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close up of homemade buttermilk from milk in a glass measuring cup on a white counter

3 Easy How To Make Buttermilk From Milk Tricks For Baking


  • Author: Joudia Elise
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup buttermilk substitute
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Learn how to make buttermilk from milk in minutes using lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt so your pancakes, cornbread, and fried chicken stay tender, fluffy, and tangy.


Ingredients

1 cup whole or 2% milk, cold

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or distilled white vinegar

Optional: 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream for richer buttermilk

Optional: pinch of salt for savory recipes


Instructions

1. Add the lemon juice or vinegar to a liquid measuring cup.

2. Pour in cold milk until you reach the 1 cup line, then stir gently.

3. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened and lightly curdled.

4. Taste and, if needed, add a splash more acid for extra tang or a spoon of cream for richness.

5. Use immediately in your recipe, or refrigerate in a clean jar for up to 3–5 days, stirring before each use.

Notes

Scale the recipe using the same ratio: about 1 teaspoon acid per 1/4 cup milk, or 1 teaspoon per 100 ml milk.

For vegan buttermilk, use unsweetened soy, oat, or almond milk with the same amount of lemon juice.

Freeze leftover buttermilk in ice cube trays; 4 cubes are roughly 1/2 cup for future pancakes or cornbread.

Always discard homemade buttermilk if it smells unpleasant, looks slimy, or shows any signs of mold.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Basics, Breakfast
  • Method: Stir & Rest
  • Cuisine: American, Baking

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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