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What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Best substitute for 1 cup buttermilk
1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice
Milk + lemon juice — Stir, rest 5-10 min until curdled.
cups
Amounts below are for 1 cup buttermilk
6 substitutes for buttermilk
| Substitute | Use this much | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milk + lemon juice | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice | Stir, rest 5-10 min until curdled. |
| Milk + white vinegar | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar | Same method as the lemon version. |
| Plain yogurt | 1 cup plain yogurt | Thin with a splash of milk if thick. |
| Sour cream + milk | 3/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup milk | Whisk until smooth. |
| Kefir | 1 cup plain kefir | Closest tangy, drinkable match. |
| Milk + cream of tartar | 1 cup milk + 1 3/4 tsp cream of tartar | Whisk cream of tartar in well. |
No buttermilk on hand? Its job is acidity plus a little fat to tenderize and activate baking soda. Any milk plus an acid mimics it in minutes.
Tips
- Any acid + milk works at 1 tbsp acid per 1 cup milk.
- Use it in the recipe right away once it curdles.
FAQ
- Can I use water instead of buttermilk?
- No - you need acidity and fat. Milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar per cup is the easiest swap.
- Does the milk type matter?
- Whole milk works best, but any dairy or soy milk will curdle with acid.