Buttermilk Substitutes for Baking: Rise & Texture Guide

Milk + Vinegar

Use the same amount (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar per cup) as the buttermilk you are replacing

Best for cakes

Close match

For baking buttermilk, the best substitutes are Milk + Vinegar, Milk + Lemon Juice, and Greek Yogurt + Milk. Use 1:1 ratio and follow these baking-specific techniques for optimal results.

Compare all 6 buttermilk substitutes

Find the best substitutes for buttermilk in baking cakes, biscuits, and bread. Learn proper ratios and techniques for perfect rise and texture.

Other buttermilk substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Milk + Lemon Juice
Use the same amount (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup)
Milk with lemon juice provides similar acidity and leavening power to buttermilk in baking.
What changes
Good for when you want the acid reaction with a slightly different flavor profile.
Best for
cakes, biscuits, when you need leavening, lemon flavor, most baking recipes
Taste
slightly different
Texture
similar
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice per cup of buttermilk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles. Use whole milk for best results.
3Greek Yogurt + Milk
Use the same amount (½ cup Greek yogurt + ½ cup milk per cup)
Greek yogurt with milk provides similar thickness and moisture to buttermilk in baking.
What changes
Perfect for when you want the creamy texture and added protein benefits.
Best for
cakes, muffins, when you want moisture, protein benefits, most baking recipes
Taste
similar
Texture
thicker
Mix equal parts Greek yogurt and milk per cup of buttermilk. Use plain Greek yogurt for best results. Adjust milk amount for desired consistency.
4Sour Cream + Milk
Use the same amount (½ cup sour cream + ½ cup milk per cup)
Sour cream with milk provides similar tang and richness to buttermilk in baking.
What changes
Good for when you want the buttermilk character with added richness and moisture.
Best for
cakes, muffins, when you want richness, moisture, most baking recipes
Taste
similar
Texture
thicker
Mix equal parts sour cream and milk per cup of buttermilk. Use full-fat sour cream for best results. Adjust milk amount for desired consistency.
5Kefir
Close match
Use the same amount
Kefir provides similar tang and probiotic benefits to buttermilk in baking.
What changes
Good for when you want the authentic fermented dairy character with health benefits.
Best for
cakes, bread, when you want probiotics, fermented flavor, most baking recipes
Use in equal amounts by volume. Kefir has a similar tang and consistency to buttermilk. Choose plain kefir for best results in baking.

How it behaves in this recipe

When using buttermilk substitutes in baking, the goal is to replicate the acidity, moisture, and leavening power that buttermilk provides. The recommended substitutes work because they combine similar acidity levels with complementary textures while maintaining the intended functionality in baked goods.

Cooking tips

For buttermilk in cakes, use milk + vinegar for the best acid reaction with baking soda
When making buttermilk biscuits, use milk + lemon juice for proper rise and flakiness
For buttermilk in muffins, use Greek yogurt + milk for moisture and tenderness
In buttermilk bread, use kefir for authentic fermented flavor
For buttermilk in cornbread, use sour cream + milk for rich, moist texture
When making buttermilk pancakes, use milk + vinegar for light, fluffy results
For buttermilk in scones, use Greek yogurt + milk for tender, crumbly texture
In buttermilk waffles, use milk + lemon juice for crispy exterior and tender interior

Notes on buttermilk

For buttermilk in cakes: Use milk + vinegar for acid reaction
For buttermilk in biscuits: Use milk + lemon juice for rise
For buttermilk in muffins: Use Greek yogurt + milk for moisture
For buttermilk in bread: Use kefir for fermented flavor
For buttermilk in cornbread: Use sour cream + milk for richness

Frequently asked questions

What's the best substitute for buttermilk in baking?

Milk + vinegar is the best substitute for buttermilk in baking. Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar per cup of buttermilk and let sit for 5-10 minutes.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk in baking?

Yes, Greek yogurt + milk works well as a buttermilk substitute in baking. Mix equal parts Greek yogurt and milk per cup of buttermilk.

How do I substitute buttermilk in cakes?

For cakes, use milk + vinegar for the best acid reaction with baking soda, or Greek yogurt + milk for moisture and tenderness.

What can I use instead of buttermilk in biscuits?

For biscuits, use milk + lemon juice for proper rise and flakiness, or sour cream + milk for rich, tender texture.

Can I use sour cream instead of buttermilk in baking?

Yes, sour cream + milk works as a buttermilk substitute in baking. Mix equal parts sour cream and milk per cup of buttermilk.

Buttermilk Substitutes for Baking: Rise & Texture Guide

Other buttermilk substitutes

2Milk + Lemon Juice

3Greek Yogurt + Milk

4Sour Cream + Milk

5Kefir