Out of Milk, one case
Buttermilk substitutes for milk
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Buttermilk
Same amount as the milk
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk for milk, but it will add tanginess to your recipe. Use 1:1 ratio and follow these buttermilk techniques for optimal results.
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full milk card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of milk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buttermilkbaking | Same amount |
| 2 | Milk + vinegarbaking | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar per cupWorks |
| 3 | Milk + lemon juicebaking | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup |
| 4 | Greek yogurt + milkbaking | ½ cup Greek yogurt + ½ cup milk per cup |
| 5 | Sour cream + milkbaking | ½ cup sour cream + ½ cup milk per cup |
Buttermilk
slightly different · similar texture
Buttermilk provides similar richness and creaminess to milk with added tanginess. Good for baking, pancakes, and when you want the authentic buttermilk texture with easy preparation.
- Best for
- baking, pancakes, when you want tanginess, easy preparation, most milk recipes
Use buttermilk directly as a 1:1 replacement. It has similar fat content to milk and works well in most recipes, but adds tanginess.
Milk + vinegar
similar taste and texture
Milk with vinegar provides similar richness and creaminess to buttermilk. Good for when you want the buttermilk character with a slightly different flavor profile.
- Best for
- baking, pancakes, when you want tanginess, easy preparation, most buttermilk recipes
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar per cup of buttermilk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles. Use whole milk for best results.
Milk + lemon juice
slightly different · similar texture
Milk with lemon juice provides similar richness and creaminess to buttermilk. Good for when you want the buttermilk character with a slightly different flavor profile.
- Best for
- baking, pancakes, when you want tanginess, lemon flavor, most buttermilk recipes
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.
Greek yogurt + milk
slightly different · similar texture
Greek yogurt with milk provides similar richness and creaminess to buttermilk. Good for when you want the buttermilk character with a slightly different flavor profile.
- Best for
- baking, pancakes, when you want creaminess, easy preparation, most buttermilk recipes
Mix ½ cup Greek yogurt with ½ cup milk per cup of buttermilk. This creates the same fat content and creaminess as buttermilk.
Sour cream + milk
slightly different · similar texture
Sour cream with milk provides similar richness and creaminess to buttermilk. Good for when you want the buttermilk character with a slightly different flavor profile.
- Best for
- baking, pancakes, when you want creaminess, easy preparation, most buttermilk recipes
Mix ½ cup sour cream with ½ cup milk per cup of buttermilk. This creates the same fat content and creaminess as buttermilk.
How it behaves in this recipe
Buttermilk is higher in fat than milk and adds tanginess to recipes. It's commonly used in baking and pancakes where you want a rich, tangy flavor. The best substitutes maintain this richness and creaminess while providing similar functionality in recipes.
Tips for substituting milk
9 tips- Buttermilk is higher in fat than milk and adds tanginess to recipes
- When using buttermilk, it will add a tangy flavor to your dish
- Milk + vinegar works well in most recipes but may have a slightly different taste
- Milk + lemon juice works well in most recipes but may have a slightly different taste
- Greek yogurt + milk creates a creamy alternative that works well in most recipes
- Sour cream + milk creates a rich alternative that works well in most recipes
- For best results, use room temperature substitutes in cooking
- Buttermilk substitutes work well in baking, pancakes, and sauces
- In baking, buttermilk substitutes help create the same moist, tender texture
Notes on milk
- Use milk + vinegar for similar tanginess and creaminess
- Use milk + lemon juice for similar tanginess with lemon flavor
- Use Greek yogurt + milk for similar creaminess with tanginess
- Use sour cream + milk for similar richness with tanginess
- For dairy-free options, use coconut milk or cashew milk
Questions
5 questionsCan I use buttermilk instead of milk?
Yes, buttermilk works well as a milk substitute in most recipes. It will add tanginess to your dish, which can be desirable in many recipes.
What's the difference between buttermilk and milk?
Buttermilk is higher in fat than milk and has a tangy flavor. It's also thicker and richer than regular milk.
Can I use buttermilk in coffee instead of milk?
Yes, but it will be tangier and thicker than milk. You may want to dilute it with water or use it sparingly.
Why do some recipes call for buttermilk instead of milk?
Buttermilk provides richness and creaminess that milk doesn't, plus it adds tanginess. It's often used in baking and pancakes where you want a rich, tangy flavor.
Can I use buttermilk in baking instead of milk?
Yes, buttermilk works well as a milk substitute in baking. It will add tanginess to your baked goods, which can be desirable in many recipes.