6 Buttermilk Substitutes In Pancakes And Waffles: The Secret To Making Pancakes And Waffles Is In The Buttermilk—or Isn’t It?

6 Buttermilk Substitutes In Pancakes And Waffles: The Secret To Making Pancakes And Waffles Is In The Buttermilk—or Isn't It?

Are you ready to make the fluffiest pancakes and crispest waffles you’ve ever tasted? But wait, you don’t have buttermilk on hand; what do you do now? Fear not, because today we will talk about several amazing buttermilk substitutes that will make your breakfast game next level. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why trust me?

I'm an experienced food writer and passionate cook. My website, Cookindocs.com, features accessible, informative, and engaging content with quality recipes and articles that are thoroughly researched and enjoyable to read. You can trust my expertise with 8 years of experience in the field. Learn more about me and my work on this website, and check out my featured articles on TastingTable, Mashed, and 5-Minute Crafts. Read more about me HERE.

Milk and Vinegar

This one is a classic and is probably already in your kitchen. Simply mix 1 cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.

The vinegar or lemon juice acid reacts with the milk, causing it to curdle and creating a consistency similar to buttermilk. This substitute is perfect if you’re looking for a tangy flavor in your pancakes or waffles.

Yogurt

Plain yogurt is another great substitute for buttermilk. It’s thick, tangy, and has the perfect consistency for pancakes and waffles. Use it as a 1:1 substitute, so if the recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk, use 1 cup of yogurt.

The tanginess of the yogurt will add a delicious flavor to your breakfast, and the thickness will help to create light and fluffy pancakes or waffles.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a fantastic substitute for buttermilk, and it’s probably in your fridge right now. Use it as a 1:1 substitute, which means if the recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk, use 1 cup of sour cream.

The richness of the sour cream will add a delicious flavor to your breakfast, and the thickness will result in a fluffy cake. This substitute is perfect if you’re looking for a bit of indulgence in your breakfast.

Milk and Cream of Tartar

Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons of cream of tartar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until thickened. Cream of tartar is an acid that will react with the milk, causing it to curdle and creating a similar consistency to buttermilk.

This substitute is not as tangy as the other substitutes, but it still does the trick and is a good option if you’re in a pinch.

Milk and Lemon Juice

This substitute is perfect if you’re looking for a tangy option, and it’s also a great way to use up lemons that are about to go bad. Simple mix 1 cup of milk with two tablespoons of lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes or until it thickens.

This is a great substitute if you’re in need of buttermilk, but it’s not as thick as some of the other options. It’s also not quite as tangy, so if you’re looking for something on the mild side, this may be your best bet. You can also use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar instead of lemon juice if you want to amp up the tanginess factor.

Buttermilk Powder

Buttermilk powder is a lifesaver for those who don’t use buttermilk often. The powder is even healthier than regular buttermilk as it is lower in lactose and sugar. Simply mix two tablespoons of buttermilk powder with 1 cup of water to create a buttermilk substitute.

It’s an excellent option if you’re looking for a long-term solution, and it’s perfect for those who don’t have a lot of kitchen space. The powder will dissolve in the water, creating a similar consistency to buttermilk that you can use in your pancakes or waffles.

Milk and Cream

If you want to make some pancakes or waffles for your family but run out of buttermilk, the solution is to mix 1/4 cup of heavy cream with 3/4 cup of milk to create a rich buttermilk substitute. This substitute is perfect for those who want to add richness to their pancakes or waffles without the tanginess of traditional buttermilk.

The cream will help to create a light and fluffy texture, while the milk will keep the consistency similar to buttermilk. Use it as a 1:1 substitute, so if the recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk, use 1 cup of milk and cream mixture.

Well, folks, there you have it! Seven fantastic buttermilk substitutes will make your pancakes and waffles game next level. Whether you’re in a pinch or just want to try something new, these substitutes are sure to impress. So go ahead, whip up a batch of your favorite breakfast treats and enjoy a delicious meal. Happy cooking!