How to Make Buttermilk Substitute

Have you started making a recipe that calls for buttermilk and realized you are fresh out? Or is buttermilk something that you would never buy because you use it once a year? In this post, I will share with you a quick and easy homemade buttermilk substitute that you can use in a pinch!

Let’s Talk Buttermilk!

First and foremost, what is buttermilk?

Traditionally, buttermilk is the byproduct of churning butter. When butter is churned, it leaves behind a milky liquid with a slight sour taste. There is no actual butter in buttermilk, contrary to popular belief. In fact, it typically contains less fat than regular milk.

Nowadays, buttermilk is often created through a process similar to yogurt-making. Bacterial cultures are added and the milk is left to ferment. You will often see it labeled in the grocery store as “cultured buttermilk”. Buttermilk has a thick and creamy consistency and has a tangy flavor.

Buttermilk is frequently used in all kinds of baked goods! It adds moisture to whatever you are baking and can also add a slightly tangy flavor. As buttermilk is acidic, it can activate baking soda and help the baked good rise.

Buttermilk is one of the star ingredients in Red Velvet Cake and Red Velvet Cupcakes! You can also use buttermilk in buttermilk biscuits, buttermilk pancakes, and fried chicken!

What is Buttermilk Substitute?

Buttermilk substitute is a way to mimic the flavor and texture of buttermilk when you do not have any on hand. Is it buttermilk? No! But does it work in a pinch? Absolutely it does.

You only need two ingredients to make buttermilk substitute!

• Milk – To make buttermilk substitute, I typically recommend sticking with 2% milk or whole milk. As buttermilk has a thick and creamy texture, the higher fat content in 2% and whole milk helps mimic the creamier, richer texture of regular buttermilk.
• Acid – For the acid, I like to use either lemon juice or white vinegar. The acid will cause the milk to sour and it will begin to curdle a bit. This is normal and to be expected.

Instructions on How to Make Buttermilk Substitute

Making buttermilk substitute could not be any easier.

1. Measure one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and pour into a liquid measuring cup.
2. Pour milk into the liquid measuring cup to the one cup line and stir to combine.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes. Stir again before using.

It is as simple as that! Use the buttermilk substitute just as you would buttermilk in any recipe. If the recipe calls for one cup of buttermilk, you will use one cup of buttermilk substitute!