Interested in learning how to make dairy-free buttermilk? Traditionally buttermilk was created from the liquid left over after cream had been churned into butter. Bacteria grew as it sat, causing the milk sugar to turn into lactic acid and ferment, thus leaving behind a slightly thickened and mildly sour substance. Apparently, it was one of those situations where when no one died after eating it; it was deemed a good thing.

In baking, buttermilk is used for several reasons. It provides a tangy flavor that pairs well with certain baked goods like biscuits. And since the fermentation makes it acidic, it allows the leavening agents (any ingredient that causes the baked good to rise and soften by introducing gas bubbles, such as yeast or baking soda) to do their job. Buttermilk also tenderizes the gluten in flour, giving it more body and a softer texture.

But can buttermilk be made dairy free? It certainly can, and it’s quite simple to learn how to make dairy-free buttermilk or buttermilk substitute yourself. These versions are called, “clabbered” (thickened) buttermilk and there are several ways to create it at home. That way, you can enjoy cooking Southern cuisine, biscuits, pancakes and much of Paula Deen’s repertoire with a dairy-free buttermilk!

Vinegar

Since vinegar is acidic, it will curdle dairy-free milk when left to sit. Simply add one tablespoon of vinegar per cup of milk and let sit a room temperature for at least 15 minutes, until the liquid has thickened a bit. While many recipes call for apple cider vinegar, white vinegar can be used as well.

Vinegar used to make dairy-free buttermilk can be used with recipes like Rosemary Buttermilk Biscuits or Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes, giving a tangy, Southern twist to your baked goodies.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is also acidic and can be used in place of vinegar to make dairy-free buttermilk as well. Use the same amount as you would vinegar (one tablespoon to one cup milk) and leave the milk sit for at least 10 minutes before using.

Some people find lemon juice does not create the same texture or consistency as real buttermilk, but experimentation found it still produced the same end result. Vegan Aebelskivers (Danish Pancake Balls) uses lemon juice to create the dairy-free buttermilk used in these cream puff-like treats.

Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is an acid with less flavor than lemon juice or vinegar and is usually used to stabilize egg whites for meringues and soufflés. And no, it does not contain cream. Its chemical name is potassium bitartrate, and it is actually a byproduct of wine making.

Use one and a half teaspoons to one cup of milk, but it’s better to mix it into the dry ingredients as it tends to clump when mixed into liquid. It can give your baked goods the same light and fluffy effect as buttermilk, without vinegar or lemon aftertastes.

Yogurt or Sour Cream

While lemon juice, vinegar, and cream of tartar can produce the same result as buttermilk in baking, they are devoid of the beneficial bacteria found in the traditionally made form. One way to create soft and light baked goods, but still keep the added health benefits of good bacteria, is to use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream in addition to dairy-free milk. 1/2 cup dairy-free milk plus 2/3 cup dairy-free yogurt or sour cream will yield 1 cup of dairy-free buttermilk substitute.

Get Cultured

Traditionalists who enjoy making their own buttermilk (but not churning butter) often use buttermilk culture to create their own, filled with beneficial bacteria. Unfortunately, it’s not very easy to find dairy-free buttermilk culture.

However, it is possible to find dairy-free kefir culture (make sure you purchase what’s called water kefir!) and dairy-free yogurt culture. Follow the instructions on the packet, but kefir is basically made by adding the culture to the milk (or even coconut water!) and letting it sit at room temperature for a number of days.

Kefir can be substituted in the same measurements as buttermilk in recipes, and includes beneficial bacteria. Cultures For Health is a great website to purchase water kefir grains, vegan yogurt cultures, and learn more about natural fermentation.

Additional Tips for Making Dairy-Free Buttermilk

It is important to note that dairy-free milks have a different nutritional makeup which may affect your buttermilk. For instance, soy milk has the highest protein content of dairy-free milks and is, therefore, closest in makeup to cow milk. Which Milk For Which Recipe is a great guide to many of the dairy-free milks you can make at home.

You can choose your buttermilk according to what you have in your pantry. Also consider how much time you want to spend or to complement the other ingredients in your recipe. For example, if you’re craving lemon-thyme biscuits, making your buttermilk with lemon juice would be perfectly acceptable.

Thankfully, there are several options when deciding how to make dairy-free buttermilk. They’re all free of the upper body strength needed to churn butter. Although after recreating a Paula Deen dish, you might need a good workout.

Recipes to Bake With Your Dairy-Free Buttermilk

Spicy Sriracha Buttermilk Biscuits

Is there anything better than a warm, buttery biscuit at breakfast on Sunday morning or with a hearty dinner? After just 20 minutes of cooking, these Spicy Sriracha Buttermilk Biscuits by Emily Brees that are fluffy and moist can be perfectly paired with your meal.

Rosemary ‘Buttermilk’ Biscuits

These Rosemary ‘Buttermilk’ Biscuits by Pamela Elizabeth are all about comfort food. Try them for breakfast, brunch or alongside some veggie chili for dinner.

‘Buttermilk’ Cinnamon Rolls 

What’s better than a sweet, dense, cinnamon roll that’s still fluffy on the inside? These ‘Buttermilk’ Cinnamon Rolls by Sheri Silver are delicious with all the yeasty, cinnamon-y, icing goodness you’d rightfully expect. Freeze the leftover rolls to enjoy for breakfast or brunch later!

Need more baking tips like this guide on how to make dairy-free buttermilk? Check out The Ultimate Gluten-Free Vegan Baking Substitution Guide by downloading the Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

Lead image source: Navy Bean Biscuits and Gravy