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    Home » Recipes » DIY & How-Tos

    Published: Apr 30, 2020 · Modified: Jun 16, 2021 by Alexandra Azary · This post may contain affiliate links

    How to make buttermilk

    Jump to Recipe·★★★★★5 from 1 review

    Making a recipe that calls for buttermilk and don't have any on hand? Learn how to make an easy substitute with just two simple ingredients! All you need is some milk, plus lemon juice, lime juice or white vinegar. The best part is, it only takes 5 minutes!

    Homemade buttermilk in a mason jar, alongside slices of lemon and a whisk, against a cement backdrop. this recipe

    I can't count the number of times that I've wanted to make a recipe that calls for buttermilk, but didn't have any in my fridge. In fact, I rarely ever buy it because my need is so sporadic. If you're currently dreading a trip to the grocery store to buy some yourself, or just don't want to buy a whole quart for a recipe that only calls for one cup, don't stress! Here's an easy substitute I often use that works like a charm.

    Jump to:
    • Why use buttermilk in a recipe
    • Ingredients needed
    • How to make a buttermilk substitute
    • Storing
    • Recipes to make with buttermilk
    • Recipe Card
    • 💬 Comments and Reviews

    Why use buttermilk in a recipe

    Buttermilk has three main purposes when it comes to baking. First and foremost, when combined with baking soda, it helps baked goods rise. Baking soda needs to react with an acidic ingredient in order to do its job, and buttermilk is perfect for that! It also helps keep gluten-based baked goods tender by breaking down gluten strands (ideal for recipes like muffins and pancakes). Lastly, it adds a slightly tangy flavor to certain baked goods. This factor is more important in some recipes than others. For example, biscuits or scones often have a lighter flavor where the natural tanginess can really shine.

    Overhead view of homemade buttermilk in a jar surrounded by lemon wedges over a cement backdrop.

    Ingredients needed

    To make this recipe, you'll need two basic ingredients: milk + an acid.

    Milk: Ideally, I would recommend using whole milk for this recipe since it will most closely resemble the thickness and consistency of real buttermilk, but any type of cow's milk will work. Depending on what you're planning to make, you may also be able to use a dairy-free milk substitute like almond milk or soy milk. If you do go this route, make sure you use a plain, unsweetened milk substitute. However, keep in mind that in some recipes, real dairy does work better.

    Acid: You'll need one tablespoon of an acidic ingredient for each cup of buttermilk you plan to make. You have options here! Lemon juice or lime juice will work, as will white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Personally, I prefer using either lemon juice or white vinegar.

    Homemade buttermilk in a mason jar, alongside lemon wedges and white vinegar in a teaspoon.

    How to make a buttermilk substitute

    It's easy! Just add your acid of choice to a measuring glass, and top with enough milk to reach the 1-cup mark.

    Milk being poured into a jar to make homemade buttermilk, with lemon wedges and a whisk to the side.

    Whisk it together and let it sit for at least 5 minutes before using. This will give the acid time to curdle the milk slightly (which truly sounds a little gross but is actually what we're looking for here).

    Homemade buttermilk being whisked together in a mason jar, with a lemon wedge to the side.

    Storing

    Once you've made your buttermilk, you can store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it if you don't need to use it right away. It should be good for up to a couple weeks, depending on how fresh your milk was when you made it. Just give it a quick shake or stir when you're ready to use it!

    Recipes to make with buttermilk

    Here are a few of my favorite recipes that you can use this for:

    • Blueberry scones cooling on a wire rack.
      Gluten-Free Blueberry Buttermilk Scones
    • Front-facing view of apple cupcakes on a plate, set atop a light pink linen.
      Caramel Apple Cupcakes {gluten-free}
    • Front-facing view of 3 biscuits stacked atop each other, with a spoonful of jam in for foreground and a basket of strawberries in the background.
      Gluten-free buttermilk biscuits
    • Overhead view of cobbler fresh from the oven, surrounded by spoons for serving.
      Skillet Peach Cobbler {gluten-free}

    Print

    Recipe Card

    Buttermilk Substitute

    Homemade buttermilk in a mason jar, alongside slices of lemon and a whisk, against a cement backdrop.
    Print Recipe
    Save Recipe Recipe Saved

    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 review

    Making a recipe that calls for buttermilk and don't have any on hand? Learn how to make an easy substitute with just two simple ingredients!

    • Author: Alexandra
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Total Time: 5 minutes
    • Yield: 1 cup buttermilk 1x
    • Category: how-tos
    • Cuisine: American

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 tablespoon white/apple cider vinegar OR lemon/lime juice
    • scant 1 cup milk

    Instructions

    1. Combine ingredients: Pour vinegar or lemon/lime juice into a measuring cup. Add enough milk to reach the one cup line.
    2. Mix and let sit: Whisk together and let sit for at least 5 minutes before using. Use in place of one cup of buttermilk in a recipe.

    Notes

    This buttermilk substitute can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a couple weeks, depending on how fresh your milk is. 

    Nutrition facts are for buttermilk made with 2% milk. 

    Keywords: how to make buttermilk, buttermilk substitute, make buttermilk with lime juice, make buttermilk with lemon juice, make buttermilk with vinegar

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    1. Melitta says

      August 21, 2020 at 9:51 am

      This recipe is a huge "AH - HA" moment for me but it's saved me SO many times from needing to buy an entire container of buttermilk. So helpful!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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    Profile photo of Alexandra (Alex) Azary, author of Bright-Eyed Baker.

    Hey There - I'm Alex! Thanks for stopping by! Here's what you can expect to find on Bright-Eyed Baker: lots of baked goods and other sweets made from scratch, plus the occasional coffee recipe, mixed drink, or kitchen how-to post. My goal is to show you that from-scratch baking - gluten-free, dairy-free, or otherwise - doesn't have to be intimidating, no matter how busy life gets. Learn more about me.

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