Milk + Lemon Juice Substitute for Buttermilk: Exact Ratio
Looking for a buttermilk substitute? Milk + Lemon Juice works as a direct replacement. Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice in any recipe that calls for buttermilk. This swap works best for baking, pancakes, waffles.
Best Substitute
Milk + Lemon Juice
1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice
Let sit 5-10 minutes until curdled. Works in all baking recipes.
Flavor & Texture Change
Slightly less tangy than real buttermilk. The lemon flavor is undetectable after baking. Texture of baked goods will be nearly identical.
When Not to Use
Do not skip the 5-10 minute curdling time. Using it immediately means the acid has not reacted with the milk proteins, and your baked goods will not get proper lift.
Tips When Replacing Buttermilk in Recipes
Buttermilk's acidity activates baking soda, creating lift and tenderness. Any substitute must be acidic to replicate this chemical reaction. It also tenderizes gluten, making baked goods softer.
What Is Buttermilk and Why Substitute It?
A tangy, slightly thick fermented dairy product used in baking and marinades. Its acidity reacts with leavening agents to create lift in baked goods and tenderizes proteins in marinades.
Milk + Lemon Juice is one of 6 alternatives you can use instead of buttermilk. For a complete list of buttermilk substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full buttermilk substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
Milk + White Vinegar instead of Buttermilk
View substitute ratio →
Plain Yogurt + Water instead of Buttermilk
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Sour Cream + Water instead of Buttermilk
View substitute ratio →
Cream of Tartar + Milk instead of Buttermilk
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Plant Milk + Lemon Juice instead of Buttermilk
View substitute ratio →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk + lemon juice instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use milk + lemon juice as a substitute for buttermilk. Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice. Let sit 5-10 minutes until curdled. Works in all baking recipes.
How much milk + lemon juice equals buttermilk?
Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice to replace buttermilk with milk + lemon juice. Works best for baking, pancakes, waffles.
What is the best substitute for buttermilk?
Milk + Lemon Juice is a popular substitute for buttermilk. Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 6 alternatives on our buttermilk substitute page.
Does milk + lemon juice change the taste when replacing buttermilk?
Do not skip the 5-10 minute curdling time. Using it immediately means the acid has not reacted with the milk proteins, and your baked goods will not get proper lift.