How To Make Buttermilk And Buttermilk Substitute

How often do you need buttermilk in a recipe and realize you don’t have any in the fridge? If you look at my dessert/cake recipes, so many of my cakes use it. I think it really adds a nice soft crumb and texture. Traditionally buttermilk is the liquid left in the urn after making butter. But, no one makes homemade butter these days so we don’t usually have this on hand. But, next time you need buttermilk don’t go to the grocery store. Below I have given you a few ways to make your own buttermilk substitutions in less than 5 minutes as well as 2 other methods to make cultured buttermilk from scratch, which takes about 4 to 6 hours. It’s a refreshing drink on its own on a hot summer day or simply add a few fresh herbs to jazz it up. My kids drink it like it’s a cup of milk.

What is a good substitute for buttermilk?

I have quite a few recipes that call for buttermilk, especially cake recipes. I love how buttermilk and sour cream can give a nice soft crumb to a cake. Often, I get people who will message me asking – what can I substitute for BM in your recipe? And yes, I do know that some of you do not get it at all where you live.The answer is simple. Why would you want a substitute when you can make it at home in 5 minutes? The other most common question I get asked is how do I know when the buttermilk is ready? How does it look?Well, visually there is really not much happening in there but the acid is still doing its magic, so what you have after 5 minutes is actually it. It’s pretty plain and simple but slightly curdled with a tang. The longer it sits the more curdled it will look.

Buttermilk Substitute (5 mins)

Using lemon juice or vinegar

Add enough milk to a measuring cup to make at least 1 cup. Add the lemon juice or vinegar and give it a good stir. Set aside.Pro tip – Ensure the milk is at room temperature. If it’s cold it will not curdle, and if it’s hot it will split.After five minutes your buttermilk is ready. It will curdle and thicken more as it sits and that’s normal.Pro tip – This will keep in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week.

Using yogurt

Add milk to a measuring cup or small bowl. Then add the yogurt and combine it with a whisk.Pro tip – Make sure the yogurt has no lumps if necessary add a few tablespoons of milk to the yogurt and use a whisk to combine well before adding it to the remaining milkLeave to rest for 5 minutes then use in any recipe as buttermilk.Pro tip – This will keep in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week.

Cultured buttermilk (4 to 8 hours)

with yogurt

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk to an almost boil. Then, let it cool to room temperature.Pro tip – it is important that the milk is bought back to room temperature otherwise the yogurt culture will not work.Add the yogurt and use a whisk to ensure it is well combined. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth and leave in a warm, dark place in the kitchen for 4 to 6 hours until thick and sour.Pro tip – Add more milk if the consistency is too thick. This buttermilk will keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

with yogurt starter

Pour room temperature milk (not cold) into a bowl. Add one packet of yogurt starter and combine well with a whisk.Pro tip – one sachet usually works for one-quart milk to make yogurt, buttermilk is a thinner consistencyLet sit for two minutes then stir well once again. Cover with a lid and leave in a warm, dark place for up to 8 hours. Or until the milk is set and tastes sour.Pro tip – Then place it in the fridge for at least 3 hours before you use it because chilled BM tastes better. This will keep for up to 3 weeks in the fridge.

Did you know that buttermilk is good for your health?

Yes, growing up as an Indian we use to have buttermilk after a heavy meal to help digestion. And if we ever had acidity the elders usually will recommend buttermilk instead of anything else (for example soda water) because it has a cooling effect on the digestive system. The elders in the community claim it prevents vitamin deficiency, lower cholesterol, as well as reduce high blood pressure. But, there are no doubt wonderful health benefits from drinking buttermilk instead of milk.