🍎 Fruits

Lemon Juice Substitute for Buttermilk: Complete Guide

Learn how to use lemon juice substitutes to make buttermilk. Discover the perfect ratios and techniques for creating homemade buttermilk alternatives.

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Quick Answer

To make buttermilk with lemon juice substitutes, mix 1 tablespoon of your chosen substitute with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use lime juice, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar as alternatives.

Best Substitutes

Lime Juice + Milk

1 tbsp lime juice + 1 cup milk

Similar acidity to lemon juice for buttermilk

Best for:

Making buttermilk substituteBaking recipesPancakes and wafflesBiscuits

Let sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken. Slightly sweeter than lemon.

White Wine Vinegar + Milk

1 tbsp white wine vinegar + 1 cup milk

Clean acidity without citrus flavor

Best for:

When you want buttermilk without citrus tasteNeutral-flavored baked goodsClassic buttermilk recipes

Let sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken. No citrus flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar + Milk

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar + 1 cup milk

Mild acidity with fruity notes

Best for:

Fall-inspired baked goodsSpice cakesPumpkin bread

Let sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken. Slightly sweeter than lemon.

Citric Acid + Milk

1/4 tsp citric acid + 1 cup milk

Pure acidity without flavor

Best for:

When you want buttermilk without any flavor impactDelicate baked goodsWhite cakes

Let sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken. No flavor impact.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡The acid in lemon juice (or substitutes) curdles the milk, creating buttermilk
  • 💡Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken properly
  • 💡Use whole milk for the best results, but any milk will work
  • 💡The mixture should thicken and have a slightly tangy taste
  • 💡Use immediately after it thickens for best results
  • 💡This method works for both dairy and plant-based milks

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Learn how to use lemon juice substitutes to make buttermilk. Discover the perfect ratios and techniques for creating homemade buttermilk alternatives.