No Buttermilk? No Problem! The Best Substitutes for Baking

Buttermilk is a key ingredient in many baked goods, lending a tangy flavor and helping create a light, fluffy texture. But what do you do when you don’t have any on hand? Whether you're baking pancakes, muffins, or cakes, there are plenty of easy and effective substitutes that will work just as well.

Here’s a guide to the best alternatives for buttermilk, so you can still enjoy your favorite baked treats, even without this staple in your kitchen.

Why Is Buttermilk Important in Baking?

Buttermilk adds acidity, which activates baking soda, helping baked goods rise. The tangy flavor also complements many sweet and savory recipes, and its slightly thicker consistency contributes moisture. While it’s a key ingredient in many traditional recipes, you can still get similar results with the right substitute.

Best Buttermilk Substitutes for Baking

1. Milk + Vinegar or Lemon Juice

✔ Best for: Pancakes, muffins, cakes
✔ Why it works: Adding vinegar or lemon juice to milk mimics the tangy acidity of buttermilk.
✔ Substitution: Combine 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to curdle before using.

Pro Tip: Use whole milk for a creamier texture, or low-fat milk if you’re looking for a lighter option.

2. Yogurt + Milk

✔ Best for: Cakes, pancakes, scones
✔ Why it works: Yogurt has a similar consistency to buttermilk and adds a nice tangy flavor. Mixing it with milk gives you the right texture.
✔ Substitution: Mix ¾ cup yogurt + ¼ cup milk to replace 1 cup of buttermilk.

Pro Tip: Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt for the most neutral flavor. Greek yogurt works well, too, but thin it out with a little more milk if needed.

3. Sour Cream + Milk

✔ Best for: Cakes, biscuits, bread
✔ Why it works: Sour cream provides both thickness and acidity, making it an excellent substitute for buttermilk.
✔ Substitution: Mix ¾ cup sour cream + ¼ cup milk to replace 1 cup of buttermilk.

Pro Tip: Adjust the ratio based on your desired thickness. You can also use this combo in frostings for a rich, creamy texture.

4. Kefir

✔ Best for: Muffins, pancakes, scones
✔ Why it works: Kefir is a fermented milk product with a tangy flavor similar to buttermilk, but it’s often thinner.
✔ Substitution: Use 1:1 ratio to replace buttermilk in any recipe.

Pro Tip: If you need a thicker texture, use less kefir or add a bit of yogurt or sour cream to thicken it up.

5. Cream of Tartar + Milk

✔ Best for: Cakes, cookies, pancakes
✔ Why it works: Cream of tartar is an acid that mimics the acidity of buttermilk when combined with milk.
✔ Substitution: Mix 1 cup milk + 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar.

Pro Tip: This option works best in recipes where the acidity is needed to activate baking soda for rising, like in cookies or cakes.

6. Non-Dairy Alternatives (For Vegan & Dairy-Free Baking): Coconut Milk + Lemon Juice

✔ Best for: Vegan cakes, pancakes, muffins
✔ Why it works: Coconut milk has a rich, creamy consistency, and the lemon juice adds acidity to mimic buttermilk’s tang.
✔ Substitution: Mix 1 cup coconut milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

Pro Tip: This substitute works especially well in tropical or dairy-free baked goods.

Almond Milk + Vinegar

✔ Best for: Vegan cupcakes, cookies, scones
✔ Why it works: Almond milk is light, and adding vinegar gives it the acidity needed to mimic buttermilk’s effects.
✔ Substitution: Combine 1 cup almond milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes.

Pro Tip: You can also use rice milk or soy milk for a similar result, depending on your preference.

Which Buttermilk Substitute Works Best?

• Pancakes & Waffles: Milk + vinegar/lemon juice, yogurt + milk
• Cakes & Muffins: Yogurt + milk, sour cream + milk
• Biscuits & Scones: Sour cream + milk, kefir
• Vegan & Dairy-Free: Coconut milk + lemon juice, almond milk + vinegar

Final Thoughts

Running out of buttermilk doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite baked goods. With these simple substitutes, you can still enjoy light, fluffy, and flavorful results. Whether you have dairy on hand or need a vegan alternative, there’s a perfect substitute for every recipe.