5 Best Buttermilk Substitutes for Doughnuts

Quick tip: Provides the necessary acidity and moisture to activate baking soda, maintaining doughnut texture and rise.

This substitute works by acidifying the milk, mimicking the lactic acid in buttermilk that reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide, which leavens the doughnuts. The acidity also tenderizes gluten, resulting in a softer crumb.

For best results, use whole milk for moisture and richness, and allow the acid to curdle the milk slightly before mixing. Avoid using skim milk as it reduces fat content, affecting texture.

Compared to buttermilk, this substitute yields very similar results in rise and tenderness, with minimal impact on flavor, making it the most reliable replacement in doughnut recipes.

Quick tip: Thinning yogurt reduces thickness, approximating buttermilk's consistency while providing acidity.

Yogurt contains lactic acid similar to buttermilk, which activates baking soda and tenderizes gluten. Thinning it with water balances the viscosity, preventing overly dense doughnut batter.

Use plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid flavor interference. Stir well to ensure uniform consistency.

This substitute can slightly increase tanginess and density compared to buttermilk but still produces tender, well-risen doughnuts.

Quick tip: Thinning sour cream adjusts thickness to better match buttermilk, preserving batter flow and frying behavior.

Sour cream is acidic and rich in fat, which can enrich doughnuts but also risks making them dense. Diluting it reduces viscosity and fat concentration, allowing better batter aeration and rise.

Use full-fat sour cream for flavor, and mix thoroughly to avoid lumps. Be mindful of slightly increased fat content affecting frying time.

Compared to buttermilk, sour cream may produce richer but heavier doughnuts with a subtle tang, which some may find desirable.

Quick tip: Evaporated milk adds richness and acidity when combined with acid, but is thicker and more concentrated.

Evaporated milk has a caramelized flavor and higher solids than regular milk, which can enrich doughnuts. Adding acid replicates buttermilk's leavening function.

Let the mixture sit to curdle slightly before use. Adjust frying time as the batter may brown faster due to milk sugars.

This substitute yields doughnuts with a richer flavor and slightly denser crumb than buttermilk, but still maintains good rise and tenderness.

Quick tip: Provides acidity and moisture for vegan or dairy-free doughnuts, though flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Non-dairy milks lack natural acidity but curdle when acidified, mimicking buttermilk's chemical role in leavening. Soy and oat milks have protein content closer to dairy milk, aiding structure.

Use unsweetened varieties to avoid altering doughnut flavor. Allow the acid to react fully before mixing.

Doughnuts made with this substitute may have a slightly different crumb and subtle flavor differences but generally maintain good rise and tenderness.