Out of buttermilk? No need to run to the store when you can easily make your own with only two ingredients in less than ten minutes!
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No more half-full buttermilk cartons going to waste! Not with this homemade recipe in the picture.
I’m pretty sure we all know that as awesome as buttermilk is in baking and other applications, it’s a slightly inconvenient ingredient and definitely not one that everybody has on hand regularly.
Making your own is honestly the perfect solution because you can make the precise amount you need with no leftovers taking up space in your fridge.
And it is just as good as the storebought version!
This Homemade Buttermilk Features…
- A rich and tangy flavor
- Made with only two ingredients
- Ready in only 10 minutes
Making the Homemade Buttermilk
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Milk
- Lemon juice or white vinegar
Choosing Your Milk
I typically use whole milk for this recipe but 2% or dairy-free milks such as oat or almond milk will also work.
Why Use Buttermilk in Baking?
Buttermilk not only adds a subtle tangy flavor that compliments a lot of baked goods, but it also reacts with baking soda and creates carbon dioxide gas bubbles that help baked goods rise higher during baking and form a light and fluffy texture.
Storing Buttermilk
If you choose to store the buttermilk it will keep well in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Recipes To Use Buttermilk In
- Buttermilk Cornbread
- Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
- Buttermilk Coleslaw
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
- Best Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes
- Cherry Tomato Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
- Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins
- Chocolate Sheet Cake
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How To Make Homemade Buttermilk
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 cup 2%, whole, or dairy-free milk
Instructions
- Pour lemon juice or vinegar into a liquid measuring cup. Fill milk up to the 1-cup line. Stir and allow buttermilk to sit at room temperature 10 minutes until milk is slightly thickened. Use as directed in cooking. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe tips and photos on 8/27/26.
Kathy Mader says
Guess who drinks buttermilk straight up? I do! Mainly, though, just to use up extra buttermilk…they need to sell it in 8 ounce cartons. Try it, you’ll like it!
Sarah says
No wayy!! Maybe I should give straight buttermilk another chance! 😉
Heidi Banks says
I drink Buttermilk and love it!
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
I’ve never made buttermilk before!! Wow I didn’t know it was so easy to make like that. Thanks for sharing, Sarah 😉
Sarah says
It’s so easy to make buttermilk it’s almost scary! 😉
Mira says
Love your tutorials Sarah! So helpful! I’ve been following this method for a while and works perfect for me!
Sarah says
Thanks Mira!! Isn’t homemade buttermilk just SO stinkin’ easy?!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
What a great post, Sarah! I had no idea you could make buttermilk from just milk and lemon juice. I’ve heard of using milk and vinegar before, but this sounds a lot better! I’m definitely going to try this out the next time I need some!
Sarah says
Milk and vinegar works in a pinch, but I definitely prefer the nearly-identical buttermilk flavors the lemon juice gives it! 😉
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
ok, I love you for this Sarah!! Because everytime I have a cake recipe and it calls for buttermilk I just cringe because I hate stocking it in my fridge because it goes bad so fast and I hate spending the money on it for just one recipe. Brilliant!!
Sarah says
Ahhhh! Problem just solved FOREVER! 😉 Thanks Renee! xoxo
Sam @ SugarSpun says
I love this, I don’t think I’ve ever bought buttermilk because I always use this trick, thank you for sharing it because a lot of people aren’t aware you can do this!
Sarah says
Same deal with me! Ever since I learned of this simple trick, I haven’t bought buttermilk since! 😉
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Love this post, Sarah! This is my favorite way to make buttermilk too. So easy and better than having to run out and buy some. Yay for buttermilk 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks Kelly!!
Lori says
Good morning Sarah:) I grew up with this method but down home we call this sour milk. When my daddy was stationed in Alaska, fresh buttermilk was hard to come by. Thank you for sharing!!
Sarah says
It’s such a simple DIY, isn’t it?? Nobody even needs the “real” stuff anymore! 🙂
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
This is amazing!!! I’ve got to try this!! Thanks, Sarah!
Sarah says
LMK if you do, girl!! You will love it. 🙂
Joanne says
I actually tried this for the first time right before we went on vacation – worked like a charm!
Sarah says
Isn’t it the best trick EVER, Joanne?!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Lovely tutorial of making homemade buttermilk. Loved this amazing share!
Sarah says
Thanks Anu!
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
I love adding buttermilk to everything from baked goods to meatballs. It gives recipes such a nice tang and tons of moisture. Love this tutorial for how to make it!
Sarah says
Yes! It’s totally my most-used ingredient around here! 😉
Rachel @ Bakerita says
This is the best trick ever! I use it all the time, because I rarely need a whole container of buttermilk.
Sarah says
Right?? Best hack ever!!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Ick, my grandma drinks buttermilk too! Cold, straight from the fridge! I don’t know how she does it . Must b a southern thing. Love your trick of making buttermilk from regular milk! I always hate to have to buy a big quart of buttermilk when all I really need is just 1 cup. This will be much easier!
Sarah says
Ewww I can’t even imagine being able to do that! Believe it or not, my mom once accidentally put buttermilk in her coffee! She thought it was half-and-half! LOL.
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
I am so trying this next time I need some buttermilk! I always buy it then it goes bad and then when I really need it, I don’t have any! Love your kitchen how to’s. Keep’em coming! Pinned! 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks Cyndi! I’m glad that you love my kitchen how-to’s!! xoxo 🙂
Ashley says
haha as much as I love buttermilk for baking, I am with you. I could not just drink it! Yuck!
Love this tutorial – I have to do this all the time when I forget to buy it! Which seems to happen more often than not… whoops!
Sarah says
Haha! Thanks Ashley!! Happy Friday. 🙂