Skip to main content

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
See all substitutes โ†’
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Sugar Cookies
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Vanilla Cake
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Chocolate Cake
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Cupcakes
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Muffins
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Pancakes
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Waffles
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Quick Bread
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Yeast Bread
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Pizza Dough
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Pie Crust
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Tomato Sauce
Best: Yogurt diluted with water and lemon juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Cream Sauce
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Soup
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Stew
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Stir-Fry
Best: Rice Vinegar with Water
See all substitutes โ†’
Marinade
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Salad Dressing
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Banana Bread
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Zucchini Bread
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Pound Cake
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Cheesecake
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Crepes
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
French Toast
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Scrambled Eggs
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Omelette
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Quiche
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Frittata
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Pasta
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Risotto
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Fried Rice
Best: Plain Yogurt with Water
See all substitutes โ†’
Curry
Best: Yogurt diluted with water
See all substitutes โ†’
Chili
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Meatballs
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Meatloaf
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Burgers
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Fried Chicken
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Roasted Vegetables
Best: Yogurt mixed with water and lemon juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Smoothie
Best: Plain Yogurt with Water
See all substitutes โ†’
Oatmeal
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Granola
Best: Yogurt diluted with water
See all substitutes โ†’
Energy Balls
Best: Yogurt mixed with lemon juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Scones
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Biscuits
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Doughnuts
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Cinnamon Rolls
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar
See all substitutes โ†’
Bread Pudding
Best: Milk + Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’
Tiramisu
Best: Greek Yogurt with Lemon Juice
See all substitutes โ†’

Browse Other Ingredient Substitutes