Dairy, Fermented Food | Vegetarian Low Fat Low Calorie

Buttermilk

Lactobacillus species Allergens: Milk
buttermilk

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Western, Southern US
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Milk

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A fermented dairy product with a distinct tangy flavor and creamy texture, historically the liquid left after churning butter.

Sensory Profile

TasteTangy, Sour, Slightly Salty
TextureLiquid, Smooth, Light Viscous, Creamy
AromaDairy, Sour, Fermented
AcidityMed

Technical Metrics

Acidity (pH)

Approximately 4.5

Fat Content

Lower than whole milk

Usage

Reacts with baking soda for leavening

Nutrition Facts

Per 240ml
Calories40 kcal
Total Fat0.9 g
Saturated Fat0.5 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol4 mg
Protein3.3 g
Total Carbohydrate4.8 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars4.8 g
Calcium110 mg
Iron0.05 mg
Potassium150 mg

Chef’s Secret

Buttermilk's acidity tenderizes meat and reacts with baking soda to create light, fluffy baked goods.

Substitutions

Best Match

Milk + Lemon Juice/Vinegar

1 cup milk + 1 tbsp acid

The most common and effective homemade substitute for its acidity and slight curdling.

Plain Yogurt (thinned)

1:1 (thin with water/milk)

Good for tang and creaminess, adjust consistency for thinner uses.

Kefir

1:1

Similar tang and fermentation, but may have a stronger flavor and more probiotics.

Cream of Tartar + Milk

1 tsp cream of tartar + 1 cup milk

Provides the acidic component for leavening, but without the thick texture.

Buying Guide

Available in liquid or powdered form. Check 'best by' date.

Flavor Pairings

Pancakes fried chicken quick breads salad dressings marinades.

Recipes Using Buttermilk

Main Ingredient Equipment Egg Free Preparation

Relatively Healthy Oatmeal Scones

Craving a delicious and healthier treat? These oatmeal scones are the perfect answer! A delightful twist on a classic recipe, they're low-fat, bursting with flavor, and ideal for breakfast, a satisfying snack, or alongside your afternoon tea. Warm, split, and topped with your favorite jam, preserves, butter, or clotted cream – pure heaven! Best enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea. Get ready for a delightful baking experience!

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Course Time To Make Number Of Servings Preparation

22 Minute Cake

This isn't your grandma's cake! Get ready for a fudgy, intensely chocolatey dessert that's a cross between a cake and a brownie, similar to a Texas sheet cake. This easy recipe, passed down through generations, delivers rich chocolate flavor in just 22 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight treat or a special Sunday gathering. No mixer needed!

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Stove Top Low Carb Meat Deep Fry

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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Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Breads Equipment

Addictive Healthy Muffins

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This recipe, rumored to originate from Prevention Magazine, yields incredibly moist and delicious muffins packed with healthy ingredients. These muffins are so good, they're addictive! While some ingredients may require a trip to a specialty store, the unique flavor is worth the hunt. They keep beautifully and freeze perfectly, making them ideal for meal prep or a quick breakfast treat. Prepare to be amazed!

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Course Mixer Dietary Small Appliance

Aebleskiver Round Filled Danish Pancakes

Indulge in the delightful taste of Aebleskiver, a beloved Danish treat! This recipe, passed down through generations, guides you in creating these golden-brown, airy pancakes with a delightful surprise inside. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these doughnut-shaped delights are traditionally filled with jam, but we'll explore variations including lingonberry preserves and a prune center. Learn the art of turning these fluffy spheres using a fork, knitting needle, or even a toothpick. This recipe uses a special aebleskiver pan (easily found online or at Scandinavian stores), but the results are well worth the effort! Prepare to impress your family and friends with this unique and delicious Danish pastry!

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Preparation Cake Fillings And Frostings Easy Preparation

Alan Jackson's Chocolate Cake And Frosting

This incredible chocolate cake recipe, originally found on a Parkay margarine box, is a family favorite! Rich, moist, and not overly sweet, it's unbelievably easy to make. Use real butter for an even richer flavor, or stick with margarine – the choice is yours! Prepare to be amazed by this simple recipe that consistently receives rave reviews. Get ready for requests for this recipe after every single slice!

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Cakes Brunch Cakes Inexpensive

Amish Banana Nut Cake With Penuche Frosting

Indulge in this moist and decadent Amish Banana Nut Cake, a family favorite recipe! Perfectly spiced cake made with overripe bananas for ultimate flavor and moisture, topped with a rich and creamy penuche frosting. This recipe is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Make it a day or two ahead – the flavors deepen, and it's even more delicious! Prepare to be amazed by this classic.

