The method of making buttermilk is easy and quick, particularly in cases where apple cider vinegar is used. 

The number of people who are still unable to make one yet remains high. Therefore, “How to make buttermilk with apple cider vinegar?” is a question they often ask.

From salad dressings and marinades to pancakes and biscuits, buttermilk is a key ingredient in many recipes. Consequently it is preferable to be aware of your alternatives.

How To Make Buttermilk with Apple Cider Vinegar

Key Takeaways

Quick & Easy Substitute – ACV can mimic the tangy taste of traditional buttermilk.
Perfect for Baking – Adds moisture and acidity for fluffy pancakes, cakes, and biscuits.
Simple Ingredients – Just milk and apple cider vinegar needed.
Works with Dairy & Non-Dairy Milk – Use regular or plant-based milk for different recipes.

Expert Guide

Use the Right Ratio – Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of ACV.
Let It Sit – Allow 5–10 minutes for the mixture to curdle.
Stir Before Using – Ensure even consistency before adding to recipes.
Best Used Fresh – Make it as needed for optimal results.

How to Make Buttermilk with Apple Cider Vinegar: Step-by-Step Process

Using just milk and apple cider vinegar, you can quickly create a homemade buttermilk alternative. 

Here’s a broad, step-by-step instruction on using apple cider vinegar to make buttermilk.

Ingredients You Will Need

  • Milk: Use one cup of milk for every one cup of buttermilk which is needed. You may use full, 2%, as well as skim milk, or any other kind of milk that you have on hand.

Also you can use non-dairy milks like oat, soy, even almond milk.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar: For every cup of milk, you will need one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Because of its mild flavor, apple cider vinegar is suggested.

Though, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice in this recipe as well.

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Step-by-Step Process

  1. Gather Your Ingredients and Tools: 
  • Make sure you have all of your materials available before you begin. Apple cider vinegar and milk are required. 
  • Also, find a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, a tablespoon, and a measuring cup to combine the components.
  1. Measure the Milk: 
Step by Step Process
Step by Step Process
  1. Add Apple Cider Vinegar: 
  • Use your measuring spoon, scoop out 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.  Transfer the vinegar straight into the milk. 
  • The acidity from the vinegar causes the milk to curdle, giving it the distinct flavor and viscosity of buttermilk. 
  1. Stir the Mixture: 
  • Stir the vinegar and milk mixture carefully with a spoon or a tiny whisk. 
  • Ensure that the vinegar has been added to the milk in an equal amount. 
  • Stirring facilitates even curdling by allowing the acid and milk to fully combine.

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  1. Let the Mixture Sit: 
  • Let the combination of milk and vinegar remain for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature. 
  • The milk will start to curdle and get a little thicker during this period. 
  • Little curds will start to develop, and the milk’s consistency will get a little thicker.
  1. Check for Curdling:  
  • Verify the mixture’s consistency after 5 to 10 minutes. It ought to have produced little curds and thickened somewhat. 
  • The smell of the milk will be somewhat sour, like buttermilk you buy at the supermarket.
  • Give it another 5 minutes to see if it has thickened.
  1. Stir Again Before Using: 
  • Give the mixture one last stir after it reaches the right consistency. You may now use your own buttermilk replacement in any recipe.
  1. Use Immediately or Store: 
  • Give the mixture one last stir after it reaches the right consistency. You may now use your own buttermilk replacement in any recipe.

Tips for Perfect Buttermilk with Apple Cider Vinegar

The following are a few significant points to remember:

Use Fresh Ingredients

In order to get the optimal results, use fresh milk and apple cider vinegar at all times. 

Old and expired vinegar may lose its acidity, and milk may not curdle as well. 

Choose the Right Type of Milk

You may use whichever milk you have on hand, but whole milk makes a richer and creamier buttermilk alternative. 

Note that non-dairy milk could not curdle as obviously as dairy milk. 

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Tips for Perfect Buttermilk with Apple Cider Vinegar
Tips for Perfect Buttermilk with Apple Cider Vinegar

Measure Accurately

Reaching the ideal ratio of vinegar to milk requires precise measuring. Measure the vinegar with a measuring spoon and the milk with a measuring cup.  

Let It Sit Long Enough

Allow the milk and apple cider vinegar to steep for a minimum of five to ten minutes. 

During this time, the vinegar may do its magic and curdle the milk to the perfect consistency. 

After 10 minutes, give the mixture a few more minutes if it hasn’t thickened. 

Stir Gently

Stir the vinegar into the milk very slowly. An excessive amount of whisking might break down the curds, giving the mixture a thinner consistency. 

Gently mixing ensures that the vinegar is dispersed equally without interfering with the curdling process diet sheriff

Use Room Temperature Milk

Cold milk does not curdle as easily and rapidly as room temperature milk does. 

To get the right consistency, you might need to let the mixture remain for a little while longer if your milk is chilled. 

For quicker completion of the procedure, bring the milk to room temperature before beginning.

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Check for Separation

When curds and whey separate from the combination, it means that the milk has been adequately acidified. 

Adjust for Thickness

Let the mixture remain for a little while longer if you need a thicker alternative for buttermilk. 

On the other hand, you may thin down the buttermilk by adding a small amount of more milk if it’s too thick. 

Flavor Considerations

Apple cider vinegar has a moderate, mildly fruity taste that goes well with most foods. 

Adjust for Thickness
Adjust for Thickness

You can use white vinegar in its place if you’d like it taste more neutral.

Storage and Shelf Life

Buttermilk leftovers should be kept in an airtight container if you produce more than is required.

Don’t Worry About Imperfections

Don’t worry if your alternative for buttermilk doesn’t curdle as much as you had hoped. 

The combination will still function well as long as it has a little thicker texture and a hint of tang from the vinegar.

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FAQs Of How to Make Buttermilk with Apple Cider Vinegar

If my alternative buttermilk doesn’t curdle, what should I do?

Try adding a half tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your buttermilk substitute if it still doesn’t curdle after 10 minutes. 

Can I use apple cider vinegar-based buttermilk in cold dishes, such as smoothies?

Yes.

Can baked items rise to the same degree when using buttermilk produced with apple cider vinegar?

Yes.

Can I replace homemade buttermilk for heavy cream in recipes?

Buttermilk cannot be directly substituted for heavy cream since it is thinner and more acidic.

Can I use apple cider vinegar-based buttermilk in my frying batter?

Yes.

Categorized in:

Vinegar,

Last Update: March 11, 2025