11 Amazingly Easy Homemade Buttermilk Substitutes To Use In Any Recipe (2024)

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These buttermilk substitute options are perfect if you ran out, forgot to buy it, or just need it in a pinch! I can show you how to make easy buttermilk substitutions with ingredients you probably have on hand! Your delicious recipes will still turn out with that wonderful, tangy buttermilk flavor!

Quick & Easy Buttermilk Substitutes

Since it's not always convenient to keep a bit of buttermilk on hand, you may find yourself needing to find an easy-to-use alternative. The key is to find one that fits you personally.

Does it use ingredients you keep on hand? Does it taste right in your favorite buttermilk recipes? If so, then you've found your winning combination!

11 Amazingly Easy Homemade Buttermilk Substitutes To Use In Any Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • Best Buttermilk Substitutes
  • How To Make A Buttermilk Substitute
  • 1. Lemon Juice and Milk (Sour Milk)
  • 2. White Vinegar and Milk (Sour Milk)
  • 3. Milk and Cream of Tartar (Sour Milk)
  • Buttermilk Alternatives
  • 4. Plain Yogurt
  • 5. Buttermilk Powder and Water
  • 6. Sour Cream and Milk
  • 7. Kefir
  • Dairy-Free Buttermilk Substitutes
  • 8. Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 9. Coconut Milk
  • 10. Soy Milk
  • 11. Silken Tofu
  • What To Use When You Don't Have Buttermilk
  • Pro Tip: Storing Buttermilk Powder
  • 😋 Best Recipes Using Buttermilk
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Reviews

Don't forget to take a look at my article all about buttermilk to learn more, or check out my post on buttermilk powder substitutes!

Best Buttermilk Substitutes

In most cases, any milk product will or can work as your base for buttermilk substitutes. Heavy cream is actually my preferred base milk product when making my buttermilk alternatives at home.

I find that the creamy texture with the tangy flavor is best achieved with my heavy cream and lemon juice method. Since I almost always have heavy cream and lemons on hand, this works wonderfully for any of my baking needs!

But I think most would almost always have milk on hand. In that case, picking up a can of buttermilk powder from the baking aisle at your local grocery store would be ideal if you like the taste of buttermilk without having to always keep it stocked at home. 🙂

How To Make A Buttermilk Substitute

The first three options below are all versions of 'sour milk' where acid is added to milk to create the tangy buttermilk flavor. These acids work to transform the lactose sugars of milk into lactic acid, which is the hallmark flavor of buttermilk that we know and love!

If your recipe (and most do) calls for full-fat buttermilk, your best results will come from using higher-fat buttermilk replacement ingredients. Full-fat whole milk, heavy whipping cream, full-fat yogurt, full-fat sour cream, and whole-milk Greek yogurt are recommended.

1. Lemon Juice and Milk (Sour Milk)

Measure out 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into a liquid measuring cup. Add whole milk (or heavy whipping cream for best results, but 2% milk will also work) to finish off the 1 cup total measurement.

Mix completely, and let rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to 'sour' or 'curdle'.

*Both fresh lemon juice and bottled lemon juice will work for making this buttermilk substitution.
*Lactose-free milk can be used with these same measurements. The results will be slightly sweeter than the typical buttermilk.

2. White Vinegar and Milk (Sour Milk)

Measure out 1 tablespoon of white vinegar into a liquid measuring cup. Add whole milk (or heavy whipping cream for best results, but 2% milk will also work) to finish off the 1 cup total measurement.

Mix completely, and let rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to 'sour' or 'curdle'.

3. Milk and Cream of Tartar (Sour Milk)

Use 1¾ teaspoon cream of tartar, added directly to your recipe's dry ingredients (as Cream of Tartar will clump when added to liquids) with each 1 cup of milk (whole or 2% milk).

If you have plenty of time, you can also shake the mixture of cream of tartar and milk until the cream of tartar dissolves completely.

