Buttermilk Substitute Recipe

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.

Buttermilk Substitute Recipe

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.