5.0 from 21 votes
Buttermilk Substitutes
Learn how to quickly create straightforward buttermilk substitutes, including dairy-free options. Find out which substitute works best for each recipe type.
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 150 kcal
Ingredients
Option 1: All-purpose use in breads, pastries, cakes, and other baked goods
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 cup milk whole, 2%, 1%, or skim
Option 2: Use for muffins, cakes, quickbreads, and scones
- 1 3/4 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 cup milk whole, 2%, 1%, or skim
Option 3: Use for dense baked goods, dressings, and marinades
- 3/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk whole, 2%, 1%, or skim
Instructions
- Simply stir or whisk ingredients together and let stand 5 minutes before using in any recipe calling for buttermilk.
- Be sure to make the appropriate measurement scaling adjustments needed for the amount of buttermilk called for in the recipe.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Refrigeration: Store for up to 1 week in a sealed jar or container. Shake well before use.
- Freezing: Pour the substitute into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top. For smaller portions, freeze in an ice cube tray and then transfer to a sealed container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a dairy-free version, you can use the first two options with non-dairy milk like oat, soy, or almond milk.
- Refrigeration: Store for up to 1 week in a sealed jar or container. Shake well before use.
- Freezing: Pour the substitute into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top. For smaller portions, freeze in an ice cube tray and then transfer to a sealed container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1cup
Calories
150kcal
(8%)
Carbohydrates
12g
(4%)
Protein
8g
(16%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat
2g
Cholesterol
29mg
(10%)
Sodium
93mg
(4%)
Potassium
381mg
(11%)
Fiber
0.1g
(0%)
Sugar
12g
(24%)
Vitamin A
396IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
6mg
(7%)
Calcium
301mg
(30%)
Iron
0.01mg
(0%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1cup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 150
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 150kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 29mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 93mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 381mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 396IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 301mg | 30% |
| Iron | 0.01mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.