Can I use Crème Fraîche instead of Greek Yogurt in Doughnuts?

Offers a creamy texture and mild tang, though slightly richer and less thick than Greek yogurt. Use a ratio of 1:1 (1 cup crème fraîche per 1 cup Greek yogurt).

Can I use Mascarpone Cheese (thinned with milk) instead of Greek Yogurt in Doughnuts?

Provides creaminess and fat but requires thinning to mimic Greek yogurt’s consistency and acidity. Use a ratio of 3/4 cup mascarpone + 1/4 cup milk per 1 cup Greek yogurt.

Can I use Cottage Cheese (blended smooth) instead of Greek Yogurt in Doughnuts?

Adds protein and moisture but requires blending to avoid graininess and may lack acidity. Use a ratio of 1 cup blended cottage cheese per 1 cup Greek yogurt.

Can I use Silken Tofu (with lemon juice) instead of Greek Yogurt in Doughnuts?

Vegan option that mimics moisture but lacks natural dairy tang and fat, resulting in denser doughnuts. Use a ratio of 1 cup silken tofu + 1 tablespoon lemon juice per 1 cup Greek yogurt.

Best Greek Yogurt Substitute in Doughnuts

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 Greek Yogurt in Doughnuts is Sour Cream because it closely matches the moisture content, acidity, and fat level, which are critical for achieving the tender crumb and slight tang that Greek yogurt imparts.

Top 5 Greek Yogurt Substitutes for Doughnuts

Substitute	Ratio	Notes	Dietary
⭐ Sour Cream (Best)	1:1 (1 cup sour cream per 1 cup Greek yogurt)	Maintains similar moisture and fat content, preserving doughnut tenderness and flavor balance.	Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Crème Fraîche	1:1 (1 cup crème fraîche per 1 cup Greek yogurt)	Offers a creamy texture and mild tang, though slightly richer and less thick than Greek yogurt.	Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Mascarpone Cheese (thinned with milk)	3/4 cup mascarpone + 1/4 cup milk per 1 cup Greek yogurt	Provides creaminess and fat but requires thinning to mimic Greek yogurt’s consistency and acidity.	Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Cottage Cheese (blended smooth)	1 cup blended cottage cheese per 1 cup Greek yogurt	Adds protein and moisture but requires blending to avoid graininess and may lack acidity.	Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Silken Tofu (with lemon juice)	1 cup silken tofu + 1 tablespoon lemon juice per 1 cup Greek yogurt	Vegan option that mimics moisture but lacks natural dairy tang and fat, resulting in denser doughnuts.	Vegan Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Nut-Free

Detailed Guide: Each Greek Yogurt Substitute in Doughnuts

Sour Cream (Best Option)

1:1 (1 cup sour cream per 1 cup Greek yogurt)

Gluten-Free Nut-Free

Quick tip: Maintains similar moisture and fat content, preserving doughnut tenderness and flavor balance.

Sour cream has a similar fat content and acidity level as Greek yogurt, which helps maintain the doughnut’s tender crumb and slight tang. The acidity also reacts with baking soda or powder to provide proper leavening.

When substituting, ensure sour cream is well mixed to avoid lumps. Because sour cream is slightly less thick, you might want to reduce any added liquid slightly to maintain batter consistency.

The final doughnuts will have a very similar texture and flavor to those made with Greek yogurt, with a subtle richness and balanced acidity that enhances the overall taste.

Crème Fraîche

1:1 (1 cup crème fraîche per 1 cup Greek yogurt)

Gluten-Free Nut-Free

Quick tip: Offers a creamy texture and mild tang, though slightly richer and less thick than Greek yogurt.

Crème fraîche is a cultured dairy product with a creamy texture and mild acidity, making it a good stand-in for Greek yogurt in doughnuts. Its fat content is typically higher, which can add richness and moisture.

Use it as a direct substitute, but be mindful that the batter may be slightly looser due to its creaminess. Adjust liquid ingredients if necessary.

Doughnuts made with crème fraîche will be tender and moist with a subtle buttery flavor, slightly richer than those made with Greek yogurt.

Mascarpone Cheese (thinned with milk)

3/4 cup mascarpone + 1/4 cup milk per 1 cup Greek yogurt

Gluten-Free Nut-Free

Quick tip: Provides creaminess and fat but requires thinning to mimic Greek yogurt’s consistency and acidity.

