10 Best Ways To Substitute for Buttermilk in Pancakes

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Want to swap out the buttermilk in your pancakes? Here are all the best ways to substitute for buttermilk in pancakes including non dairy and dairy options.

Are you in the midst of whipping up a batch of delectable pancakes, only to realize that you’re fresh out of buttermilk? Perhaps you’re exploring dairy-free alternatives to cater to a dairy free lifestyle.

Today, I’ll be sharing 10 of the top ways you can easily replace buttermilk in your pancakes. You can enjoy pancakes without buttermilk with these easy to find options!

Here’s a list of the 10 buttermilk substitutes for pancakes mentioned in the article:

Heavy Cream (Mixed with water)
Half and Half
Yogurt (Diluted with water)
Sour Cream (Mixed with water or a dairy-free milk substitute)
Milk and Lemon Juice (Dairy or non-dairy milk mixed with lemon juice or white vinegar)
Milk and Cream of Tartar (Dairy or non-dairy milk mixed with cream of tartar)
Kefir
Coconut Milk (Unsweetened)
Almond Milk
Oat Milk

These alternatives can help you achieve the desired texture and flavor in your pancake batter when you don’t have buttermilk on hand or if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Easy ways to substitute for buttermilk in pancakes

Heavy Cream (Mixed with water)

Heavy cream can swoop in as a rich and luxurious substitute for buttermilk in pancakes. Simply mix one part heavy cream with one part water to achieve a texture akin to buttermilk.

Half and Half

For a slightly lighter alternative, half and half offers a creamy consistency that works well in a pancake batter. Replace buttermilk with half and half in a 1:1 ratio for the best results.

Yogurt (Diluted with water)

Thick and tangy yogurt, whether regular or Greek, can come to your rescue. Dilute it with a bit of water to mimic the texture of buttermilk. For a dairy-free option, opt for a non-dairy yogurt alternative.

Sour Cream (Mixed with water or a dairy-free milk substitute)

Sour cream is an excellent choice for those seeking a rich and tangy note in their pancakes. Blend it with a bit of water or your preferred dairy-free milk substitute to achieve the desired thickness. Use this substitute at a 1:1 ratio.

Milk and Lemon Juice (Dairy or non-dairy milk mixed with lemon juice or white vinegar)

In a pinch, create a buttermilk alternative by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy). Stir and let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before incorporating it into your pancake batter.

Milk and Cream of Tartar (Dairy or non-dairy milk mixed with cream of tartar)

A teaspoon of cream of tartar mixed with one cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy) can serve as a handy buttermilk stand-in, complete with a subtle tang.

Kefir

Kefir, with its probiotic goodness, can seamlessly replace buttermilk in your pancakes. Its consistency and tangy flavor make it an excellent choice for fluffy, flavorful stacks.

Coconut Milk (Unsweetened)

Coconut milk, especially the canned variety, offers a unique tropical twist to your pancakes. Ensure you’re using the unsweetened version for best results.

Keep in mind that coconut milk may introduce a mild coconut flavor to your pancakes, which can add a unique twist to the taste. However, this flavor is generally subtle and pairs well with a variety of toppings and additions.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can work well in many pancake recipes. To substitute almond milk for buttermilk, you can typically do a direct 1:1 swap. For example, if your pancake recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk, you can use 1 cup of almond milk instead.

Keep in mind that almond milk has a different flavor and consistency than buttermilk, so the taste and texture of your pancakes may vary slightly. However, the difference is usually subtle, and almond milk can still produce delicious and fluffy pancakes.

Oat Milk

Oat milk’s creamy texture and neutral taste can make it an ideal buttermilk substitute, especially for those with nut allergies. It blends smoothly into your pancake mix.

Oat milk pancakes won’t have that tanginess that buttermilk brings to pancakes, however, the pancakes will turn out fluffy and delicious.

To use oat milk as a buttermilk substitute, you can typically do a direct 1:1 swap.

The absence of buttermilk need not thwart your pancake-making endeavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich and tangy stack or looking for a dairy-free alternative, these ten easy ways to substitute for buttermilk in pancakes are worth a try!

So go ahead, whip up those buttermilk-like pancakes, and savor every bite!