Buttermilk

N/A Dairy/Fermented Beverage

Buttermilk Dairy/Fermented Beverage

At a Glance

  • Category Dairy/Fermented Beverage

The Forktionary Angle

"The acidic secret to impossibly tender baked goods and crispy fried chicken."

Definition

A fermented dairy drink, traditionally the liquid left after churning butter, now often cultured milk. Known for its tangy flavor and tenderizing properties.

Acidity (pH) Approximately 4.5
Fat Content Lower than whole milk
Usage Reacts with baking soda for leavening

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Buttermilk are:

Tangy slightly sour creamy refreshing

Chef’s Secret

Use buttermilk to marinate chicken, especially for frying. The acidity tenderizes the meat without breaking down the proteins too much, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken.

Best Substitutes

Milk + Lemon Juice/Vinegar

1 cup milk + 1 tbsp acid, let sit 5 mins
Ratio 1:1

Yogurt thinned with water

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose cultured buttermilk for baking. Check expiry date.

Recipes Using Buttermilk

Desserts Nuts Lemon Time To Make

Almond Lemon Cake With Lemon Mascarpone Frosting

Indulge in this delightful Almond Lemon Cake, a recipe adapted from the beloved blog "17 and Baking." This recipe features a moist and fragrant almond cake bursting with bright lemon flavor, perfectly complemented by a luscious lemon mascarpone frosting. A simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for any occasion! Easily adaptable to a hazelnut-berry version for even more delicious variations.

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Course Low Sodium Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less

Apricot Bread

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of our homemade Apricot Bread! This moist and flavorful loaf is bursting with juicy apricots and is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is a must-try for apricot lovers and baking enthusiasts alike.

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Course Time To Make Oven Taste Mood

Apricot Filled Muffins

Delight your taste buds with these irresistible apricot-filled muffins! Bursting with sweet apricot spread (or your favorite fruit spread like peach or raspberry), these muffins are incredibly moist and tender. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Each muffin provides approximately 1.5 diabetic exchanges. Make-ahead friendly – bake a batch and enjoy them fresh for 3 days (room temp, lightly foiled) or freeze for up to 3 months (reheat at 300°F for 15-18 minutes).

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Thanksgiving Course Desserts Holiday Event

Apple Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Glaze

Indulge in this incredibly easy and quick apple spice cake recipe, perfect for any occasion! This moist and flavorful cake is a crowd-pleaser on its own, but a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to the next level. The rich brown sugar glaze adds a touch of sweetness and decadence, creating an unforgettable dessert. Learn how to make this simple yet stunning cake today!

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Low Carb Meat Dietary Seasonal

4Th Of July Fried Chicken

Celebrate Independence Day with this incredibly crispy and juicy fried chicken recipe! Perfect for your 4th of July picnic, potluck, or backyard BBQ. This classic recipe, inspired by Bon Appetit (July 1982), is easy to follow and delivers unforgettable flavor. Serve alongside your favorite potato salad and coleslaw for a truly patriotic feast. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Main Ingredient Fruit Course Cakes

Banana Cake With Crunchy Top

Get ready for the BEST banana cake you'll ever taste! This recipe features a ridiculously delicious crunchy crumble topping that elevates a classic. Tried and true – I've made this perfect cake over 20 times! It's moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat!

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Apples Time To Make Course Pancakes And Waffles

Apple Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes

Fluffy, golden-brown Apple Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes bursting with warm apple flavor and a hint of cinnamon spice. This easy recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy weeknight breakfast. Get ready for a taste of fall with every bite!

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Easy 4 Hours Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Preparation

1930 Recipe For Mincemeat Cake

Transport yourself back to the 1930s with this delightful mincemeat bundt cake recipe, sourced from a cherished church group cookbook! This rich and spiced cake combines the classic flavors of mincemeat with a tender, moist crumb. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is a true taste of tradition. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this nostalgic dessert.

