If you’ve ever wondered what makes sweet treats like pancakes, cinnamon rolls and doughnuts so fluffy, the secret is buttermilk. Buttermilk is the milk that results from churned butter, and has a distinctly sour flavor similar to yogurt. If you don’t bake often enough to justify the purchase, a buttermilk substitute is incredibly easy. Milk and an acidic liquid (like vinegar or lemon juice) mix together to create a sour milk that works much like actual buttermilk. This recipe makes one cup, but you can adjust the quantity; just keep the same ratio.

Easy

Total Time: 2 minutes

Servings: 1 cup of buttermilk substitute

Ingredients:
1 cup of milk
1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice

Directions:
1. Measure milk into a measuring pitcher or large mug.

buttermilk substitute

Photo by Kendra Valkema

2. Add vinegar or lemon juice to milk and stir.

buttermilk substitute

Photo by Kendra Valkema

3. Allow milk to sit for at least one minute. After a minute, it’s ready for use.

buttermilk substitute

Photo by Kendra Valkema