Skip the trip to the store and learn How to Make Buttermilk substitute at home with simple pantry ingredients, including dairy-free and vegan options!
I love learning simple how-to swaps for my kitchen, like how to make your own Vanilla Extract, How to Ripen Bananas, or make some Playdough for the kids.
Our Buttermilk Substitute hack saves me time and time again.
Our Buttermilk Substitute hack saves me time and time again.We’ve all been there–you’re several ingredients deep in a recipe and realize it calls for buttermilk, which you don’t have. Instead of making a trip to the store, just make your own buttermilk substitute! It’s easy, inexpensive, and I’m sure you already have everything you need.
Buttermilk Substitute:
Any of these options will work great in a recipe, just pick the best one for you based on what you have in your pantry and fridge.
- 1 cup buttermilk = 1 Tablespoon white vinegar + enough milk to measure 1 cup
- 1 cup buttermilk = 1 Tablespoon lemon juice + enough milk to measure 1 cup
- 1 cup buttermilk = 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup buttermilk = 1 and ¾ teaspoon cream of tartar + 1 cup of milk
How to make Buttermilk:
For the vinegar option, simply pour 1 Tablespoon vinegar into a measuring cup for 1 cup, then fill the rest of the cup with milk. Carefully stir the mixture then let it sit for 5 minutes. If you don’t have vinegar, check out other easy alternatives above.
Dairy Free & Vegan Substitute:
Instead of dairy milk, use coconut milk or soy milk. Just add 1 Tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to a 1 cup measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way with coconut or soy milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes before using in a recipe.
Buttermilk Freezing Instructions:
Buttermilk freezes great for up to 3 months. You could even pour in an ice cube tray so it’s easy to use small amounts as needed.
Use Buttermilk In:
- Buttermilk Pancakes
- Buttermilk Cornbread
- Buttermilk Biscuits
- Skillet Cornbread
- Ranch Dressing
- Homemade Pancake Syrup
- Cinnamon Roll Biscuits
- Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
- Cannoli Cake
- Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
- English Muffins
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Recipe
Buttermilk Substitute
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 cup milk (scant cup)
Instructions
- Pour the tablespoon of vinegar into a 1 cup measurer. Fill the rest of the 1 cup measurer with milk.
- Gently stir and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This will allow the milk to slightly curdle, giving it a buttermilk-like texture and taste.
Notes
-
- 1 cup buttermilk = 1 Tablespoon white vinegar + enough milk to measure 1 cup
-
- 1 cup buttermilk = 1 Tablespoon lemon juice + enough milk to measure 1 cup
-
- 1 cup buttermilk = 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup buttermilk = 1 and ¾ teaspoon cream of tartar + 1 cup of milk
Nutrition
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I originally shared this recipe March 2019. Updated August 2024.
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This recipe worked just like store-bought buttermilk.
Could whey be used instead of vinegar to make buttermilk?
Has anyone tried any other nut, seed, grain milks that aren’t coconut? Would say almond, cashew, or oat milk work? I’m severely allergic to coconut in an any form, and I don’t use soy of any kind.
Thanks I love it you are the best.
It workedok
What about buttermilk from making homemade butter?
What is the ratio of vinegar to milk? My recipe calls for 1-1/3 cups of buttermilk
Thanks in advance
Measure out 1 cup plus 3 1/2 tablespoons milk and add 1 1/2 tablespoons vinegar.
Would the coconut milk cause a coconut taste? I’m going to make banana bread and curious if it’ll give the bread a coconut taste.
I was also going to make banana bread
Can you use other types of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar?
Yes, that would probably be fine.
Can I use Half and Half Cream instead milk ?
Sure!
I wouldn’t recomend it turned out weird for me
Thank you for saving me some money
What a great resource. Thanks for sharing!