Buttermilk Substitutions
5 tested alternatives for buttermilk in your baking.
Best for
Dietary
Top PickCommunity-tested
Yogurt
5.0
1 ratingsUse 1 cup Yogurt
Flavor: Plain yogurt has a tangy flavor similar to buttermilk, making it one of the best 1:1 substitutes. However, depending on the brand and type of yogurt, it might have a mildly sweeter or more pronounced tang than buttermilk.
Texture: Since yogurt is thicker than buttermilk, it can make batters slightly denser and creamier. This can lead to moister baked goods with a little more body, especially in cakes, muffins, and quick breads. If a recipe relies on the liquid content of buttermilk, you may need to thin the yogurt with a little milk or water.
CakesBreadsMuffinsPie CrustsPastries
vegetarian
View details Best Matches
3Rating 4.0+Lemon Juice + Milk
4.0Community-tested
1 tbsp Lemon Juice+ 1 cup MilkBest in Cakes, Muffins, Breads
vegetarianvegangluten-freedairy-freenut-freedairy
Greek Yogurt
4.0Community-tested
1 cup Greek YogurtBest in Cakes, Muffins
vegetariandairy
White Vinegar + Milk
4.0Community-tested
1 cup Milk+ 1 g White VinegarBest in Cakes, Muffins, Breads
vegetarianvegangluten-freedairy-freenut-freedairy
Worth Trying
1Under 3.0Quick Substitution Tips
- Start with smaller batches when trying a new substitute.
- Adjust other liquids if moisture content changes.
- Consider both texture and flavor impact on your recipe.
Need More Help?
Browse our full ingredient database or learn the science behind baking substitutions.