Swap Buttermilk with Unsweetened Soy Milk with Lemon Juice, Coconut Milk with Apple Cider Vinegar, Almond Milk with Lemon Juice, Rice Milk with White Vinegar, and Cashew Milk with Apple Cider Vinegar.
Unsweetened Soy Milk with Lemon Juice
Unsweetened soy milk with lemon juice is a wonderful non-dairy alternative to buttermilk.
For cooking, Coconut Milk with Apple Cider Vinegar also works well - adjust the amount to taste.
Diving into baking can bring out the inner scientist and artist in all of us.
Sometimes, we hit a snag, especially with dairy.
For those moments, getting creative with buttermilk substitutes can be a solid option.
Our kitchens become laboratories, experimenting with what we have on hand.
Milk and lemon juice? Almond milk with a bit of vinegar?
The options are more than you'd think. It's not just about avoiding a trip to the store; it's about making each recipe our own.
Non-dairy Buttermilk Substitutes
If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative to buttermilk, you have plenty of options - including buttermilk powder substitute options for baking.
Here are five of the best non-dairy substitutes for buttermilk:
1 - Unsweetened Soy Milk with Lemon Juice
Unsweetened soy milk with lemon juice is a wonderful non-dairy alternative to buttermilk - or explore black soy sauce alternative ideas for savory recipes when cooking with soy flavors.
To make this concoction, simply mix unsweetened soy milk and some freshly squeezed lemon juice together; measure one tablespoon of lemon juice for every two cups of soy milk.
The result is a tangy, refreshing combination that can be used in baking when buttermilk is called for in a recipe.
Texture-wise it's thinner than cow's milk or buttermilk and definitely has a subtle sweetness from the citrus flavor of the lemon juice.
You can also adjust the sourness by adding more or less lemon juice per cup of soy milk.
Unsweetened soy milk with lemon juice can be used as an ingredient for several dishes such as pancakes, biscuits, and quick bread, making sure your recipes are still delicious even though you're skipping out on dairy products.
2 - Coconut Milk with Apple Cider Vinegar
Coconut milk with apple cider vinegar is a unique combination of ingredients that has many uses in cooking - and when coconut texture matters, see shredded coconut substitute ideas for texture.
The acidity of the vinegar causes the coconut milk to become thick and creamy, like buttermilk, perfect for adding to your favorite baked goods or sauces.
The flavor and texture are slightly sweet from the coconut milk and tart from the apple cider vinegar, creating an enjoyable cooking experience.
You can use this combination as a non-dairy substitute for traditional buttermilk in any recipe--just combine one cup of coconut milk with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes.
Coconut milk with apple cider vinegar is a delicious dairy-free alternative that makes baking more flavorful and accessible.
3 - Almond Milk with Lemon Juice
Almond milk mixed with lemon juice is a tangy, versatile liquid that can be used in many recipes - for other almond-forward swaps, review sweet almond oil substitute choices for skin and cooking.
The almond milk is slightly sweet and creamy, while the lemon juice gives it a touch of tartness and an appealing aroma.
The combination creates a flavorful beverage that can also be used as a dairy-free substitute for buttermilk in baking, marinades, dressings, and other recipes.
To use as a substitution for buttermilk in your recipe, simply mix equal parts almond milk and fresh-squeezed lemon juice and let it sit until it thickens slightly.
With its tasty flavor, creamy texture, and easy preparation, almond milk with lemon juice is the perfect ingredient to improve your favorite dishes.
4 - Rice Milk with White Vinegar
Rice milk with white vinegar is a surprisingly delicious combination - and when sticky rice is needed, check glutinous rice substitute suggestions for stickiness.
The ingredients are simple and straightforward: just rice, water, and a small amount of white vinegar.
Mixing the two together creates a creamy texture that mimics that of real buttermilk.
The taste of the rice milk itself is mellow, almost sweet, and the acidity from the white vinegar balances it perfectly.
It can be used as a non-dairy substitute for buttermilk in any recipe that calls for it; all you need to do is add some extra water to compensate for the amount of liquid lost due to the addition of the vinegar.
So if you are looking for an easy and delicious vegan alternative to regular buttermilk, then rice milk with white vinegar might just be your answer.
5 - Cashew Milk with Apple Cider Vinegar
Cashew milk with a touch of apple cider vinegar is the perfect non-dairy alternative to buttermilk.
The mild nutty flavor complements many dishes, ranging from pastries and bread to savory soups.
Its texture is creamy, slightly thicker than regular cashew milk, but still smooth and consistent.
The apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tartness that lightly lingers on the tongue.
To use this plant-based blend as an alternative to traditional buttermilk, simply substitute it cup for cup in recipes.
Even if dairy is already incorporated in the recipe, this cow's milk-free combination will add moisture and sweetness with an unexpected hint of natural acidity that's sure to delight any palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unsweetened Soy Milk with Lemon Juice Unsweetened soy milk with lemon juice is a wonderful non-dairy alternative to buttermilk. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Buttermilk.
You have several options. Unsweetened Soy Milk with Lemon Juice matches the original closely, while Coconut Milk with Apple Cider Vinegar brings a slightly different character.
Either works at a 1:1 ratio.
Yes. Check your grocery store's international or health food aisle for widely available options.
Many substitutes are pantry staples that are easier to source than the original.
Forgiving dishes - soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces - are the best starting point. They mask small texture or flavor differences better than dishes where the ingredient is the star.
Go-to vegan mains pair well with many sides. Go Vegan: 5 Best Substitutes for Vegan Ham lists sandwich-friendly alternatives. Vegan Alternatives: 5 Substitutes for Anchovy in Recipes works when a salty, umami element is needed.