Buttermilk Substitute in Baking

Buttermilk is nothing but a fermented dairy product, which is normally made using cow milk. It is known to have a distinctive sour taste to it. Buttermilk can be produced in two different ways, namely using the traditional method of making buttermilk or by using the cultured method. Looking at buttermilk traditionally, it is nothing but the liquid, that is left as a residue, after butter churns are made from cream. However, this method has almost vanished from the scene of making buttermilk. The method that is used to make buttermilk now is known as the cultured method. In this method, lactic acid bacteria is added to the milk, more often than not lukewarm milk. It is the presence of lactic acid, which gives buttermilk its distinctive sour taste. Often we come across a number of baking recipes, which demand buttermilk, but we may not have it handy all the time. At such times, we can make use of buttermilk substitute in baking. It is quite easy to make this substitute and you will not have to run to the market to get buttermilk or discard the recipe.

Substituting Buttermilk in Baking

There is no single substitution for buttermilk in baking but instead there are a number of options that you have for the same. Most of these substitutes are easy, however, you may not have all the ingredients required to make the substitute for buttermilk in baking handy all the time. However, fret not, because mentioned below are multiple substitutes, which you can make use of:

• To make buttermilk substitute in recipe, add either one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and stir well. Let the buttermilk stand for sometime before you use it. Unfortunately, the rich tang which is found in true authentic buttermilk may not be present. Of both the alternatives, vinegar works better than lemon juice, but lemon juice will work in a pinch, so do not throw away the option.
• If you have yogurt at home, you can use the same amount of plain yogurt, as you would need of buttermilk. This is one of the best substitutes for buttermilk and the recipe will not suffer. However, do not use flavored yogurt or yogurt with fruit, as that would alter the entire recipe.
• Another alternative is to make a mixture of half quantity of plain yogurt and half quantity of whole milk. If you feel the tang is missing from the buttermilk, you can add half a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to this mixture as well.
• The other alternative to buttermilk in baking is to use 1 cup of sour cream in place of 1 cup of buttermilk.
• If you have powdered buttermilk, then you can mix ¼ cup of the powder to 1 cup of water and use it.
• Another simple and easy buttermilk substitute for 1 cup of buttermilk is 1 cup of milk plus 1 and ¾ tablespoons of cream of tartar, but you will have to let the mixture stand at room temperature for 15 - 20 minutes, before you use it.

Vegan Buttermilk Substitute

If you are a vegan and a recipe demands, you can make use of vegan buttermilk substitute in baking.

• To make vegan buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to one cup of soy milk. In case you do not have vinegar handy, then you may want to use lemon juice instead. After you have added lemon juice or vinegar to the soy milk, stir well and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes and the buttermilk substitute is ready.
• Like soy milk, rice milk is also used to make buttermilk substitute. Follow the same procedure of adding either vinegar or lemon juice to the rice milk to make buttermilk.
• Almond milk or coconut milk can also be used to make buttermilk, by either adding white vinegar or lemon juice to it.
• In case any of the options mentioned above are not available, then vegan sour cream is the next best option available. To make 1 cup of buttermilk, mix half cup of vegan sour cream with equal amount of water. Stir well and then use it.

Every buttermilk substitute may not always be able to replace the tangy taste of homemade buttermilk. The flavor and taste of buttermilk no doubt is unique, therefore complete substitution of buttermilk in baking or any recipe is not always possible. However, you will still notice that these substitutes will do a great job and you will be able to enjoy your recipe.