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Fruit Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Cakes

An Actual Banana Split Cake

Indulge in this decadent four-layer banana cake, a spectacular twist on the classic banana split! Each layer is a moist, homemade banana cake, generously layered with fresh strawberries, creamy sweetened whipped cream, juicy pineapple, crunchy peanuts, and rich fudge ice cream topping. A show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly easier to make than it looks!

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60 Minutes Or Less Cakes Californian Cupcakes

Auntie Em's Coconut Cupcakes

Indulge in these billowy-soft coconut cupcakes, bursting with irresistible coconut flavor and topped with a dreamy coconut cream cheese frosting! A treasured recipe adapted from Auntie Em's Kitchen, a century-old Los Angeles culinary institution in Eagle Rock, this recipe delivers authentic home-style goodness. Perfect for satisfying any coconut craving!

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Breads Course 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

Baby's Jalapeo Cheese Cornbread

Spice up your meal with this irresistible Baby S Jalapeño Cheese Cornbread! Crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with a delightful jalapeño kick, this recipe is perfect as a side dish or a snack. Made with a cast iron skillet for extra crispy edges, it's the perfect blend of sweet and spicy.

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Occasion Pancakes And Waffles Occasion Preparation

Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes With Orange Butter

Fluffy banana pancakes studded with crunchy macadamia nuts and topped with a bright, zesty orange butter! This easy recipe is a delightful breakfast or brunch treat, perfect for weekend mornings. Get ready for a taste sensation that's both simple and unforgettable.

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Easy Low Calorie Low Protein 60 Minutes Or Less

Amazing Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These aren't your grandma's mashed potatoes! Elevate your comfort food with this recipe featuring creamy buttermilk and a zesty garlic kick. Inspired by a family recipe, these unbelievably fluffy mashed potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for the best mashed potatoes you'll ever taste!

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15 Minutes Or Less Appetizers Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less

Belgian Endive With Roquefort Walnuts And Cranberries

Elevate your appetizer game with this sophisticated and surprisingly simple recipe for Belgian Endive with Roquefort, Walnuts, and Cranberries! Chef David Vartanian's vintage recipe delivers a delightful combination of creamy Roquefort, crunchy walnuts, tart cranberries, and crisp endive. Perfect for holiday parties or a special weeknight treat.

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Stove Top Equipment 4 Hours Or Less Oven

Baked Fried Chicken With Pan Gravy

Experience comfort food bliss with this irresistible Baked Fried Chicken and Pan Gravy recipe! Perfectly crispy chicken, juicy on the inside, paired with a rich and creamy gravy – it's a flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to clean up – use disposable foil pans for ultimate convenience! Fresh or canned mushrooms are both delicious options, but fresh mushrooms truly elevate the gravy to another level. Get ready for the most satisfying, flavorful chicken dinner you've ever tasted!

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Easy Course Low Carb Dietary

Apple Bran Muffins

Enjoy the irresistible taste of these wholesome Apple Bran Muffins! Packed with fiber and bursting with juicy apples and sweet raisins, they're the perfect mid-morning snack or delightful breakfast treat. These muffins are quick and easy to make, satisfying your sweet tooth without sacrificing healthy eating habits. Get your bake on!

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Number Of Servings Preparation Course Time To Make

A Plus Fair Corn Dogs

Taste the magic of the fair all year round with this irresistible corn dog recipe! Our rich buttermilk batter, infused with savory bacon drippings, creates perfectly crispy corn dogs that are bursting with flavor. Easy to follow instructions guide you to golden-brown perfection – get ready for a crowd-pleasing treat!

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Desserts Time To Make Desserts Dietary

Basic Buttermilk Cake

This unbelievably versatile buttermilk cake recipe, originally found in a Hallmark magazine, is your new baking best friend! Whip up a stunning two-layer cake, a batch of delightful cupcakes, or a generous sheet cake – the possibilities are endless! This recipe provides clear instructions and easily adaptable measurements, perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Get ready to impress with this moist and flavorful classic!

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