Substitute for Buttermilk

Tangy, slightly thickened cultured milk; reacts with baking soda for lift and tender crumb.

• Dairy
• 4 options
• Also called cultured buttermilk

1. 1

   Milk + lemon juice1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice

   Best

   Let sit 10 minutes until curdled. Closest DIY substitute.

   pancakes, biscuits, marinades
2. 2

   Milk + white vinegar1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar

   Same method as lemon; slightly sharper edge.

   baking, fried-chicken brines
3. 3

   Plain yogurt thinned with milk3/4 cup yogurt + 1/4 cup milk

   Matches buttermilk's acidity and body best.

   quick breads, cakes
4. 4

   Kefir1:1

   Very close in acidity; slightly thinner.

   pancakes, dressings

Recipes that use buttermilk

Brown Butter Cinnamon Donuts

14 min 350°F 260 cal

Crispy Garlic Butter Bread

5 min 350°F 270 cal

Air Fryer Buttermilk Biscuits

12 min 330°F 280 cal

Other dairy swaps

Milk (whole)Heavy CreamSour CreamCream CheeseYogurt (plain)Greek YogurtButterHalf & HalfSweetened Condensed MilkEvaporated MilkMascarponeRicotta

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