Can I use Plain Yogurt (Thinned with Water) instead of Buttermilk in Waffles?

Thinning yogurt adjusts its thickness to better mimic buttermilk, preserving acidity and moisture balance. Use a ratio of 3/4 cup plain yogurt + 1/4 cup water per 1 cup buttermilk.

Can I use Sour Milk (Milk + Vinegar, no sitting time) instead of Buttermilk in Waffles?

Using sour milk immediately provides acidity but less thickening than traditional buttermilk substitutes. Use a ratio of 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar (use immediately).

Can I use Coconut Milk + Lemon Juice instead of Buttermilk in Waffles?

A dairy-free alternative that adds acidity and richness but imparts a mild coconut flavor. Use a ratio of 1 cup full-fat coconut milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice (let sit 5 minutes).

Best Buttermilk Substitute in Waffles

5 tested options with exact ratios, science-backed explanations, and tips for success.

Filter by diet: Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Nut-Free

Quick Answer

The best substitute for Buttermilk in Waffles is Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar because it replicates the acidity and liquid content of buttermilk, which activates baking soda for proper leavening and tender crumb.

Top 5 Buttermilk Substitutes for Waffles

Substitute	Ratio	Notes	Dietary
⭐ Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar (Best)	1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar (let sit 5 minutes)	This mixture closely mimics buttermilk’s acidity and consistency, ensuring proper rise and tender texture.	Nut-Free
Plain Yogurt (Thinned with Water)	3/4 cup plain yogurt + 1/4 cup water per 1 cup buttermilk	Thinning yogurt adjusts its thickness to better mimic buttermilk, preserving acidity and moisture balance.	Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Milk + Cream of Tartar	1 cup milk + 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar	Cream of tartar provides acidity without altering liquid volume, helping maintain batter consistency.	Nut-Free
Sour Milk (Milk + Vinegar, no sitting time)	1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar (use immediately)	Using sour milk immediately provides acidity but less thickening than traditional buttermilk substitutes.	Nut-Free
Coconut Milk + Lemon Juice	1 cup full-fat coconut milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice (let sit 5 minutes)	A dairy-free alternative that adds acidity and richness but imparts a mild coconut flavor.	Vegan Dairy-Free Nut-Free Gluten-Free

Detailed Guide: Each Buttermilk Substitute in Waffles

Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar (Best Option)

1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar (let sit 5 minutes)

Nut-Free

Quick tip: This mixture closely mimics buttermilk’s acidity and consistency, ensuring proper rise and tender texture.

Adding an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to milk creates a homemade buttermilk substitute by curdling the milk slightly and increasing acidity. This acidity is crucial for activating baking soda in the waffle batter, which produces carbon dioxide and helps the waffles rise and become fluffy.

For best results, use whole or 2% milk and allow the acid and milk mixture to sit for about 5 minutes before incorporating it into the batter. This ensures the milk thickens slightly and the acidity is balanced.

Compared to real buttermilk, this substitute produces very similar texture and flavor in waffles, maintaining the characteristic tenderness and slight tang without altering batter viscosity significantly.

Plain Yogurt (Thinned with Water)

3/4 cup plain yogurt + 1/4 cup water per 1 cup buttermilk

Gluten-Free Nut-Free

Quick tip: Thinning yogurt adjusts its thickness to better mimic buttermilk, preserving acidity and moisture balance.

Plain yogurt contains lactic acid similar to buttermilk, which helps activate baking soda for leavening. However, yogurt is thicker, so diluting it with water restores the proper batter consistency, preventing overly dense waffles.

Use plain, unsweetened yogurt and mix thoroughly with water before adding to the batter. Avoid flavored or Greek yogurt as they can affect taste and texture.

This substitute yields waffles with a slightly tangier flavor and a moist, tender crumb, though the texture may be marginally denser than with true buttermilk.

Milk + Cream of Tartar

1 cup milk + 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

Nut-Free

Quick tip: Cream of tartar provides acidity without altering liquid volume, helping maintain batter consistency.

Cream of tartar is an acidic powder that can replicate the acid component of buttermilk when combined with milk. This acidity activates baking soda in the waffle batter, promoting rise and tenderness.

Mix cream of tartar into the milk thoroughly before adding to the batter. This method is convenient when lemon juice or vinegar is unavailable.

Waffles made with this substitute have a similar rise and lightness to those made with buttermilk, though the flavor lacks the subtle tang of fermented dairy.

Sour Milk (Milk + Vinegar, no sitting time)

1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar (use immediately)

Nut-Free

Quick tip: Using sour milk immediately provides acidity but less thickening than traditional buttermilk substitutes.

Sour milk is created by adding vinegar to milk but using it immediately without letting it curdle fully. It provides acidity to activate baking soda but lacks the slight thickening and flavor development of proper buttermilk.

This substitute is a quick fix but may result in slightly less tender waffles due to reduced acidity and minimal curdling.

The final waffles will be acceptable but may have a less pronounced tang and slightly different texture compared to those made with real buttermilk.

Coconut Milk + Lemon Juice

1 cup full-fat coconut milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice (let sit 5 minutes)

Vegan Dairy-Free Nut-Free Gluten-Free

Quick tip: A dairy-free alternative that adds acidity and richness but imparts a mild coconut flavor.

Full-fat coconut milk combined with lemon juice creates an acidic, creamy liquid that can substitute buttermilk in waffles, especially for dairy-free diets. The acidity activates baking soda, while the fat content helps maintain tenderness.

Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and develop acidity. Be aware that coconut milk’s distinct flavor can subtly influence the waffle’s taste.

Waffles made with this substitute are tender and moist but will have a mild coconut undertone, which may or may not be desirable depending on preference.