Buttermilk Substitute for Baking
Don't have buttermilk? You can easily make a substitute with ingredients you likely already have. The key is to add acidity to regular milk, which mimics buttermilk's tangy flavor and its reaction with baking soda.
Best Substitutes
Milk + White Vinegar
- Ratio / Amount Guide
- 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Stir and let sit 5 minutes.
- Flavor / Texture Notes
- Neutral flavor, closest to real buttermilk in function.
- Best For
- Pancakes, biscuits, cakes, muffins
Milk + Lemon Juice
- Ratio / Amount Guide
- 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir and let sit 5 minutes.
- Flavor / Texture Notes
- Very slight citrus note, generally undetectable after baking.
- Best For
- Pancakes, cakes, quick breads
Plain Yogurt + Milk
- Ratio / Amount Guide
- ¾ cup plain yogurt + ¼ cup milk. Whisk until smooth.
- Flavor / Texture Notes
- Tangy, rich. Closest in flavor to real buttermilk.
- Best For
- Cakes, dressings, marinades
Sour Cream + Milk
- Ratio / Amount Guide
- ¾ cup sour cream + ¼ cup milk. Whisk until smooth.
- Flavor / Texture Notes
- Rich, tangy. Adds extra fat.
- Best For
- Rich cakes, scones, cornbread
Cream of Tartar + Milk
- Ratio / Amount Guide
- 1 cup milk + 1¾ teaspoons cream of tartar. Whisk well.
- Flavor / Texture Notes
- Neutral flavor.
- Best For
- When you need acidity without added flavor
When Not to Substitute
- When buttermilk is the primary flavor (e.g., buttermilk panna cotta)
- When making cultured butter — real buttermilk is a byproduct of that process
FAQ
How do I make buttermilk substitute?+
The easiest way: add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly.
Can I use plant-based milk?+
Yes — soy, oat, or almond milk all work with the vinegar/lemon juice method. The curdle may be less visible, but it still works.
Related Substitutions
Egg Substitute for Baking
Eggs serve multiple purposes in baking: binding, leavening, moisture, and richness. The best substitute depends on what role the egg plays in your specific recipe.
Sour Cream Substitute for Baking
Sour cream adds moisture, fat, and tang to baked goods. Several common ingredients can replace it effectively.
Yogurt Substitute for Baking
Yogurt provides moisture, tang, tenderness, and helps activate baking soda in recipes. These alternatives can fill the same role.