Sour Cream + Water Substitute for Buttermilk: Exact Ratio
Looking for a buttermilk substitute? Sour Cream + Water works as a direct replacement. Use 3/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup water in any recipe that calls for buttermilk. This swap works best for baking, cakes, muffins.
Best Substitute
Sour Cream + Water
3/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup water
Whisk to thin out. Adds richness along with the tang.
Flavor & Texture Change
Adds a rich, tangy creaminess. Baked goods will be moister and more tender. Excellent in chocolate cake and banana bread.
When Not to Use
Higher fat content than buttermilk, so baked goods will be richer and denser. Do not use in recipes where a light, fluffy texture is critical (like angel food cake). Whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps.
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.
Sour Cream + Water 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 + Lemon Juice instead of Buttermilk
View substitute ratio →
Milk + White Vinegar instead of Buttermilk
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Plain Yogurt + 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 sour cream + water instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use sour cream + water as a substitute for buttermilk. Use 3/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup water. Whisk to thin out. Adds richness along with the tang.
How much sour cream + water equals buttermilk?
Use 3/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup water to replace buttermilk with sour cream + water. Works best for baking, cakes, muffins.
What is the best substitute for buttermilk?
Sour Cream + Water is a popular substitute for buttermilk. Use 3/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup water for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 6 alternatives on our buttermilk substitute page.
Does sour cream + water change the taste when replacing buttermilk?
Higher fat content than buttermilk, so baked goods will be richer and denser. Do not use in recipes where a light, fluffy texture is critical (like angel food cake). Whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps.