Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product with a thick, slightly sour consistency and flavour. Many people use it as an essential ingredient in baking recipes — from pancakes to gingerbread — but it can also be drunk on its own or used for savoury dishes like mashed potatoes.
Buttermilk is an essential ingredient for baking as it provides a light, moist texture to baked goods. Notably, the acid present in buttermilk stimulates the activation of baking soda which acts as a raising agent.
How to Substitute Buttermilk in Recipes
Creating a buttermilk substitute necessitates two essential components: acidity and liquid. For the most authentic flavour, opt for one which is as close in taste and composition as genuine buttermilk.
If you find yourself without buttermilk when preparing a recipe, do not worry — here are some easy substitution options.
1) Milk and Vinegar
Opting for a mixture of vinegar and milk can work well in your favour when substituting buttermilk. White vinegar is preferable due to its mild taste profile. However, feel free to substitute with any other type of available vinegar.
Choose a type of milk that matches your recipe demands. For instance, if the recipe requires low-fat buttermilk, then it is highly suggested to use a similar variety as an alternative.
To create a cup of buttermilk substitute, simply mix one tablespoon of vinegar with nearly a full cup of milk and stir well.
2) Milk and Lemon Juice
With the same formula, you can also replace lemon juice instead of vinegar to make a buttermilk substitute. The recipe is similar to the previous one.
Whether you choose fresh-squeezed or bottled lemon juice, know that the latter may contain preservatives like sodium benzoate and sodium sulfite. These sulfites could lead to breathing difficulties in some individuals with asthma.
3. Milk and Cream of Tartar
Other than that, cream of tartar, otherwise known as potassium bitartrate, is an acidic component that can be used to produce a substitute for buttermilk. This fine white powder has no taste and is the byproduct of wine production.
To make a buttermilk substitute, mix 1 3/4 teaspoons of cream of tartar with every cup of milk.
To avoid any clumping of cream of tartar, it is best to combine the other dry ingredients first and then stir in the milk. You can also whisk 2 tablespoons of milk with your cream of tartar before adding this mixture to the remaining quantity for a lump-free finish.
4) Sour cream and water or milk
Sour cream is created by fermenting cream with lactic acid bacteria, giving it a sour taste much like buttermilk. However, it possesses a thicker consistency than the latter. To substitute buttermilk with sour cream, make sure to dilute it with either milk or water.
For an easy swap in baking, substitute one cup of buttermilk with a combination of 3/4 cup of sour cream and 1/4 cup of water or milk. Whisk until the mixture combines into a creamy texture.
5) Plain Yoghurt and Water or Milk
Plain yoghurt also works well in substituting buttermilk in recipes, as it contains similarities in terms of its tangy flavour and thick texture.
You can substitute plain yoghurt in place of buttermilk, cup for cup. However, it may be more successful to thin the yoghurt with water or milk first — specifically if your recipe calls for a thinner batter such as cake.
Whisk together 6 ounces of plain yoghurt and 1/4 cup of water or milk for one full cup of creamy, homemade buttermilk substitute.
7) Plain Kefir
Unflavored kefir is a fermented milk beverage that has the same texture and flavour as buttermilk. Although kefir is packed with beneficial bacteria and microbes, heating it will inevitably destroy much of its positive effects.
If you want to substitute it for buttermilk, just use equal amounts of both ingredients. One cup of kefir can replace one cup in any recipe.
8) Vegan, Low Carb and Paleo-Friendly Alternatives
Not only that, but you can also mix plant milk with acidic ingredients to create a dairy-free, vegan and paleo-friendly alternative to buttermilk that is low in carbs.
Unsweetened soy milk, vegan sour cream and tofu purées are the perfect liquid substitute for a vegan-friendly option. You can also use unsweetened coconut, almond or cashew milk as a plant-based liquid for the buttermilk substitute.
Takeaway
Buttermilk is a useful baking ingredient, providing baked goods with a delightful flavour and texture. It can often be an expensive and out-of-reach ingredient for many, but now you have the means to create a substitute version at home.
