6 Best Buttermilk Substitutes For Your Cake Needs

Are you ready to elevate your cake game to the next level? If you’re one of those people who get stuck in a recipe calling for buttermilk, but you’re all out, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list of buttermilk substitutes that you can easily find in your kitchen.

Yogurt

You might already have this in your fridge! Yogurt makes a fantastic substitute for buttermilk in baking. Just make sure you use plain yogurt with no added flavors or sweeteners. The acidity in the yogurt helps react with the baking powder, creating a tender and fluffy texture in your cake. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to using heavy cream.

Substitute Conversion: For every 1 cup of buttermilk, use 1 cup of plain yogurt, and you will have a similar result in any cake recipe.

Milk + Vinegar/Lemon Juice

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any yogurt on hand, milk with lemon juice or vinegar works as an excellent alternative. The acid in the lemon juice or vinegar curdles the milk, giving it a similar consistency to buttermilk. This substitute works best in recipes that call for a small amount of buttermilk. For every 1 cup of buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes. The mixture will curl and achieve a buttermilk-like texture, not exactly, but pretty similar.

Sour cream

Sour cream is another household staple that can step in as a buttermilk substitute. The tanginess of the sour cream will provide a similar taste to buttermilk, and it will also add a creaminess to your cake batter. Keep in mind that using sour cream will also increase the fat content of your recipe, so keep an eye on the calorie count if that’s a concern. This ingredient can be used in the same amount as other buttermilk substitutes.

Milk and Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is a common ingredient in many households and can also be used as a buttermilk substitute. The acid in the cream of tartar will react with the baking powder in the same way as buttermilk, giving your cake a tender texture and a slightly tangy taste. To use this combination as a replacement for buttermilk in your cake recipe, you will need to mix two teaspoons of cream of tartar with 1 cup of milk.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that has a tangy flavor and a thick consistency, similar to buttermilk. It’s made from kefir grains, which are a combination of yeast and lactic acid bacteria, and is commonly used in many different cuisines, including Eastern European and Middle Eastern. Kefir is a great option for those who are looking for a buttermilk substitute that is both dairy and probiotic-rich. It’s a fantastic substitute, as it also has probiotics that can help improve your gut health. Plus, it’s an excellent option for those who are lactose intolerant, as the fermentation process makes it easier to digest.

For every 1 cup of buttermilk, use 1 cup of kefir. Keep in mind that kefir is a thinner consistency than buttermilk, so it may make your batter or dough more liquidy. To counterbalance this, you can add a little bit of flour to the recipe.

Plain soy milk with lemon juice or vinegar

Soy milk is another non-dairy option that can be used as a buttermilk substitute. Plain soy milk is a neutral-tasting alternative to dairy milk, and when combined with lemon juice or vinegar, it provides a similar tanginess and acidity to buttermilk. This makes it a perfect substitute for recipes that require the tangy flavor and acidity of buttermilk, such as cakes, muffins, and pancakes.

In terms of texture, plain soy milk is thinner than buttermilk, so it may make your batter or dough more liquid. To counterbalance this, you can add a little bit of flour to the recipe. This will help to absorb the excess liquid and create a batter or dough that is similar in consistency to what you would get with buttermilk.

Here is a comprehensive list of buttermilk substitutes that you can use in your baking adventures. Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free option or just trying to save a trip to the grocery store, one of these substitutes will surely do the trick. So, go ahead and bake that cake with confidence, and remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting!