Best Buttermilk Substitutes for Baking

Need a buttermilk substitute? These easy swaps work perfectly in pancakes, cakes, and muffins with exact ratios.

1. Milk + White Vinegar

1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar, sit 5 min

Works in virtually any recipe. The vinegar activates baking soda just like buttermilk.

1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, sit 5 min

Adds a very slight citrus note — great for lemon cakes.

¾ cup yogurt + ¼ cup water = 1 cup buttermilk

Richer result, great for muffins and quick breads.