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

Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Time To Make

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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Time To Make Dietary Cuisine Kid Friendly

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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Low Protein Cuisine Desserts 60 Minutes Or Less

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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Main Ingredient Chocolate Breads Easy

Almond Joy Bread

Indulge in the irresistible taste of Almond Joy candy bars transformed into a moist and delicious loaf! This recipe combines fluffy coconut cake with rich chocolate chips, crunchy almonds, and a dreamy coconut glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, this Almond Joy bread is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a taste of paradise!

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Preparation Course For Large Groups Number Of Servings

Angel Biscuits

Flaky, melt-in-your-mouth Angel Biscuits! This recipe delivers perfectly fluffy biscuits, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a taste of homemade heaven. Smother them in gravy, slather with butter and jam, or enjoy them plain – they're that good! Plus, you can freeze the uncooked dough for baking later, making this recipe incredibly convenient. Get ready for the most delicious biscuits you've ever tasted!

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Easy Quick Breads Time To Make Number Of Servings

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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Southwestern United States North American American Side Dishes

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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Fruit American Fruit Toddler Friendly

Banana Bread Ny Times Natural Foods Cookbook Carrie Sheridan

Experience the ultimate gooey banana bread! This recipe, inspired by the New York Times Natural Foods Cookbook (Carrie Sheridan), delivers intensely moist and flavorful banana bread with a cake-like texture. Unlike other banana breads, this one captures the pure essence of ripe bananas, creating a truly unforgettable treat. Perfect toasted or frozen, this recipe is a must-try for banana bread enthusiasts. Discover the difference – you'll never go back!

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60 Minutes Or Less Fruit Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less

Banana Cake With Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in this moist and decadent banana cake, bursting with banana flavor and perfectly complemented by a smooth, bourbon-infused cream cheese frosting. Nut-free and incredibly delicious, it's a crowd-pleaser for birthdays, brunch, or any special occasion! (Shhh...it's also amazing for breakfast!)

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Oven Comfort Food Dietary Preparation

Banana Cake With Orange Icing

This isn't your grandma's banana bread! Our Zesty Banana Cake bursts with citrus flavor thanks to a bright orange icing and a hint of orange zest in the cake itself. Lower in fat than many banana cakes, it's deliciously moist and naturally sweet. Feel free to add a handful of dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor – it's amazing! Bake it in a tube pan or a 9x9 inch square pan; it's versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Dietary Bananas Dietary American

Banana Granola Pancakes

Escape to Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana, with every bite! These hearty Banana Granola Pancakes are the perfect breakfast for camping, canoeing adventures, or a cozy weekend morning. Fluffy pancakes bursting with banana flavor and crunchy granola – a delicious and satisfying start to any day!

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Sweet Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less Course

Banana Nut Cake

Indulge in this moist and delicious Banana Nut Cake! A simple recipe with a burst of banana flavor and crunchy pecans, perfect for any occasion. This classic cake is easy to make, yet incredibly satisfying. Try it and discover your new favorite dessert!

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Course Equipment 15 Minutes Or Less Occasion

Banana Oatmeal Cake With Caramel Fudge Frosting

Indulge in this moist and delicious Banana Oatmeal Cake, topped with a rich and decadent caramel fudge frosting. This easy-to-make recipe combines the comforting flavors of banana and oatmeal with a sweet and creamy frosting that's simply irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Get ready for a taste of pure heaven!

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Equipment Inexpensive Fruit Time To Make

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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Preparation Low In Something Time To Make Australian

Banana Lime And Coconut Cake Australia

Escape to the tropics with this decadent Banana Lime Coconut Cake! Inspired by a classic Australian recipe (originally found on www.sydneymarkets.com.au), this moist and flavorful cake features the perfect balance of sweet bananas, tangy lime, and creamy coconut. A simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for any occasion. This recipe has been updated for optimal deliciousness!

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Occasion Dietary Gifts Quick Breads

Best Ever Banana Bread

This classic quick bread recipe is a family favorite, guaranteed to impress! Unlike other banana bread recipes, ours bakes up with a beautifully golden-brown top and incredibly moist, tender insides – never gummy or heavy. The secret? Buttermilk and banana extract, creating the ultimate flavor combination. Get ready to experience the best banana bread you've ever tasted!

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Dietary Brunch Easy Taste Mood

Big Angel Biscuits

Experience biscuit heaven with these enormous, tender, and flaky Big Angel Biscuits! A family recipe passed down, these biscuits are unbelievably buttery and rise to impressive heights. Get ready for the fluffiest, most delicious biscuits you've ever tasted. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a comforting treat.

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Cuisine Cuisine Easy North American

South Of The Border Jalapeno Cornbread

Spice up your meal with this irresistible South of the Border Jalapeño Cornbread! This light and moist cornbread is the perfect side dish for lunch, dinner, or even a surprisingly delicious breakfast alongside sausage and eggs. The blend of sweet corn, creamy cheese, and fiery jalapeños creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is a must-try for cornbread lovers!

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