Yogurt Substitute for Baking

Sour Cream

Use the same amount as the yogurt you are replacing

Best for cakes

The best yogurt substitutes for baking are sour cream (1:1 ratio), buttermilk (1:1 ratio), and applesauce (1:1 ratio). Sour cream works best for cakes and muffins, buttermilk for pancakes and biscuits, and applesauce for reducing fat content.

Compare all 7 yogurt substitutes

Find the best yogurt substitutes for baking including sour cream, buttermilk, and applesauce. Learn ratios, tips, and which works best for different baked goods.

Other yogurt substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Buttermilk
Use the same amount
Tangy liquid substitute that adds moisture and helps with leavening
What changes
Best for
pancakes, biscuits, scones, muffins, quick breads
Taste
tangy, similar to yogurt
Texture
liquid, adds moisture
Liquid form, may need to adjust other liquids in recipe
3Applesauce
Use the same amount
Healthy substitute that adds moisture and natural sweetness
What changes
Best for
muffins, quick breads, cakes, when reducing fat
Taste
sweet, no tanginess
Texture
moist, dense
Adds sweetness, reduces fat content, may affect texture slightly
4Greek Yogurt
Use the same amount
Thicker, more protein-rich alternative to regular yogurt
What changes
Best for
cakes, muffins, breads, when you want more protein
Taste
tangy, similar to yogurt
Texture
thick, creamy
Thicker than regular yogurt, may need to thin with milk
5Cottage Cheese (Blended)
Use the same amount
High-protein substitute with similar tanginess
What changes
Best for
cheesecakes, dense cakes, when protein is desired
Taste
tangy, similar to yogurt
Texture
smooth when blended
Blend until smooth, provides protein and tanginess
6Mashed Banana
Use the same amount
Natural substitute that adds moisture and sweetness
What changes
Best for
muffins, quick breads, cakes, when you want sweetness
Taste
sweet, banana flavor
Texture
moist, dense
Adds banana flavor and natural sweetness

Frequently asked questions

What's the best substitute for yogurt in baking?

Sour cream is the best substitute for yogurt in baking because it provides similar moisture, tanginess, and texture. Use a 1:1 ratio for best results.

Can I use buttermilk instead of yogurt in baking?

Yes, buttermilk works well as a yogurt substitute in baking, especially for pancakes and biscuits. Use a 1:1 ratio, but you may need to adjust other liquids in the recipe.

Can I use applesauce instead of yogurt in baking?

Yes, applesauce can be used as a yogurt substitute in baking. It adds moisture and natural sweetness while reducing fat content. Use a 1:1 ratio.

What can I substitute for yogurt in muffins?

For muffins, sour cream or buttermilk work best as yogurt substitutes. Sour cream provides similar texture, while buttermilk adds leavening properties.

What's the ratio for substituting yogurt in baking?

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting for yogurt in baking. This means if a recipe calls for 1 cup of yogurt, use 1 cup of your chosen substitute.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt in baking?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used instead of regular yogurt in baking. It's thicker and more protein-rich, so you may need to thin it with a little milk.

What's the best substitute for yogurt in pancakes?

Buttermilk is the best substitute for yogurt in pancakes because it provides the tanginess and leavening properties needed for fluffy pancakes.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of yogurt in baking?

Yes, but blend cottage cheese until smooth first. It provides similar protein content and tanginess, making it a good substitute for yogurt in baking.

What's the best substitute for yogurt in cheesecake?

Cream cheese or blended cottage cheese work best as yogurt substitutes in cheesecake. They provide the rich, creamy texture needed for authentic cheesecake.

Can I use mashed banana instead of yogurt in baking?

Yes, mashed banana can be used as a yogurt substitute in baking. It adds moisture and natural sweetness, but will add banana flavor to your baked goods.

Yogurt Substitute for Baking

Other yogurt substitutes

2Buttermilk

3Applesauce

4Greek Yogurt

5Cottage Cheese (Blended)

6Mashed Banana