Sour Cream Substitutes for Cake

Greek Yogurt

Use the same amount as the sour cream you are replacing

Best for cake

Close match

For cake, the best sour cream substitutes are Greek Yogurt, Plain Yogurt + Lemon Juice, and Buttermilk. Use 1:1 ratio and follow these cake-specific techniques for optimal results.

Compare all 6 sour cream substitutes

Find the best substitutes for sour cream in cake recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect cake texture and flavor every time.

Other sour cream substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Plain Yogurt + Lemon Juice
Close match
1 cup yogurt + 1 tbsp lemon juice
Plain yogurt with lemon juice creates the tangy flavor and acidity that sour cream provides in cake.
What changes
This combination mimics sour cream's role in creating the perfect cake texture.
Best for
cake, when you want tangy flavor, traditional cake, moist texture
Mix plain yogurt with fresh lemon juice. This creates the tangy flavor and acidity that sour cream adds to cake.
3Buttermilk
Use the same amount
Buttermilk provides the tangy flavor and acidity that sour cream adds to cake.
What changes
It's thinner but adds the same acidic tang that helps tenderize and moisten the cake.
Best for
cake, when you want tangy flavor, moist cake, tender texture
Taste
similar
Texture
lighter
Buttermilk is thinner than sour cream but provides the same tangy flavor and acidity. It helps tenderize and moisten the cake.
4Cream Cheese + Heavy Cream
¾ cup cream cheese + ¼ cup heavy cream + 1 tbsp lemon juice
Cream cheese with heavy cream and lemon juice creates a rich, tangy substitute for sour cream in cake.
What changes
Provides both creaminess and acidity for the perfect cake texture.
Best for
cake, when you want rich flavor, dense cake, creamy texture
Taste
enhanced
Texture
richer
Soften cream cheese and mix with heavy cream and lemon juice. This creates a rich, tangy substitute that works well in cake.
5Mayonnaise + Lemon Juice
Different taste
1 cup mayonnaise + 1 tbsp lemon juice
Mayonnaise with lemon juice provides the creamy texture and tangy flavor that sour cream adds to cake.
What changes
This combination works well for binding ingredients and adding moisture.
Best for
cake, when you want creamy texture, binding ingredients, moist cake
Mix mayonnaise with lemon juice. This creates a creamy, tangy substitute that helps bind ingredients and adds moisture to cake.
6Cottage Cheese (Blended)
Use the same amount
Blended cottage cheese provides protein and creaminess for cake.
What changes
It has a mild flavor and works well when you want added protein in your cake.
Best for
cake, when you want protein, healthy cake, mild flavor
Taste
mild
Texture
similar
Blend cottage cheese until smooth. It provides protein and creaminess but has a milder flavor than sour cream.

How it behaves in this recipe

When making cake, sour cream serves specific functions that require careful consideration. It provides tangy flavor, acidity that helps tenderize the cake, moisture for the texture, and helps activate baking soda if used. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar functionality to sour cream in cake applications.

Cooking tips

For cake, temperature control is crucial - bake at 350°F for even cooking and to prevent overbrowning
Timing matters in cake - bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
The key to successful cake is not overmixing the ingredients once flour is added
Common cake mistakes to avoid: insufficient acidity, wrong texture, overmixing, wrong temperature, not cooling properly
For best cake results, let it cool completely in the pan before removing and frosting

Notes on sour cream

Add a splash of vinegar to increase acidity
Use a combination of yogurt and cream cheese for richness
Add vanilla extract for extra flavor
Try using kefir for a probiotic boost

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in cake?

Yes, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream in cake. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture and flavor, maintaining the tangy taste that sour cream provides.

What's the best ratio for sour cream substitute in cake?

For cake, use a 1:1 ratio. This ensures proper moisture, acidity, and texture while maintaining the cake characteristics you want.

Why doesn't my cake turn out right with sour cream substitutes?

Common issues include insufficient acidity, wrong texture, or overmixing. To fix this, ensure your substitute provides enough tang, use the right consistency, and mix ingredients gently.

Can I use buttermilk instead of sour cream in cake?

Yes, buttermilk works well in cake. It's thinner than sour cream but provides the same tangy flavor and acidity that helps tenderize and moisten the cake.

How do I make cake without sour cream?

Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, plain yogurt with lemon juice, or buttermilk. These substitutes provide the tangy flavor, acidity, and moisture that sour cream adds to cake.

Can I substitute mayonnaise for sour cream in cake?

Yes, mayonnaise with lemon juice can work as a sour cream substitute in cake. It provides creaminess and moisture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

What's the best dairy-free substitute for sour cream in cake?

For dairy-free cake, use coconut cream with lemon juice, cashew cream, or dairy-free yogurt. These provide the creaminess and acidity needed for successful cake.

Sour Cream Substitutes for Cake

Other sour cream substitutes

2Plain Yogurt + Lemon Juice

3Buttermilk

4Cream Cheese + Heavy Cream

5Mayonnaise + Lemon Juice

6Cottage Cheese (Blended)