Buttermilk substitutes

To replace 1 cup buttermilk, use 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar, plus milk to make 1 cup. Stir and let it stand 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Works in pancakes, biscuits, cakes and marinades.

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Buttermilk substitutes

For 1 cup buttermilk, use:

  1. 1

    1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar, plus milk to make 1 cup

    Stir and let it stand 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Works in pancakes, biscuits, cakes and marinades.

  2. 2

    ¾ cup plain yogurt mixed with ¼ cup milk

    Thicker and tangier than the lemon version. Good in baking and dressings.

  3. 3

    1¾ teaspoons cream of tartar whisked into 1 cup milk

    Mix the cream of tartar with a little of the milk first so it doesn't clump.

Good to know about swapping buttermilk

Buttermilk's acid reacts with baking soda to make baked goods rise, so always use an acidic substitute rather than plain milk.

More substitutes

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

To replace 1 cup buttermilk, use 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar, plus milk to make 1 cup. Stir and let it stand 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Works in pancakes, biscuits, cakes and marinades.

Can I use yogurt instead of buttermilk?

Yes. For 1 cup buttermilk, use ¾ cup plain yogurt mixed with ¼ cup milk. Thicker and tangier than the lemon version. Good in baking and dressings.

Can I use milk and cream of tartar instead of buttermilk?

Yes. For 1 cup buttermilk, use 1¾ teaspoons cream of tartar whisked into 1 cup milk. Mix the cream of tartar with a little of the milk first so it doesn't clump.

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