Are you making a recipe that calls for buttermilk powder but you don’t have any? No need to make an extra trip to the grocery store, there are a number of substitutes for buttermilk powder you can use no matter what you are making.
Buttermilk powder is used to add a rich and creamy texture to cakes, biscuits, and even soup and sauces. And you will find all the top alternatives and how to use them right in this article.
So what are the best substitutes for buttermilk powder?
The top buttermilk powder substitutes are fresh buttermilk, cream of tartar, sour cream, and powdered milk.
Make sure to read on for how to use each of these buttermilk replacements in your recipe.
Buttermilk Powder Alternatives
Buttermilk powder is used in many baked good recipes. It will add a wonderful, rich texture and flavor to cakes, breads, biscuits and more. Buttermilk provides acidity to a baked recipe, and is a leavening agent.
If you do not have any on hand, make sure to use one of the substitutions below, as they will provide your recipe with a similar flavor and texture.
Fresh Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a staple in my kitchen. It can be used to to make many types of delicious recipes, and it is an excellent substitute for buttermilk powder in all types of dishes.
Fresh buttermilk can be used in everything from breakfast dishes like pancakes and waffles, to desserts like cake and sweet breads.
Related Recipe: Buttermilk Crepes
Equivalent
1 cup of fresh buttermilk equals 1/4 cup powdered buttermilk
Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is a classic substitute for buttermilk as well as buttermilk powder. It is a great way to add a fluffy texture to all types of recipes.
It is particularly well suited for added a creamy texture to baked goods. So whether you are baking a cake, a fresh loaf of bread, or a batch of biscuits, cream of tartar is an excellent option when you’re all out of powdered buttermilk.
Note: When replacing buttermilk powder with cream of tartar, you will also need milk.
Equivalent
1.5 teaspoons of cream of tartar with 1 cup of milk equals 1/4 cup of buttermilk powder
Sour Cream
Sour cream is an underrated ingredient for baking, and it is a great replacement for buttermilk powder in baked goods.
Sour cream will create a great texture and flavor in cakes, biscuits and even some sauces. In fact, you can use sour cream instead of buttermilk powder in all types of recipes.
Related: Sour Cream vs Cottage Cheese
Equivalent
1 cup of sour cream equals 1/4 cup of buttermilk powder
Powdered Milk
This ingredient is not as popular in US kitchens as it once was, but if you have some available it is a great substitute for powdered buttermilk.
When mixed with water and an acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) it will produce a flavor quite similar to buttermilk.
You can use powdered milk in any recipe that calls for buttermilk powder.
Equivalent
1/3 cup powdered milk with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon lemon juice equals 1/4 cup powdered buttermilk
Buttermilk Powder Replacement FAQ
Can I substitute dry milk for buttermilk powder?
Yes, dry milk is an excellent substitute for buttermilk in baked recipes. For each 1/4 cup of buttermilk powder, use 1/3 cup of powdered milk with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Is powdered buttermilk the same as liquid buttermilk?
Powdered buttermilk is dried buttermilk, and is often used in recipes similar to fresh buttermilk. Powdered buttermilk is used to add acidity to a recipe and is a leavening agent.
Is buttermilk powder same as milk powder?
No, powdered buttermilk is not the same as milk powder. Buttermilk powder has additional acidity and offers a heightened dairy flavor to a baked recipe.