Buttermilk Substitute Recipe
No buttermilk? No problem! This simple buttermilk substitute works wonders and comes together in no time with just two common ingredients. Here's how to make it yourself:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (2% or whole milk recommended)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or white vinegar as a substitute)
Step 1: Pour 1 cup of milk into a bowl.
Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (or vinegar) to the milk.
Step 3: Stir the mixture well to combine.
Step 4: Let the milk and lemon juice sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the mixture to thicken and curdle slightly, mimicking the texture of buttermilk.
Step 5: Once the mixture has thickened, its ready to use in your recipes. You can substitute this homemade buttermilk for store-bought buttermilk in a 1:1 ratio. For example, if your recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk, use 1 cup of this homemade substitute.
Tips for using buttermilk substitute:
- Use it for making pancakes, biscuits, or fried chicken.
- It works perfectly in cakes, muffins, and cupcakes to add moisture and tenderness.
- You can also use it in marinades to tenderize meats and add a tangy flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 126
- Total Fat: 5g (6% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 3g (16% DV)
- Cholesterol: 20mg (7% DV)
- Sodium: 100mg (4% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g (5% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 8g (16% DV)
- Vitamin C: 7mg (8% DV)
- Calcium: 287mg (22% DV)
- Iron: 0mg (1% DV)
- Potassium: 385mg (8% DV)
Community Feedback:
- "Worked like a charm!" - Catta
- "You can also use vinegar instead of lemon juice. It was amazing!" - no u
- "This is a great substitute, especially when I don't have real buttermilk on hand." - Ekbrook
Now that you know how to make a quick and easy buttermilk substitute, you're ready to bake up a storm! Explore more recipes using buttermilk for endless culinary inspiration.

Comments
Allrecipes Member
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
I add one tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup THEN add milk to equal a cup. Som recipes need exact measurements. I use the lemon for baking, but found that vinegar works well too. I am going to soak the chicken I am frying today in buttermilk made here before breading.
Yoly
10/23/2023 10:41:59 PM
I have been substituting this for buttermilk for years. I like the fact that I can make a small quantity instead of having to buy a quart. I also add the tbs of lemon juice/vinegar to a measuring cup then add the milk to equal 1 cup. Thanks for posting this.
Bonny Dodge Jones
01/30/2016 04:20:48 PM
I made it with 1/2 & 1/2 and lemon. It was amazing! It's my go to for buttermilk! We don't drink it but I love to cook with it so this recipe is perfect!
PowerPointGuru
06/09/2020 06:04:08 PM
Worked great! I used a 2 to 1 ratio of half & half mixed with water and a table spoon of lemon juice. Makes me wonder why buttermilk is so expensive in the store.
Laura Cochrane
09/25/2015 07:25:19 PM
As I use only fresh lemons, it may not have enough of the acid level to change the milk. I added a tsp of Rice vinegar so as not change the culture too much. I used this to soaked my green tomatoes and tomatillos in prior to frying. I was very pleased with the quality and taste.
doris
05/01/2019 06:03:56 PM
Itwice the milk d=did not become thick or curdle. I used 2% milk. full fat milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar made very good substitute buttermilk.
Suzanne Palmer
09/19/2024 09:55:48 AM
I would suggest to only use vinegar to Buttermilk your milk. I used the lemon and my Blue Cheese dressing had a little too much lemon hint to it.
Robert Rowe
08/30/2025 12:08:01 AM
Easy-peasy lemon squeezy!
Diane Johnson
05/08/2025 04:02:49 PM
Seriously, this recipe is amazing.
Allisohn
12/25/2024 03:16:02 PM
Great substitute and prevents wasting an entire container of purchased buttermilk since we only use it when called for in a recipe!
FeistyDip3446
08/27/2024 02:50:58 PM
It worked!
SRESLA
05/28/2023 08:24:05 PM
Worked like a charm!
Bonnie Cuthbertson
05/22/2022 03:18:36 PM
My substitute butter milk recipe worked perfectly. Thanks!
pugmom
09/12/2021 03:21:27 PM
I needed this soooo bad. I've added it to my quick find of recipes.
ettennam
12/21/2020 02:37:15 AM
It came out great.
no u
11/28/2020 04:51:35 PM
You can also use vinegar instead of lemon juice! Was amazing and worked perfectly for my biscuit recipe. We use it every time.