We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Can You Make Your Own Buttermilk?

Pouring buttermilk into glasses.
Fascinadora/Shutterstock.com

From fluffy pancakes to crispy fried chicken, buttermilk is a delicious ingredient in the kitchen. It might not always be in your pantry, but you can easily make buttermilk at home using ingredients you might already have.

You can easily combine lemon juice and milk to create your own buttermilk.

Simply add one cup of milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice for this simple recipe. Stir the ingredients together, then let the mixture stand for five to ten minutes. When your “buttermilk” is ready to use, the liquid will be slightly thicker, and there will be small, curled bits in the mix. Don’t be alarmed about these bits since they’ll go away in your final recipe.

Measuring Cups Set

Create your buttermilk substitute in a durable measuring cup.

It’s important to note that this replacement won’t be as thick as normal buttermilk, but the acidity from the lemon will create a similar desired taste. This simple recipe only takes about ten minutes, so it’s easy to always have “buttermilk” in your kitchen.

You can also combine milk with white vinegar, sour cream, or yogurt if you don’t have lemon juice on hand.

It’s no secret that lemon is one of the best ingredients for cooking or cleaning. From freshening up your laundry to cleaning your coffee maker, this zesty fruit is always handy to have around.

Kelsey Opel Kelsey Opel
Kelsey Opel is a freelance writer and digital storyteller based in Austin, Texas. She enjoys writing for food, entertainment and mental health spaces. Off the clock, she loves indulging in an avocado margarita and chips and queso at her favorite Tex-Mex spot in town. Read Full Bio »
LifeSavvy is focused on a single goal: helping you make the most informed purchases possible. Want to know more?