Buttermilk Alternatives

The remaining options below are simple ingredients that you can use to swap out for your buttermilk altogether (rather than making your own buttermilk).

4. Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt can be swapped out for buttermilk in a 1:1 ratio, depending on your recipe. If you need more moisture, see the measurements below.

Use ¾ cup of plain yogurt combined with ¼ cup whole milk or 2% milk. Mix until smooth.

In general, with either yogurt or Greek yogurt below, you want to add enough milk (or even water) until it reaches a heavy cream consistency.

Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Buttermilk?

Yes! But not in the same 1:1 ratio for replacement as plain yogurt (above). To make a buttermilk substitute using Greek yogurt, you will need to mix ¾ cup Greek yogurt with ¼ cup milk.

OR use this Greek yogurt substitution with equal amounts of Greek yogurt and milk. It will depend on your recipe and how much moisture you need!

5. Buttermilk Powder and Water

Use ¼ cup buttermilk powder combined with 1 cup of water. Mix until smooth. Once your buttermilk powder is fully dissolved and well combined, you can use the mixture in a 1:1 ratio as the buttermilk that is called for in any recipe.

6. Sour Cream and Milk

Use ¾ cup sour cream combined with ¼ cup whole milk, 2% milk, skim milk, or water. Mix until smooth.

Light or full-fat sour cream should be used for this buttermilk substitution. Fat-free sour cream will not yield the desired results.

7. Kefir

Kefir is like a liquid yogurt drink and is an exceptional buttermilk substitute. Use plain unsweetened kefir as a 1:1 ratio replacement for buttermilk.

Dairy-Free Buttermilk Substitutes

Here are some great non-dairy milk, soy-free, nut-free, and vegan buttermilk substitutes! Almond milk is a personal favorite, but all of them turn out wonderfully!

8. Unsweetened Almond Milk

Measure out 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a liquid measuring cup, then top it off with unsweetened almond milk for 1 cup total buttermilk substitute.

Unsweetened almond milk combined with lemon juice will replicate the flavor of buttermilk, but not the consistency.

If you need a thickened buttermilk substitute see the coconut milk, soy milk, or tofu versions below.

9. Coconut Milk

Measure out 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a liquid measuring cup, then top it off with coconut milk for 1 cup total buttermilk substitute. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes until it 'sours' or 'curdles'.

I personally love this for making a vanilla cake!

10. Soy Milk

Measure out 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a liquid measuring cup, then top it off with soy milk for 1 cup total buttermilk substitute. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes until it 'sours' or 'curdles'.

Give your sour soy milk a stir before using, then use in a 1:1 equal ratio as buttermilk.

11. Silken Tofu

Use pureed silken tofu combined with ½ cup of water, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.

Use your tofu buttermilk blend in a 1:1 ratio as a buttermilk replacement.

What To Use When You Don't Have Buttermilk

Here's a quick breakdown of everything we discussed above in a simple and quick reference chart!

IngredientsResult
1 scant cup of milk + 1 tablespoon of lemon juice1 cup of buttermilk
1 scant cup of milk + 1 tablespoon of white vinegar1 cup of buttermilk
1 cup of milk + 1¾ teaspoons of cream of tartar1 cup of buttermilk
¼ cup of milk + ¾ cup of plain or Greek yogurt1 cup of buttermilk
1 cup of water + ¼ cup of buttermilk powder1 cup of buttermilk
¼ cup of milk + ¾ cup of sour cream1 cup of buttermilk
1 cup of kefir1 cup of buttermilk
1 scant cup of almond milk + 1 tablespoon of lemon juice1 cup of buttermilk
1 scant cup of coconut milk + 1 tablespoon of lemon juice1 cup of buttermilk
1 scant cup of soy milk + 1 tablespoon of lemon juice1 cup of buttermilk

These combinations offer various alternatives to traditional buttermilk, accommodating different dietary preferences and available ingredients. Whether using dairy or plant-based milk, these substitutions can be handy in baking and cooking recipes that call for buttermilk.

