How to Substitute Buttermilk With Water

A water and buttermilk powder mixture easily substitutes for buttermilk in recipes.

Even the most prepared baker may need to substitute an ingredient at some point in baking. A simple substitution of water and buttermilk powder will work in place of buttermilk. Buttermilk powder is created by drying the liquid and omitting lactic acid or cultures while still retaining its nutrients. Buttermilk powder and water can be used in nearly any recipe that requires liquid buttermilk such as buttermilk biscuits, pancakes, cookies and pies. Does this Spark an idea?

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1 cup water
1/4 cup buttermilk powder
Small mixing bowl
Spoon

Instructions

- 1
  
  Fill 1 cup with water. Water that is room temperature will better dissolve the powder.
- 2
  
  Measure 1/4 cup of buttermilk powder. Do not pack the powder into the cup. Use natural motions to scoop or pour the powder into the measuring cup.
- 3
  
  Pour the measured water into the bowl. Add the measured buttermilk powder.
- 4
  
  Stir water and buttermilk mixture until the powder is completely dissolved. Stir any powder clumps until they are dissolved.
- 5
  
  Use the buttermilk substitute in your recipe. Adjust measurements according to your recipe's needs.

Tips & Warnings

If your local grocery store does not sell buttermilk powder, it can be purchased online at companies like King Arthur Flour.
There are other substitutions for buttermilk as well, such as milk and lemon juice, vinegar, cream of tartar, yogurt and sour cream.
While baking substitutions are useful, they should be used sparingly. Some recipes do not fare well with a substitute.

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