
Have a favorite recipe that calls for buttermilk, but want to make it vegan or dairy-free? This recipe is the 2-ingredient, 5-minute solution.

How to Make Vegan Buttermilk
Simply stir together your favorite dairy-free milk (we like almond or oat milk) with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Let it sit for a few minutes, and the mixture should curdle slightly from the acidity. It won’t thicken quite like buttermilk, but it has a similar effect in recipes!

This EASY, versatile vegan buttermilk is now ready to use as a 1:1 substitute for buttermilk in your favorite recipes. Use it in our Best Damn Vegan Biscuits, Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Biscuits, Easy Vegan Ranch Dressing, and more!
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

How to Make Vegan Buttermilk
Ingredients
VEGAN BUTTERMILK
- 1 cup unsweetened, plain dairy-free milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice with almond milk to make “vegan buttermilk.” Set aside for a few minutes — it should curdle slightly. It won’t thicken like buttermilk, but it has a similar effect in recipes.
- Use in vegan ranch, biscuits (or gluten-free biscuits), or anywhere else that calls for buttermilk. Best when fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days and stirred before using.
Aiesha says
Love all your recipes and have been recommending your site to others for years! I’ve been wondering, should I be mixing the “mother” in the apple cider vinegar for this recipe or in general? Or should I let the mother sit at the bottom of the bottle?
Aw, we’re SO glad you enjoy our recipes, Aiesha! Thank you for letting us know and for sharing our site with others! We don’t typically add the mother, but it probably wouldn’t hurt it.