Milk to Buttermilk Converter
Need buttermilk and only have regular milk? Enter the amount your recipe calls for and get the right milk plus vinegar, lemon juice, or cream of tartar conversion.
Make a buttermilk substitute
The standard swap is 1 tablespoon acid per 1 cup of finished buttermilk substitute. Add the acid first, then add milk up to the final amount.
Stir gently and let it stand 5 to 10 minutes so the milk lightly thickens and curdles.
For pancakes and waffles, this substitute works well anywhere a recipe needs buttermilk acidity for lift and tenderness.
Milk to buttermilk conversion chart
| Recipe needs | Use vinegar or lemon juice | Add milk to make |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup buttermilk | 3/4 teaspoon | 1/4 cup total |
| 1/2 cup buttermilk | 1 1/2 teaspoons | 1/2 cup total |
| 3/4 cup buttermilk | 2 1/4 teaspoons | 3/4 cup total |
| 1 cup buttermilk | 1 tablespoon | 1 cup total |
| 2 cups buttermilk | 2 tablespoons | 2 cups total |
How to make buttermilk from milk
- Put the vinegar or lemon juice in your measuring cup first.
- Add regular milk until the mixture reaches the final buttermilk amount.
- Stir and wait 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use it in the recipe just like buttermilk.
Whole milk gives the richest result, but 2% milk also works for most pancakes, biscuits, cakes, and quick breads.
Milk to buttermilk FAQ
How much vinegar do I add to 1 cup of milk for buttermilk?
Use 1 tablespoon vinegar, then add enough milk to make 1 cup total. If you add a full cup of milk plus vinegar, the final amount will be slightly more than 1 cup.
Can I use apple cider vinegar?
Yes. White vinegar has the cleanest flavor, but apple cider vinegar works when a mild fruity note will not bother the recipe.
Can I use cream of tartar?
Yes. Use about 1 3/4 teaspoons cream of tartar per 1 cup of milk. Whisk it into the dry ingredients or very thoroughly into the milk to avoid clumps.
Does this work for fried chicken?
It works as a quick acidic marinade base. Cultured buttermilk is thicker and tangier, but milk plus lemon juice or vinegar is useful when you need a fast substitute.