Are you making a muffin recipe that calls for yogurt but you’re all out? Or do you just not like the flavor of yogurt and want to use a different ingredient while maintaining your muffins texture?
No matter the reason, there are a number of substitutes you can use no matter what kind of muffins you are making.
Yogurt is called for in many muffin recipes because it aids the texture and flavor. The creaminess provides moisture that creates a wonderful texture with a perfect structure.
So when you are looking for a yogurt replacement, it’s important to use an ingredient that provides a similar flavor and texture to your muffins.
So what are the best substitutes for yogurt when baking muffins?
The top alternatives for yogurt when making homemade muffins are sour cream, crème fraiche, buttermilk, and cottage cheese.
Depending on which replacement you go with, there may be some subtle recipe changes needed. So make sure to read on to learn how to use each of these Greek yogurt substitutes.
Related Recipe: Blueberry muffins from cake mix
Greek Yogurt Alternatives for Baking Muffins
Yogurt plays an important role in baking muffins. It contains acid that is crucial for leavening. That means yogurt helps you achieve fluffy muffins with a tender texture.
The creaminess of yogurt also elevates the flavors, while enhancing the other flavors in your recipe.
For these reasons, it’s important to use the right substitute when you’re all out of yogurt.
Related: Substitute for eggs in muffins
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a great all around substitute for Greek yogurt, and it works wonderfully in any muffin recipe.
Sour cream provides you with the moisture needed for a soft and delicious texture while also containing the acidity needed for leavening.
Sour cream also infuses a flavor that pairs amazingly well with just about any style of muffin. On top of all that, when using sour cream, no other recipe changes are needed.
Related: Sour cream vs cottage cheese
Equivalent
1 cup of sour cream equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Crème Fraiche
While not as commonly used in US kitchens as other ingredients on this list, crème fraiche is an exceptional substitute for yogurt you can use in any type of muffin recipe.
Crème fraiche is a soured cream that produces a wonderful texture in baked goods. That means your muffins will have great structure and moist texture.
When you go with crème fraiche you won’t need to make any other changes to your recipe.
Related: Crème fraiche alternatives
Equivalent
1 cup of crème fraiche equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is another soured dairy product that can be used instead of yogurt. It provides you with acidity as well as a moist texture.
The subtle sour flavor of buttermilk pairs particularly well in sweet muffins, but it works well in any type of muffin recipe.
Buttermilk is another simple substitution option, so no other recipe changes are needed.
Related: Dairy free buttermilk replacements
Equivalent
1 cup of buttermilk equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a solid option when in a pinch. It works great but you will need to add acidity as it doesn’t contain any naturally.
You will want to add a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to your cottage cheese. Otherwise, you structure will be flat and dense.
Otherwise, cottage cheese is a solid option that can be used in any muffin recipe. Simply add your cottage cheese and lemon juice to a blender and mix until smooth.
Equivalent
1 cup of cottage cheese with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Greek Yogurt Replacement FAQ
What is a good dairy free and vegan friendly substitute for yogurt
If you need a substitute for yogurt that is vegan friendly and non dairy, there are a few options you can go with. You can use mashed banana, mashed avocado, or applesauce at a 1:1 ratio.
Because these ingredients do not contain the acidity needed, you will want to add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. If you go with vinegar, use apple cider vinegar or white distilled vinegar.
Can you use milk instead of yogurt
Yes, you can use milk instead of yogurt when baking muffins. But you will need to add lemon juice or vinegar for the acidity.
Use one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for each cup of milk used.
Can you substitute mayo for yogurt in muffins
You can use mayonnaise in place of yogurt but I recommend using one of the substitutes above instead. May contains oil and egg, and does not provide the leavening needed for a fluffy texture. Go with sour cream, buttermilk, or crème fraiche instead.