Pro Tip: Storing Buttermilk Powder

Opened cans of buttermilk powder will dry and clump up making it difficult to use if stored in the cupboard or pantry. Keep your buttermilk powder in the fridge and it will be perfectly scoopable when you need it!

>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<

With this list of tasty buttermilk alternatives, I'm sure you'll find one that will suit your needs! Leave a comment down below, and let me know what you think!

😋 Best Recipes Using Buttermilk

  • Traditional Irish Soda Bread - This 4-ingredient bread requires no yeast and no kneading!
  • Strawberry Shortcake - Classic, made-from-scratch strawberry shortcake is perfect for summertime.
  • Strawberry Buttermilk Crepes - Sweet and flavorful crepes are a fantastic breakfast treat.
  • Raspberry Crepes - Delicious buttermilk crepes are filled with irresistible raspberry whipped cream.
  • Apple Cider Pancakes - Buttermilk pancakes are infused with apple cider and then topped off with pan-fried cinnamon apples.
  • Buttermilk Pie - A creamy, custard-based pie that is sweet with a touch of tanginess.

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11 Amazingly Easy Homemade Buttermilk Substitutes To Use In Any Recipe (3)

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Best Buttermilk Substitutes: Homemade Buttermilk (+More Great Ideas!)

These buttermilk substitute options are perfect if you ran out, forgot to buy it, or just need it in a pinch! I can show you how to make easy buttermilk substitutions with ingredients you probably have on hand! Your delicious recipes will still turn out with that wonderful, tangy buttermilk flavor!

Author | Angela

Servings: 1 cup buttermilk

Calories: 152kcal

Prep 2 minutes minutes

Cooking 0 minutes minutes

Lemon Juice & Vinegar Options 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

Option 1 - Milk + Lemon Juice (Sour Milk)

  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2% milk - not quite a full cup)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed or bottled lemon juice)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions

  • Combine the milk and lemon juice then mix until smooth. Allow to sour for up to 10 minutes.

  • Stir the buttermilk and use in your recipe. *Note that the buttermilk will have a slightly curdled texture and appearance - this is fine!

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal (8%) | Carbohydrates: 13g (4%) | Protein: 8g (16%) | Fat: 8g (12%) | Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 24mg (8%) | Sodium: 105mg (5%) | Potassium: 338mg (10%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 13g (14%) | Vitamin A: 396IU (8%) | Vitamin C: 6mg (7%) | Calcium: 277mg (28%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

buttermilk replacements, Buttermilk Substitute, homemade buttermilk, how to make buttermilk

Course Substitutions

Cuisine American

11 Amazingly Easy Homemade Buttermilk Substitutes To Use In Any Recipe (4)

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

bakeitwithlove.com/about/

11 Amazingly Easy Homemade Buttermilk Substitutes To Use In Any Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I use in a recipe if I don't have buttermilk? ›

The simplest way to substitute buttermilk is to pour 1 Tbs. of vinegar into a 1 cup measurer and then fill the rest of the measuring cup with milk. Then gently stir the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes. If you don't have vinegar, lemon juice and cream of tarter also work as great buttermilk substitutions.

Can regular milk be used instead of buttermilk? ›

It's important to know that you can't simply use regular milk as a buttermilk substitute. This is especially true in baking since buttermilk's acidity works with the baking soda in the recipe to leaven. Here are some buttermilk replacements when you're in a pinch.

How can I make my own buttermilk? ›

For every 1 cup of milk, stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes. You can scale the recipe up or down depending on how much you need.

Is it better to use lemon juice or vinegar to make buttermilk? ›

This quick and easy buttermilk substitute is incredibly simple, and my hope is that you have what you need at home already. Here's what you need: Lemon juice OR vinegar. Fresh or bottled lemon juice OR distilled white vinegar will work equally well.

