How to Make Buttermilk at Home in Just 5 Minutes
Ever been halfway through a recipe and realized you’re out of buttermilk? Don’t worry—you can whip up a quick and easy substitute with just two ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re making pancakes, biscuits, or fried chicken, this homemade buttermilk is a lifesaver!
In this post, I’ll show you how to make buttermilk with simple ingredients in just five minutes. The best part? You won’t have to run to the store or buy a whole carton of buttermilk that you might not finish. Let’s get started!
Why Make Homemade Buttermilk?
1. It’s Quick and Easy
With only two ingredients and about five minutes, you can make buttermilk at home—no special equipment required.
2. Perfect for Baking
Homemade buttermilk adds that same tangy flavor and helps make your baked goods light and fluffy.
3. No Wasting Leftovers
Buttermilk from the store often comes in large cartons, and if you don’t use it frequently, it can go to waste. This homemade version lets you make just what you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this simple buttermilk substitute, you only need two pantry staples:
- 1 cup whole milk – Whole milk is best for a rich and creamy result, but you can use 2% in a pinch.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar – This helps curdle the milk and gives it that signature tang.
That’s it! Just two ingredients and you’re ready to go.
How to Make Buttermilk at Home
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions:
Step 1: Measure the Milk
Start by pouring 1 cup of whole milk into a measuring cup. If you’re using 2% milk, the buttermilk will still work, but it won’t be as thick or rich.
Step 2: Add the Vinegar
To the milk, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. You can also use lemon juice if you don’t have vinegar on hand—both work equally well!
Step 3: Stir and Let Sit
Give the mixture a quick stir to combine the milk and vinegar. Then, let it sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature. During this time, the milk will curdle and thicken slightly, mimicking the consistency and tangy flavor of buttermilk.
Step 4: Use as Needed
After about five minutes, your homemade buttermilk is ready to use! Just give it a final stir and add it to your recipe.
When to Use Homemade Buttermilk
This quick and easy buttermilk substitute can be used in any recipe that calls for traditional buttermilk. It’s perfect for:
- Pancakes: Add fluffiness and a slight tang to your favorite pancake recipe.
- Biscuits: Buttermilk biscuits are a classic, and this substitute works just as well as the real thing.
- Cakes and Muffins: Buttermilk adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb in cakes and muffins.
- Fried Chicken: Marinate your chicken in buttermilk to tenderize the meat and add extra flavor before frying.
Tips for Success
- Let It Sit: Be sure to let the milk and vinegar sit for at least 5 minutes. This allows the milk to curdle properly and develop that buttermilk-like texture.
- Use Whole Milk for Best Results: Whole milk creates a richer, creamier buttermilk, which is ideal for baking. If you’re using a lower-fat milk, your buttermilk may be thinner.
- Lemon Juice Option: If you don’t have white vinegar, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. It works the same way and gives your buttermilk that tangy flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your milk and vinegar are fresh—using old ingredients can affect the taste and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use almond milk or another non-dairy milk to make buttermilk?
Yes, you can use a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. The process is the same: add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of non-dairy milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor might differ slightly from dairy buttermilk, but it will still work in most recipes.
How long will homemade buttermilk last?
Homemade buttermilk is best used right away, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours if you need to make it ahead of time. Just give it a stir before using it in your recipe.
Can I make more than 1 cup at a time?
Absolutely! If you need more buttermilk, simply scale up the recipe. For example, if you need 2 cups of buttermilk, use 2 cups of milk and 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! You now know how to make your own buttermilk substitute in just a few minutes with two simple ingredients. No more last-minute trips to the store or worrying about using up an entire carton of buttermilk. This quick hack is perfect for anyone who loves baking or whipping up pancakes on a lazy weekend morning.
Homemade Buttermilk
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of whole milk into a measuring cup.
- Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Give the mixture a quick stir to combine the milk and vinegar. Then, let it sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature.
- Give it a final stir and your buttermilk is ready!