Running out of buttermilk when you’re in the middle of a recipe can be a bit frustrating, but don’t worry, there are plenty of easy substitutes you can use. Whether you’re baking a cake, making pancakes, or cooking up some delicious fried chicken, these simple swaps will help you get the job done without a trip to the store. Here are 14 reliable substitutes for buttermilk that you can make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Contents
- 1 Milk and Vinegar
- 2 Milk and Lemon Juice
- 3 Milk and Cream of Tartar
- 4 Lactose-Free Milk and Acid
- 5 Sour Cream and Water
- 6 Plain Yogurt and Water
- 7 Plain Kefir
- 8 Buttermilk Powder and Water
- 9 Milk and Yogurt
- 10 Sour Milk
- 11 Coconut Milk and Lemon Juice
- 12 Almond Milk and Vinegar
- 13 Cashew Milk and Lemon Juice
- 14 Oat Milk and Vinegar
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Milk and Vinegar
Combining milk and vinegar is one of the simplest ways to create a buttermilk substitute. Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. The acidity of the vinegar mimics the tangy flavor of buttermilk. This mixture works well in recipes where buttermilk’s acidity is needed. It’s an easy and quick solution using common household ingredients.
Milk and Lemon Juice
Using lemon juice instead of vinegar is another effective substitute for buttermilk. Stir one tablespoon of lemon juice into one cup of milk and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This will cause the milk to curdle slightly, giving it a similar texture and acidity to buttermilk. This substitute adds a fresh, citrusy note to recipes. It’s particularly good for baking cakes and muffins. It’s also a quick fix when you need buttermilk in a hurry.
Milk and Cream of Tartar
Mixing milk with cream of tartar can also substitute for buttermilk. Add 1 3/4 teaspoons of cream of tartar to one cup of milk and stir well. Cream of tartar helps to increase the acidity of the milk, mimicking buttermilk’s properties. This option is handy if you have cream of tartar in your pantry. It’s often used in recipes requiring a tangy flavor. It’s a reliable substitute for both baking and cooking.
Lactose-Free Milk and Acid
For those who are lactose intolerant, using lactose-free milk with an acid like vinegar or lemon juice works well. Mix one cup of lactose-free milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Allow it to sit until it thickens slightly. This creates a similar acidity to buttermilk without the lactose. It’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions. This substitute ensures that recipes requiring buttermilk remain accessible to everyone.
Sour Cream and Water
Sour cream can be diluted with water to create a buttermilk substitute. Mix 3/4 cup of sour cream with 1/4 cup of water to achieve the desired consistency. This mixture provides a similar tang and creaminess to buttermilk. It’s a great option for baking, adding richness to your recipes. This substitute works particularly well in pancakes and waffles. It helps achieve a tender and moist texture in baked goods.
Plain Yogurt and Water
Combining plain yogurt with water is another effective substitute for buttermilk. Mix 3/4 cup of plain yogurt with 1/4 cup of water. This thins the yogurt to a similar consistency as buttermilk while maintaining its tanginess. Yogurt’s natural acidity works well in baked goods. This substitute also adds a slight creaminess. It’s ideal for recipes where buttermilk’s tangy flavor is desired.
Plain Kefir
Plain kefir, a fermented milk drink, can be used directly as a buttermilk substitute. Its tangy flavor and consistency closely resemble that of buttermilk. Kefir is rich in probiotics, adding a health benefit to your recipes. It works well in both baking and cooking. This substitute is particularly good in recipes requiring fermentation. It can be used in a one-to-one ratio with buttermilk.
Buttermilk Powder and Water
Buttermilk powder reconstituted with water is an excellent substitute. Mix one cup of water with 4 tablespoons of buttermilk powder. This combination provides the flavor and acidity of fresh buttermilk. Buttermilk powder is convenient and has a long shelf life. It’s easy to store and use whenever buttermilk is needed. This substitute is perfect for those who don’t frequently use buttermilk.
Milk and Yogurt
Combining milk with plain yogurt creates a good buttermilk substitute. Mix half a cup of milk with half a cup of plain yogurt. This mixture offers the tang and texture of buttermilk. It’s especially effective in baking recipes. This combination also adds a bit of creaminess. It’s a simple solution using ingredients you likely have on hand.
Sour Milk
Sour milk itself can be used as a buttermilk substitute. Simply let milk sit out at room temperature until it sours slightly. The natural fermentation process gives it a tangy flavor similar to buttermilk. This substitute works well in baking. It’s a traditional method used before commercial buttermilk was widely available. It’s an easy and natural alternative.
Coconut Milk and Lemon Juice
For a dairy-free option, coconut milk mixed with lemon juice can substitute for buttermilk. Add one tablespoon of lemon juice to one cup of coconut milk. Let it sit until it thickens slightly. This provides the tanginess needed for recipes. It’s perfect for those with dairy allergies or vegan diets. The coconut flavor can also add a unique twist to your dishes.
Almond Milk and Vinegar
Almond milk mixed with vinegar is another dairy-free substitute. Combine one cup of almond milk with one tablespoon of vinegar. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken. This mixture mimics the acidity and consistency of buttermilk. It’s ideal for vegan and lactose-intolerant individuals. This substitute works well in baking and cooking alike.
Cashew Milk and Lemon Juice
Cashew milk can also be used with lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute. Mix one cup of cashew milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice. Let it sit until it curdles slightly. This provides the necessary tang and texture. It’s a great option for dairy-free diets. This substitute is versatile and works well in a variety of recipes.
Oat Milk and Vinegar
Oat milk combined with vinegar makes for a good buttermilk substitute. Mix one cup of oat milk with one tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This mixture offers the acidity needed for recipes. It’s suitable for those avoiding dairy. This substitute is perfect for baking and cooking applications.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout
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