DIY Buttermilk in 5 Minutes
A quick and easy method to make fresh buttermilk at home using just milk and an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice.
- Prep5 min
- Total5 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings4
Buttermilk is a staple in many baking recipes, adding tenderness and a subtle tang. Instead of buying it, you can whip up a batch in minutes with ingredients you likely already have.
The basic ratio is 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. This recipe yields 1 cup of buttermilk, perfect for cakes, pancakes, or biscuits. You can also make it vegan or dairy-free by using your preferred plant-based milk.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Place the vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup.
- Add milk until the total reaches the 1-cup mark. Stir well.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You will notice slight curdling or separation.
- Use the buttermilk immediately in your recipe as directed.
💡 Tips
- For best results, use fresh milk and acid. The buttermilk will be slightly thicker after resting.
- If you need more than 1 cup, simply double the ingredients: 2 tablespoons acid to 2 cups milk.
- Store leftover buttermilk in the refrigerator for up to a week; shake before using.
Inspired by a recipe from Cookie and Kate