Buttermilk Substitutes
Buttermilk is a tangy, slightly acidic dairy product traditionally made from the liquid left after churning butter. Its acidity helps tenderize gluten in baked goods, resulting in a softer texture and enhanced flavor. It also reacts with baking soda to create leavening, contributing to light and fluffy baked items.
Primary function in recipes: Its primary function is to act as a tenderizer and leavening agent in baking by reacting with alkaline ingredients.
Choose Your Recipe (50 Recipe Guides)
The best Buttermilk substitute depends on what you're making. Select your recipe for a tailored recommendation with exact ratios.
Brownies
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Chocolate Chip Cookies
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Sugar Cookies
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Vanilla Cake
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Chocolate Cake
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Cupcakes
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Muffins
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Pancakes
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Waffles
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Quick Bread
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Yeast Bread
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Pizza Dough
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Pie Crust
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Tomato Sauce
Best: Yogurt diluted with water and lemon juice
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Cream Sauce
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Soup
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Stew
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Stir-Fry
Best: Rice Vinegar with Water
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Marinade
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Salad Dressing
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Banana Bread
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Zucchini Bread
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Pound Cake
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Cheesecake
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Crepes
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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French Toast
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Scrambled Eggs
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Omelette
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Quiche
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Frittata
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Pasta
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Risotto
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Fried Rice
Best: Plain Yogurt with Water
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Curry
Best: Yogurt diluted with water
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Chili
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Meatballs
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Meatloaf
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Burgers
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Fried Chicken
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Roasted Vegetables
Best: Yogurt mixed with water and lemon juice
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Smoothie
Best: Plain Yogurt with Water
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Oatmeal
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Granola
Best: Yogurt diluted with water
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Energy Balls
Best: Yogurt mixed with lemon juice
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Scones
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Biscuits
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Doughnuts
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Cinnamon Rolls
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
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Bread Pudding
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
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Tiramisu
Best: Greek Yogurt with Lemon Juice
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