Categories: Recipe

How to Make Buttermilk Substitute

Published by
James marcus

A quick and easy Buttermilk Substitute is a must-have recipe for every kitchen!

Nothing quite has the taste of buttermilk in a recipe! It has a bright, tart flavor that brings out the best in everything from sauces, dips, dressings, and it even makes cakes and breads extra light and fluffy.

But sometimes a recipe calls for just a small amount of buttermilk or there just isn’t any. Here is a recipe for a buttermilk alternative that will save the day!

Why Use Buttermilk in Recipes

Buttermilk originally was the liquid that came from the process of making butter but now most store-bought buttermilk has added lactic acid during processing. Buttermilk adds a rich tangy flavor to recipes (like ranch dressing) and it has a thicker consistency compared to regular milk.

Beyond flavor, buttermilk is acidic so it reacts with other ingredients (like baking soda) within baking recipes. It can help with things like the rise of a batter or dough (like in pancakes) and making gluten more tender (in banana cake).

The good news is that if you don’t have any in your fridge, you can make your own sour milk or use one of the substitutes below.

What is a Substitute for Buttermilk?

  • Buttermilk gets its unique slightly sour taste from the lactic acid in it.
  • Lactic acid is important for baked goods calling for buttermilk and if making a substitute, you’ll need to include something acidic (like lemon or vinegar) along with milk or light cream.
  • Kefir is essentially a drinkable yogurt made from the milk of cows, goats, or sheep and can be used as a buttermilk alternative cup-for-cup as it is.

Ingredients & Variations

DAIRY: A buttermilk substitute needs a base. Whole milk, 2%, or non-fat will do. For a dairy-free buttermilk substitute, use unsweetened soy milk or oat milk or almond milk or light cream.

ACID: The most common acid used in making a homemade buttermilk substitute is lemon juice since most kitchens have it, but lime juice will work in a pinch. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are other alternatives for the acid component.

How to Make a Buttermilk Substitute

Buttermilk alternative is super easy to make. It is not actually buttermilk but it is a suitable substitute.

  1. Combine milk and lemon juice or vinegar (per recipe below) in a cup or bowl.
  2. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes before using.
  3. Once combined, the milk will slightly curdle and thicken, this is expected. Give the soured milk a stir before using.

Great Uses for Buttermilk

Here are some great ways you can use the rest of that buttermilk so it doesn’t go to waste!

  • Soup: Adding buttermilk instead of regular milk to tomato soup will thicken it, making a slightly new flavor and a rich creamy texture.
  • Tenderize Chicken: The acidity in Buttermilk is amazing for marinating chicken before frying!
  • Mashed Potatoes: Instead of customary milk in mashed potatoes, add a little buttermilk instead. The texture will be creamier, buttery, and more delicious!
  • Homemade Dressings: Never go back to store-bought with this creamy & flavorful homemade version.
  • Glaze: Use a mixture of buttermilk and powdered sugar for a perfect Vanilla Bundt Cake glaze.

Favorite Recipes Using Buttermilk

  • Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
  • Easy Buttermilk Pie
  • Easy Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Did you use this Buttermilk Substitute? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!

This post was last modified on 26/10/2023 13:33

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

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Published by
James marcus

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