Last Updated on October 30, 2023 by Toya
Need a quick substitute for buttermilk in a pinch? Then this post is just what you need.
It lists 15 effective buttermilk substitutes that you can use for any recipe that calls for buttermilk.
Whether you’ve run out of buttermilk or prefer a dairy-free option, these alternatives will help you achieve the same tangy flavor and texture.
And, fortunately, there are many buttermilk alternatives that can be used in place of buttermilk without compromising the taste or texture of your dish.
Milk and Vinegar
If you’ve run out of buttermilk or prefer a dairy-free option, using a combination of milk and vinegar can be an easy and effective substitute. This combination creates a similar acidity to traditional buttermilk and can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a replacement in recipes.
How to Make Milk and Vinegar Substitute for Buttermilk
To make this substitute, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of milk
Here’s how to make it:
- Pour the vinegar into a measuring cup.
- Add enough milk to bring the total liquid volume to 1 cup.
- Stir the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the milk to curdle and thicken before using it in your recipe as a substitute for buttermilk.
This substitute is an excellent option for recipes that require buttermilk, such as pancakes, waffles, and biscuits. It’s also a great solution for those who want a dairy-free alternative to buttermilk.
Experiment with different types of vinegar to see which one works best in your recipe. White vinegar is the most common type used, but apple cider vinegar can also add a subtle fruity flavor to your dish.
Milk and Yogurt
If you’re looking for a substitute for buttermilk that offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, a combination of milk and yogurt is a great option.
To use yogurt as a substitute for buttermilk, simply mix 1/4 cup of plain yogurt and 3/4 cup milk. Mix this well and use in any recipe that calls for buttermilk.
Milk and Cream of Tartar
Another great alternative for buttermilk is a combination of milk and cream of tartar. This substitute is perfect for recipes that require a tangy flavor, such as pancakes, biscuits, and cakes.
To replace 1 cup of buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 3/4 teaspoons of cream of tartar. Stir the mixture until the cream of tartar dissolves completely. The mixture should have a slightly thickened consistency, similar to that of buttermilk.
This substitute is easy to make and works well in most recipes.
Milk and Sour Cream Substitute
If you’re looking for a substitute for buttermilk that has a similar tangy taste and creamy texture, consider using a mixture of milk and sour cream.
To create this substitute, simply combine ¾ cup sour cream and ¼ cup whole or 2% milk and mix well. This mixture can be used as a replacement for buttermilk in certain recipes.
Milk and Kefir
Kefir is a fermented dairy product that is similar to yogurt but has a thinner consistency and a tangier taste. If you’re out of buttermilk, a combination of milk and kefir is a great alternative.
To make this substitute, mix 1 scant cup plain kefir and 1 tablespoon whole or 2% milk together and use.
Water and Plain Yogurt
For those who prefer a dairy-based alternative to buttermilk, mixing water and plain yogurt is a great option.
To make it, you will need ¾ cup sour cream + ¼ cup water together until they’re properly combines.
Milk and Lemon Juice
If you’re looking for a simple and easy substitute for buttermilk, using milk and lemon juice is a great option. This combination creates the necessary acidity to mimic the flavor and texture of buttermilk in your recipes.
To create this substitute, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken and curdle before using it in your recipe. This mixture can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a replacement for buttermilk.
Milk and Buttermilk Powder
Anther easy way to substitute buttermilk is with buttermilk powder and water.
To make buttermilk using buttermilk powder, follow the instructions on the buttermilk powder container. Generally, it tell you to combine 1 cup of water with 1/4 cup powder to substitute for 1 cup of fresh buttermilk.
Various Non-Dairy Substitutes
If you’re dairy free, vegan, or have lactose intolerance, there are several non-dairy options available for buttermilk substitutes. Here are some of the best alternatives:
Almond Milk and Vinegar
A combination of almond milk and vinegar can be used to make an easy buttermilk substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before using it in your recipe.
Soy Milk and Lemon Juice
Similar to the almond milk and vinegar mixture, soy milk can be combined with lemon juice to create a substitute for buttermilk. Use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 cup of soy milk and let it sit until it thickens.
Coconut Milk and lemon juice
Coconut milk can also be used as a dairy-free alternative to buttermilk. Use canned coconut milk, which has a thicker consistency than the refrigerated variety, for the best results. You can use it as a 1:1 substitute in your recipes.
Cashew Milk and Vinegar
Cashew milk is a great non-dairy buttermilk substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of cashew milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using it in your recipe.
Oat Milk and Lemon Juice
Oat milk is another suitable option for those who can’t consume dairy. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 cup of oat milk to create a tangy buttermilk-like substitute.
Rice Milk and Vinegar
Rice milk is a thin and sweet non-dairy alternative to buttermilk. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of rice milk to create a suitable substitute for your recipe.
Hemp Milk and Lemon Juice
Hemp milk is a creamy and nutty alternative to buttermilk. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 cup of hemp milk to achieve a tangy flavor and similar consistency to buttermilk.
Sunflower Seed Milk and Vinegar
Sunflower seed milk can also be used as a dairy-free alternative for buttermilk. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of sunflower seed milk to achieve a similar acidity and consistency to buttermilk.
Find any of these useful? Let me know in the comment section below!