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Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Course Breads

Aunt Betty's Apple Upside Down Corn Bread

A family heirloom recipe passed down for over 50 years! This decadent Apple Upside-Down Cornbread is a twist on the classic, featuring a caramelized apple topping and a moist, subtly sweet cornbread base. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert, it's best served warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of warm maple syrup. Get ready to experience a taste of tradition!

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Course Desserts European Preparation

Authentic Black Forest Cake Schwarzwald Kirsch Kuchen

Indulge in the true taste of Germany with this authentic Black Forest Cake recipe! Unlike its overly sweet North American counterparts, this Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte boasts a sophisticated balance of deep, rich flavors and a delightful kick of Kirsch (cherry brandy). Made with fresh cherries (or high-quality canned Bing cherries – absolutely NO pie filling!), this recipe is a decadent dessert for adults only. If Kirsch is unavailable, cherry juice can be substituted, though the experience won't be quite the same. Prepare for a truly unforgettable culinary journey!

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Seasonal Fall Seasonal Fruit

Autumn Pear Bread

Capture the essence of fall with this irresistible Autumn Pear Bread! This moist and flavorful loaf cake is bursting with the sweet taste of ripe pears and warm spices. Perfect for a cozy autumn afternoon or as a delightful Thanksgiving treat, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Get ready to savor the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and juicy pears baked to golden perfection.

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Equipment Equipment Cakes Desserts

Banana Bars

These irresistible Banana Bars are even better than banana bread! Kids and adults alike will adore this simple, yet incredibly delicious treat. While the creamy frosting is optional (it's THAT good!), these bars are fantastic on their own. A classic recipe inspired by a well-loved Taste of Home cookbook, these bars are perfect for a quick bake or a delightful dessert.

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Bananas Preparation Time To Make Pancakes And Waffles

Banana Pecan Buttermilk Pancakes

Fluffy, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy! Daphne Oz-inspired Banana Pecan Buttermilk Pancakes are a breakfast game-changer. These pancakes are packed with the delicious taste of pecans and ripe bananas, made lighter and brighter with buttermilk (easily made at home!). Top with real maple syrup for the ultimate breakfast treat. Get ready for the most delicious and satisfying pancake experience!

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Cuisine Dietary Time To Make Main Ingredient

Banana Raisin Bran Muffins

These irresistible Banana Raisin Bran Muffins are a delightful twist on a classic recipe! Inspired by a vintage Roger's Wheat Bran bag, this recipe has been perfected with a few secret tweaks for unbelievably moist and flavorful muffins. Get ready for a burst of banana sweetness and the satisfying crunch of bran in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack!

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Quick Breads Time To Make Course Fruit

Banana Walnut Loaf Bread Machine

Bake a deliciously moist and nutty Banana Walnut Loaf using your bread machine! This simple recipe uses a quick bread cycle (no yeast needed!), perfect for beginner bakers. Enjoy warm slices with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat anytime. This recipe yields a perfectly textured loaf with the satisfying crunch of walnuts and the sweetness of ripe bananas.

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient 3 Steps Or Less Occasion

Basil Buttermilk Salad Dressing

Elevate your salads and snacks with this vibrant Basil Buttermilk Salad Dressing! Bursting with fresh basil flavor and a tangy buttermilk kick, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cooking time. Perfect for drizzling over simple greens or using as a dip for veggies and chips. Get ready to impress with this gourmet-inspired dressing, ready in under an hour!

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Preparation Time To Make Occasion Desserts

Best Ever Banana Cake

Prepare for pure banana bliss! This unbelievably moist and delicious banana cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to become your new favorite. Choose your adventure: bake it as a decadent two-layer 9-inch cake perfect for special occasions (with chocolate or fudge frosting, of course!), a classic loaf cake for everyday enjoyment, or even as mini muffins for a delightful treat. Get ready for rave reviews!

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4 Hours Or Less Course For Large Groups Dietary

Best Ever Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Get ready to experience pure banana cake bliss! This incredibly moist and delicious cake boasts a texture similar to carrot cake, thanks to a unique freezer trick. A low baking temperature of 275°F yields a perfectly risen, incredibly moist cake. The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect touch of sweetness and tang. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Make it a day ahead for even more intense flavor! Note: Baking time may vary depending on your oven.

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Poultry Meat Chicken Oven

Betty Crocker's Spicy Mexicali Drumsticks

Fire up your taste buds with Betty Crocker's Spicy Mexicali Drumsticks! This recipe, inspired by her classic cookbook, delivers juicy, flavorful chicken drumsticks with a crispy cornmeal crust and a zesty kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day, these drumsticks are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a fiesta of flavor!

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