Can I use sour cream instead of buttermilk? ›

Yes, you can substitute sour cream! Thin it with milk or water to get the right consistency. For each cup of buttermilk needed, use 3/4 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup liquid. Editor's Tip: Sour cream has a higher fat content, so this will result in richer-tasting foods.

Can I use baking soda instead of buttermilk? ›

While the baking soda in your baked goods will react with both types of acid, the flavor simply won't be the same. So, when buttermilk is called for, especially in baking recipes, you're better off throwing on some sneakers and making the extra trip to the store.

Can I use apple cider vinegar to make buttermilk? ›

You can make homemade buttermilk with 1 cup of milk and 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Simply stir the two ingredients together and let them sit for 5 minutes. The milk will react with the acidity of the vinegar and curdle slightly, creating the same, tangy, creaminess of store bought buttermilk!

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk? ›

Yogurt. Plain yogurt is a great 1:1 substitute for buttermilk. If you're using a thicker Greek-style yogurt, you'll need to thin it out: Whisk 3/4 cup Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup water or milk.

Can I use heavy cream instead of buttermilk? ›

Yes, you can swap them in a recipe, but it's not as simple as switching buttermilk for heavy cream/heavy cream for buttermilk. For example, if you're replacing buttermilk with heavy cream you'll probably need to switch out your baking soda for baking powder.

Is homemade buttermilk as good as the real thing? ›

Store-bought buttermilk is thicker, tangier, and more acidic than traditional or homemade buttermilk. If you're preparing a recipe that calls for buttermilk, it's best to stick with store-bought, especially in baked goods that depend on precise leavening.

Is homemade buttermilk good for you? ›

Buttermilk is an excellent source of calcium. Your bones, teeth, and blood all include significant amounts of calcium, making it the most common mineral in your body. Calcium is not only important to your body's bone structures, but also critical to maintaining signaling systems in your blood.

What can I use if I don't have buttermilk? ›

Dairy-based substitutes for buttermilk
  • Milk and vinegar. Adding vinegar to milk gives it an acidity similar to that of buttermilk. ...
  • Milk and lemon juice. ...
  • Milk and cream of tartar. ...
  • Lactose-free milk and acid. ...
  • Sour cream and water or milk. ...
  • Plain yogurt and water or milk. ...
  • Plain kefir. ...
  • Buttermilk powder and water.

What two ingredients when combined are the best substitute for buttermilk in baking? ›

Milk and vinegar

Similar to the milk and lemon juice combination, milk and vinegar can also be used to mimic the acidic properties of buttermilk. Recipe: 250ml whole or semi-skimmed milk. 1 tbsp white or apple cider vinegar.

Can you freeze buttermilk? ›

You absolutely can freeze buttermilk. In fact, it's a great way to keep some of the fermented dairy product on hand for recipes that only need small amounts. This way, you don't need to buy another quart or half gallon and face the challenge of once again using it up before the expiration date hits.

Can sour milk be substituted for buttermilk? ›

A: Sour milk or kefir can be substituted for buttermilk. For kefir, substitute it cup for cup for the buttermilk. To sour milk, place 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in a 1-cup measure and add enough milk (whole or low-fat) to equal 1 cup.

Can you use regular milk instead of buttermilk in ranch? ›

As mentioned, if you don't have buttermilk, you can use kefir instead. Or, in a pinch, you can make your own homemade buttermilk substitute with regular milk and white vinegar. This is very easy to do: Combine 1 tablespoon of white vinegar (or lemon juice) with enough milk to make 1 cup.

What does buttermilk do in baking? ›

Buttermilk is made up of a variety of acids – the results of the fermentation process, which give baked goods a couple of benefits. First, the acidity provides tangy flavor to balance all kinds of sweet baked treats. Second, it activates baking soda, producing the gas that makes dough or batter rise.

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