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

North American Romantic North American Breads

1960 Original Kentucky Buttermilk Biscuit

Taste the legendary flavor of Kentucky with this authentic 1960s buttermilk biscuit recipe! Scaled down from a family heirloom, these melt-in-your-mouth biscuits are unbelievably flaky and tender. Get ready for the best biscuits you'll ever make – a true culinary masterpiece that will leave you speechless. Prepare to be amazed!

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Cakes Dietary Cakes Low In Something

Allegra's New Favorite Cocacola Cake

Get ready for a gooey, chocolatey explosion! This Coca-Cola cake is a kid-approved, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. My 5-year-old helped make this from-scratch, and it's become a family favorite. The fudge-like icing is the perfect complement to the incredibly moist and delicious cake. Perfect for picnics, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to wow your guests. This recipe includes a secret ingredient that will have everyone guessing! Prepare to be amazed.

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30 Minutes Or Less Course Preparation Fish

Almond Coated Basa

Experience a flavor explosion with this crispy pan-fried basa, coated in a delightful blend of crunchy almonds and savory parmesan cheese. This easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Cakes Desserts

Almond Pound Cake

Indulge in this incredibly rich and decadent Almond Pound Cake! A family favorite, perfect for birthdays or any special occasion. This recipe is easily adaptable – enjoy it plain, frosted to perfection, or adorned with fresh fruit. The secret? Finely ground almonds for a luxuriously smooth texture. This recipe makes a wonderfully large cake, perfect for sharing!

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For Large Groups Dietary Number Of Servings Preparation

Any Pie Filling Cobbler Mix

Create a stunning, golden-brown, crunchy cobbler topping in minutes with this versatile mix! Perfect for cherries or your favorite pie filling. This easy recipe makes a delightful homemade gift – simply combine the mix with a can of your favorite pie filling (directions included!), package it in a festive bag, and you're ready to share the deliciousness. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Course Low Saturated Fat Course Healthy

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Indulge in the warm, comforting aroma and taste of our Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread! This recipe creates a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf, perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness from a delicate powdered sugar glaze. Low in fat but high in satisfaction, it's the ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

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European German 1 Day Or More Desserts

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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Grains Irish 60 Minutes Or Less Breads

Authentic Irish Soda Bread Yeast Free

Taste the Emerald Isle! This authentic Irish soda bread recipe is a family favorite, simple to make, and captures the heart of Ireland's culinary tradition. Most Irish homes still bake this daily, and each family has its own subtle twist—this is the soda bread you remember from your travels, perfect for enjoying with seafood chowder, hearty soups, stews, or a simple breakfast. Skip the yeast and embrace the simplicity of this classic recipe!

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Low In Something Course Low Protein Low In Something

Avocado Buttermilk Salad Dressing

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Avocado Buttermilk Salad Dressing! Perfect for elevating your salads, pasta dishes, or even as a dip for veggies. This vibrant dressing is quick to make and bursts with fresh avocado flavor, balanced by the tangy buttermilk. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Cakes Preparation Cakes Main Ingredient

Bailey's Irish Cream Cake

Indulge in the ultimate moist and decadent Bailey's Irish Cream Cake! This from-scratch recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for work potlucks, family gatherings, or any special occasion. Get ready for rave reviews – its rich, creamy flavor and unbelievably tender texture will leave everyone wanting more!

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Nuts Number Of Servings Equipment Meat

Baked Chicken With Honey And Pecans

This recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors! Imagine juicy, tender chicken coated in a crunchy pecan-honey glaze – a taste sensation that's almost like a praline-inspired dinner. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal prep work. The honey-pecan topping adds the perfect touch of sweetness without being overly sugary, creating a balanced and unforgettable dish. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Equipment Muffins Preparation Kid Friendly

Baklava Muffins

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of baklava with these delightful muffins! A quick and easy recipe inspired by Nigella Lawson, these golden-brown treats combine flaky muffin tops with a sweet, nutty filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these baklava muffins are sure to become a new favorite.

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30 Minutes Or Less Breads Quick Breads Time To Make

Banana Coconut Muffins

Indulge in the tropical delight of homemade Banana Coconut Muffins! These luxuriously moist muffins are surprisingly easy to make and far cheaper than bakery treats. In under an hour, you'll have a dozen fluffy, delicious muffins ready to impress. Perfect for Mother's Day, brunch, or any special occasion (or just a Tuesday!). Skip the expensive bakery and bake your own batch of these irresistible coconut-banana gems for less than 50 cents each!

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Main Ingredient Time To Make Dietary Preparation

Barb's Almond Pound Cake

Indulge in this irresistible Almond Pound Cake, a moist and flavorful masterpiece created to celebrate the delightful taste of almonds. This recipe delivers a perfectly textured cake, bursting with almond flavor in every bite. Perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or simply a delicious treat.

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Course Course Time To Make For Large Groups

Basic White Cupcakes

Indulge in the irresistible taste of the South with these fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth Basic White Cupcakes! This easy recipe, inspired by Southern Living, delivers classic vanilla cupcakes that are perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or a simple afternoon treat. Get ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

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Salad Dressings No Cook Refrigerator Summer

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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Pancakes And Waffles Preparation Healthy Time To Make

Best Ever Pancakes

These pancakes are so fluffy and delicious, even pancake skeptics will be raving! This treasured recipe, courtesy of Feeding the Flock (Nampa, ID) and Maxine Carroll, creates light and airy pancakes every time. A secret splash of buttermilk adds extra tang and moisture. Get ready for the fluffiest, most delicious pancakes you've ever tasted!

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Eggs Dairy Breads Novelty Dinner Party

Better Than Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe! These unbelievably delicious biscuits are so easy to make, even easier than box mix, and far superior in taste. Get ready for fluffy, cheesy perfection with a burst of garlicky flavor. Customize your garlic level for the perfect bite! Ready in under 20 minutes.

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