Mascarpone is a high-fat Italian cheese that adds richness and moisture but lacks the acidity of Greek yogurt. Thinning with milk approximates the yogurt’s consistency, though acidity must be compensated with a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar.

Mix mascarpone and milk thoroughly, then add 1 teaspoon lemon juice per cup to introduce acidity. Watch batter consistency and adjust liquid as needed.

Doughnuts will be richer and creamier but may have a milder tang. The texture is tender but less tangy compared to Greek yogurt-based doughnuts.

Cottage Cheese (blended smooth)

1 cup blended cottage cheese per 1 cup Greek yogurt

Gluten-Free Nut-Free

Quick tip: Adds protein and moisture but requires blending to avoid graininess and may lack acidity.

Blended cottage cheese can mimic the protein and moisture content of Greek yogurt, contributing to a tender doughnut crumb. However, it lacks natural acidity, which is important for leavening and flavor.

Blend thoroughly until smooth, then add 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar per cup to replicate acidity. Monitor batter thickness and adjust liquids accordingly.

Doughnuts will be moist and tender but may have a slightly different flavor profile, with less tang and a subtle dairy sweetness.

Silken Tofu (with lemon juice)

1 cup silken tofu + 1 tablespoon lemon juice per 1 cup Greek yogurt

Vegan Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Nut-Free

Quick tip: Vegan option that mimics moisture but lacks natural dairy tang and fat, resulting in denser doughnuts.

Silken tofu provides moisture and protein but lacks fat and acidity. Adding lemon juice introduces acidity to help with leavening and flavor balance. This substitute is useful for vegan or dairy-free doughnuts.

Blend tofu until completely smooth, then mix in lemon juice. Expect a batter that is slightly less rich and potentially denser.

Doughnuts will be less tender and have a milder flavor, with a slightly heavier texture compared to those made with Greek yogurt.

Vegan Greek Yogurt Substitutes for Doughnuts

Full Vegan guide →

Silken Tofu (with lemon juice)

Ratio: 1 cup silken tofu + 1 tablespoon lemon juice per 1 cup Greek yogurt

Vegan option that mimics moisture but lacks natural dairy tang and fat, resulting in denser doughnuts.

Gluten-Free Greek Yogurt Substitutes for Doughnuts

Full Gluten-Free guide →

Sour Cream

Ratio: 1:1 (1 cup sour cream per 1 cup Greek yogurt)

Maintains similar moisture and fat content, preserving doughnut tenderness and flavor balance.

Crème Fraîche

Ratio: 1:1 (1 cup crème fraîche per 1 cup Greek yogurt)

Offers a creamy texture and mild tang, though slightly richer and less thick than Greek yogurt.

Mascarpone Cheese (thinned with milk)

Ratio: 3/4 cup mascarpone + 1/4 cup milk per 1 cup Greek yogurt

Provides creaminess and fat but requires thinning to mimic Greek yogurt’s consistency and acidity.

Cottage Cheese (blended smooth)

Ratio: 1 cup blended cottage cheese per 1 cup Greek yogurt

Adds protein and moisture but requires blending to avoid graininess and may lack acidity.

Silken Tofu (with lemon juice)

Ratio: 1 cup silken tofu + 1 tablespoon lemon juice per 1 cup Greek yogurt

Vegan option that mimics moisture but lacks natural dairy tang and fat, resulting in denser doughnuts.

Dairy-Free Greek Yogurt Substitutes for Doughnuts

Full Dairy-Free guide →

Silken Tofu (with lemon juice)

Ratio: 1 cup silken tofu + 1 tablespoon lemon juice per 1 cup Greek yogurt

Vegan option that mimics moisture but lacks natural dairy tang and fat, resulting in denser doughnuts.

❌ What NOT to Use as a Greek Yogurt Substitute in Doughnuts

Regular Yogurt (non-Greek)

Regular yogurt is thinner and more watery than Greek yogurt, which can lead to a batter that is too loose, resulting in doughnuts that are dense and greasy rather than light and tender.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is much more liquid and acidic, which can overly thin the doughnut batter and cause excessive leavening or a sour taste that overwhelms the doughnut's flavor profile.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu lacks the acidity and tang of Greek yogurt, which are important for flavor and chemical reactions in doughnuts. It also alters the texture, making the doughnuts heavier and less tender.

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