buttermilk.
- Use ¾ cup yogurt + ¼ cup water or milk.
- Whisk until smooth.
This option adds richness and extra moisture. Best for cakes, brownies, and muffins.
🥛 Sour Cream + Water
Similar to yogurt, sour cream has that tangy bite. Thin it out with a little water or milk for the right texture.
- Use ¾ cup sour cream + ¼ cup water or milk.
- Stir well before adding.
👉 Great for cookies, quick breads, and frosting recipes.
🌰 Non-Dairy Milk + Acid
Plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat can easily replace buttermilk when combined with acid.
- Use 1 cup plant-based milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Best for vegan or dairy-free baking without losing fluffiness.
🧀 Kefir as Buttermilk Substitute
Kefir is a fermented milk drink with a tangy flavor. It’s naturally similar to buttermilk and works in equal amounts.
- Use 1 cup kefir for 1 cup buttermilk.
Adds probiotics and a lovely texture to pancakes, breads, and muffins.
🍶 Buttermilk Powder + Water
Did you know buttermilk powder exists? It’s a pantry staple for many bakers.
- Mix according to package directions (usually 4 tablespoons powder + 1 cup water).
Handy if you bake often but don’t always keep fresh buttermilk on hand.
📊 Quick Substitution Chart
| Substitute Option | Ratio | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Milk + Lemon Juice | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon | Pancakes, quick breads |
| Milk + Vinegar | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar | Biscuits, scones |
| Yogurt + Water | ¾ cup yogurt + ¼ cup water | Cakes, muffins |
| Sour Cream + Milk | ¾ cup sour cream + ¼ cup milk | Cookies, frostings |
| Non-Dairy Milk + Acid | 1 cup plant milk + 1 tbsp acid | Vegan baking |
🍯 Cream of Tartar + Milk
If you’re out of citrus or vinegar, cream of tartar is another acid you can use.
- Use 1 ¾ teaspoons cream of tartar + 1 cup milk.
- Whisk well until dissolved.
This creates a balanced substitute, perfect for fluffy baked goods like angel food cake.
🥥 Coconut Milk + Acid
Coconut milk is rich and creamy. Adding acid makes it behave like buttermilk while adding a subtle coconut flavor.
- Use 1 cup coconut milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
Ideal for tropical desserts, cakes, and cupcakes. 🌴
🥤 Evaporated Milk + Vinegar
Evaporated milk is thicker and richer than regular milk. With acid, it’s a powerful buttermilk swap.
- Use 1 cup evaporated milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar.
Excellent for pies, cheesecakes, and dense desserts.
📊 Dairy vs. Non-Dairy Substitutes
| Category | Options | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy | Milk + Acid, Yogurt, Sour Cream, Kefir, Buttermilk Powder | Tangy, creamy, versatile |
| Non-Dairy | Almond Milk + Acid, Soy Milk + Acid, Coconut Milk + Acid | Mild, slightly sweet, vegan-friendly |
🧑🍳 When Not to Use Substitutes
Not every recipe likes substitutes. For example:
- Buttermilk fried chicken – substitutes may change crispiness.
- Traditional buttermilk pie – needs that authentic tang.
- Southern biscuits – texture may differ slightly.
👉 If buttermilk is the star ingredient, try to use the real deal.
🥞 Tips for the Best Results
- Always let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Stir well before adding to your batter.
- Don’t panic if it looks curdled—that’s normal!
- Choose substitutes based on recipe type (savory vs. sweet).
📊 Recipe-Specific Recommendations
| Recipe Type | Best Substitute | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Pancakes & Waffles | Milk + Lemon Juice | Light & fluffy |
| Cakes & Cupcakes | Yogurt + Milk | Rich & moist |
| Biscuits & Scones | Milk + Vinegar | Tender crumb |
| Cookies | Sour Cream + Milk | Soft & chewy |
| Vegan Baking | Oat Milk + Vinegar | Neutral taste |
🎉 Final Thoughts on Buttermilk Substitutes
Running out of buttermilk doesn’t mean you have to stop baking. You can make perfect substitutes with simple ingredients like milk, vinegar, lemon juice, or yogurt.
Each option has its own strengths. Choose based on the recipe and what’s in your fridge. Whether you want fluffy pancakes, tender biscuits, or moist cakes, these substitutes will save the day.
So next time you’re halfway through baking and realize you’re out of buttermilk, smile—you’ve got plenty of backup options! 🥳
❓ FAQs
What is the easiest substitute for buttermilk in baking?
The easiest is milk plus lemon juice or vinegar. Just mix and let sit for a few minutes. It’s quick, reliable, and works in most recipes.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can, but results won’t be the same. Adding acid to milk makes it more like buttermilk. This helps with texture and flavor.
Is yogurt a good buttermilk substitute?
Yes, yogurt works really well. Thin it with a little water or milk for the right consistency. It adds creaminess and tang.
What’s the best non-dairy buttermilk substitute?
Use almond, soy, or oat milk with vinegar or lemon juice. This gives the same effect as buttermilk. Perfect for vegan baking.
Does sour cream work as a substitute for buttermilk?
Yes, sour cream thinned with water or milk is excellent. It’s tangy and creamy. Works well in cookies and quick breads.
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