Buttermilk is famed for its ability to give baked goods a wonderfully moist texture and a tangy flavor that enhances everything from pancakes to chocolate chip cookies. However, if you’re like me, it’s not always a staple in the refrigerator. Being a professional recipe developer, I’ve had to come up with buttermilk substitutes when in a pinch. After extensive testing in my kitchen and a variety of recipes, I’ve discovered the top 10 substitutes that work brilliantly in recipes calling for buttermilk.
Table of Contents
- Homemade Buttermilk Recipe
- The Best-Tested Buttermilk Substitutes
- How I Tested These Substitutions
- Tips for Success
- Other Helpful Substitution Guides
Homemade Buttermilk Recipe
Before diving into the substitutes, here’s a quick way to make homemade buttermilk:
Combine 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 10 minutes in a liquid measuring cup until slightly thickened.
The Best-Tested Buttermilk Substitutes
Lemon Juice and Milk
This is essentially your homemade buttermilk. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk. Let it stand for about 10 minutes until it curdles. Perfect for any baking recipe!
Vinegar and Milk
Substitute like the lemon juice method, using 1 tablespoon of white vinegar instead. This mixture works well in recipes where a subtle tangy flavor is desired.
Buttermilk Powder
Buttermilk powder is an excellent shelf-stable option that can be used in baking recipes. Mix the powder with water according to package instructions to reconstitute it.
Yogurt
Plain yogurt can replace buttermilk cup-for-cup in most baking recipes. It’s especially great in cakes and muffins, offering a rich, tangy flavor.
Sour Cream
Sour cream thinned out with a bit of milk or water makes a great buttermilk substitute, providing the acidity and fat needed for tender baked goods.
Almond Milk and Lemon Juice
For a dairy-free alternative, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 cup of almond milk. This vegan substitute adds a slight nuttiness along with the required acidity.
Cultured Buttermilk
Commercial cultured buttermilk is thicker and tangier than homemade and can be used directly in recipes for an extra tangy kick.
Cream of Tartar and Milk
Mix 1 3/4 teaspoons of cream of tartar with 1 cup of milk. This combination can help activate the baking soda used in recipes.
Kefir
Kefir works well as a buttermilk substitute because of its similar consistency and acidity. Use it in place of buttermilk in any recipe for moist and flavorful results.
How I Tested These Substitutions
Each substitute was tested in several recipes, including fluffy pancakes, moist chocolate cake, and hearty bread, to ensure they provide similar taste and texture to the original buttermilk-based recipe. I experimented with the amount of substitute used to perfect the desired consistency and acidity, ensuring the final product remains as delightful as the original.
Tips for Success
- When using thicker substitutes like yogurt or sour cream, thin them with water for a better resemblance to buttermilk.
- Always measure your substitutes precisely using a measuring cup to ensure your recipe turns out perfect.
- Remember that the key to substituting buttermilk is maintaining the balance of acidity in your recipe, which activates leavening agents like baking soda.
Other Helpful Substitution Guides
- Substitutes for Red Pepper Flakes
- Substitutes for Amaretto
- Substitutes for Anchovys
- Substitutes for Cannellini Beans
- Substitutes for Shallots
- Substitutes for Black Beans
- Substitutes for Poblano Peppers
- Substitutes for Chia Seeds
Have questions or want to share your experiences? Drop a comment or join me over on Instagram at @may.eighty.five. See you there!
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.