Buttermilk substitute
Out of buttermilk? Here are 6 swaps that work, with exact amounts scaled to your recipe.
The best buttermilk substitutes
Buttermilk adds tang and acidity. The acid reacts with baking soda so pancakes, biscuits and cakes rise and stay tender. The best all-round swap is milk + lemon juice: stir and let it sit 5 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
| Substitute | For 1 cup buttermilk, use | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Milk + lemon juice | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice | Pancakes, cakes, muffins, biscuits |
| Milk + white vinegar | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar | Any baking |
| Plain yogurt + milk | 3/4 cup plain yogurt + 1/4 cup milk | Marinades, dressings, biscuits |
| Kefir | 1 cup plain kefir | Everything |
| Plant milk + lemon juice | 1 cup unsweetened soy or almond milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice | Vegan baking |
| Milk + cream of tartar | 1 cup milk + 1 3/4 tsp cream of tartar | Baking |
How to choose
- Match the jobThink about what buttermilk does in your recipe, then pick the swap listed for that kind of dish.
- Scale the amountEnter your recipe's amount in the tool above and every swap rescales automatically.
- Check the tagsGreen Healthier swaps cut calories or add protein. Vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free swaps are tagged too.
Missing something else? The full ingredient substitute finder covers 20 ingredients, and our recipe calorie calculator shows how a swap changes your recipe's nutrition.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
The best substitute for 1 cup buttermilk is milk + lemon juice: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir and let it sit 5 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
How do you make buttermilk with lemon juice?
Put 1 tbsp lemon juice in a measuring cup, add milk to the 1 cup line, stir and let it sit 5 to 10 minutes until slightly thick.
Can I use plant milk to make buttermilk?
Yes. Unsweetened soy milk curdles best. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup and rest 10 minutes.
Can I use sour cream instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Thin 3/4 cup sour cream with 1/4 cup milk or water.
References
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