How to Make Buttermilk from Milk: A Simple Guide for Every Home Cook

Ever started a baking recipe and realized you’re out of buttermilk? 

Credits: Maryam Sicard | Unsplash

There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking at home, the aroma of fresh pancakes on a Sunday morning, the delight of warm cornbread straight from the oven, or the satisfaction of a perfectly fluffy cake. But what happens when your recipe calls for buttermilk, and your fridge is bare? 

Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

Making buttermilk from milk isn’t as complicated as it sounds and the good news is you can make homemade buttermilk in just a few minutes using simple kitchen ingredients you already have. With a few tricks, you can create the perfect substitute that works just as well in pancakes, cakes, muffins, dressings, and more.

In this guide, we will show you how you can make buttermilk at home, tips for storing it, dairy-free alternatives, and some recipe ideas to get your culinary creativity flowing. This is the ultimate guide for any home cook looking to never run out of this essential ingredient.

What Is Buttermilk?

Traditionally, buttermilk was the liquid left behind after churning butter from cream.This version was naturally slightly tangy because of the fermentation that occurred during the butter-making process.

Credits: Natalie Behn | Unsplash

Today, however, when we say “buttermilk,” we usually refer to cultured buttermilk, which is milk that’s been slightly fermented with beneficial bacteria. This fermentation develops the characteristic tangy flavor, as well as a thicker, creamier consistency. Learn more about the benefits of buttermilk.

Buttermilk is prized in cooking and baking because it:

• Adds moisture to baked goods
  
• Enhances flavor with a subtle tang
  
• Creates tender, fluffy textures in pancakes, biscuits, and cakes
  

For an example of how buttermilk can elevate recipes, you can read My Worthy Home’s guide on cooking venison with buttermilk

Why Make Buttermilk at Home?

While store-bought buttermilk is available in most grocery stores, making your own at home has a number of advantages. Homemade buttermilk provides:

• Convenience: No need to make an extra trip to the store when you realize you’re out.
  
• Freshness: You’ll always have fresh buttermilk ready for your recipes.
  
• Cost-Effective: Save money by using ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
  
• Customization: Adjust the tanginess to suit your personal preference or the recipe you’re making.
  

Whether you’re making pancakes, preparing a salad dressing, or baking a cake, homemade buttermilk is a great ingredient that can elevate your dishes. Plus, it gives you the satisfaction of creating something from scratch, an accomplishment every home cook can appreciate.

How to Make Buttermilk from Milk

There are a few simple methods to create buttermilk from regular milk. Each method works well, so you can choose whichever is most convenient for your kitchen setup.

Method 1: Lemon Juice or Vinegar

This is the most common and straightforward method, ideal for nearly all baking recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of whole milk (room temperature)
  
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
  

Instructions:

1. Pour the lemon juice or vinegar into a measuring cup.
   
2. Add the milk to the measuring cup until it reaches the 1-cup line.
   
3. Stir the mixture well to combine.
   
4. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the milk will thicken slightly and may appear curdled. Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal.
   
5. That’s it. Your homemade buttermilk is ready. Use immediately in your recipe as you would regular buttermilk.
   

This homemade buttermilk is perfect for pancakes, waffles, cakes, dressings and any other baking recipe that calls for buttermilk. 

Tip: 

• Use whole milk for a richer flavor.
  
• 2% or skim milk can also work if you prefer a lighter option.
  
• For an extra layer of flavor, try using freshly squeezed lemon juice over bottled juice.
  

Method 2: Cream of Tartar

Not all kitchens have lemon juice or vinegar on hand. In these cases, cream of tartar is an excellent alternative to achieving homemade buttermilk.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of whole milk
  
• 1 ½ teaspoons of cream of tartar
  

Instructions:

1. Add the cream of tartar directly into the milk.
   
2. Stir thoroughly until the cream of tartar is fully dissolved.
   
3. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes before using.
   

Note: This method doesn’t produce the same tanginess as the lemon juice or vinegar method but works well in recipes that just need a subtle tanginess.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Options

Even if you follow a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle, you can still enjoy buttermilk in your cooking.

Plant-Based Buttermilk:

• Ingredients:
  
  1. 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Learn more about Almond milk nutrition.
     
  2. 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar
     
• Instructions:
  
  1. Pour the lemon juice or vinegar into a measuring cup.
     
  2. Add the plant-based milk to the measuring cup until it reaches the 1-cup line.
     
  3. Stir the mixture well to combine.
     
  4. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes.
     

Tip: 

• Choose a plant-based milk with a neutral flavor so it doesn’t overpower your recipe.
  
• You can also use a glass storage jar  to mix or store your homemade plant-based buttermilk.
  

This method is great for pancakes, muffins, or any vegan baking that calls for a tangy, moisture-rich ingredient.

Storing Homemade Buttermilk

While homemade buttermilk is best used fresh, it’s perfectly fine to store leftovers. Here’s how:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Consider using a compact glass jar from MyWorthyHome for easy storage.
  
• Freezing: Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to thaw small portions as needed. Use within 3 months for optimal quality. A mini fridge can also help store small batches conveniently.
  
  

Note: When thawing frozen buttermilk, stir well before use, as separation may occur naturally. 

Recipes That Shine with Buttermilk

Now that you know how to make buttermilk from milk, here are some delicious recipes that benefit from its unique properties which you can try: 

• Buttermilk Pancakes: Light and fluffy pancakes that are perfect for a relaxed weekend breakfast.
  
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Flaky and tender biscuits that melt in your mouth.
  
• Cornbread: Moist and flavorful cornbread that’s a great side dish for any meal.
  
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy dressing that’s perfect for salads or dipping.
  
• Marinades: Use buttermilk to tenderize meats, keeping them juicy and flavorful.
  

Tips for Perfect Buttermilk in Baking

1. Always measure your milk carefully. A slight imbalance can affect the final texture.
   
2. For thicker baked goods, let your homemade buttermilk sit a little longer, it will develop more tang.
   
3. Try experimenting with flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla to your buttermilk for pancakes or muffins.
   
4. Use fresh, high-quality milk for the best flavor and texture.
   

Conclusion

Making buttermilk from milk is a simple and effective way to ensure you always have this essential ingredient on hand. Whether you’re baking, cooking, or crafting homemade dressings, this homemade version adds a touch of comfort and authenticity to your dishes.

Remember, cooking is about creativity and making the most of what you have. With these methods, you can confidently tackle any recipe that calls for buttermilk, knowing you have the skills to create it from scratch.

Happy cooking!