Absolutely, you can easily substitute buttermilk for milk in cornbread recipes! Buttermilk is a cultured dairy product created by adding bacteria to give it its unique tangy flavor and thicker texture. It’s often used when baking desserts because it adds moisture and provides a slight tartness that transforms the finished dish into something truly special.

However, be mindful that swapping out regular milk may slightly change the final result – taste, and texture-wise!
What else Can you Substitute?
Buttermilk can certainly make a delicious cornbread, however, it’s not the only option! You could also use plain yogurt or even mix together half water and vinegar. And if you’re following a vegan lifestyle, then you’ll love that there are alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk or soy milk to replace regular dairy-based milks.
No matter which dairy-free alternative you choose, keep in mind that it will alter the texture and flavor of your cornbread. Experiment with different ratios and substitute ingredients until you find the combination that works best for you.
Here are a few substitutes if you do not have buttermilk on hand:
Coconut milk:
Absolutely! Coconut milk and regular milk are interchangeable in cornbread recipes–simply use an equal amount of coconut milk as the recipe calls for. Additionally, it’ll add a mild hint of coconut to your delectable dish. However, bear in mind that since its texture is thicker than cow’s milk, this may slightly alter the final product’s consistency.

It’s also worth noting that if you use a can of coconut milk, it may be separated, and with the thick cream rising to the top, you can mix it well before using it.
How to Substitute:
- Gather all of the ingredients for your cornbread recipe, including the coconut milk. Make sure the coconut milk is well mixed if you are using canned coconut milk.
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in the recipe.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients, such as cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients, such as eggs, melted butter or oil, and sugar.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Replace the milk called for in the recipe with an equal amount of coconut milk. So if the recipe calls for 1 cup of milk, add 1 cup of coconut milk.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake the cornbread according to the recipe instructions.
- Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Sour cream
Substituting sour cream for milk in cornbread recipes not only adds a tangy taste, but also boosts moisture. However, the texture of your finished product may be slightly altered and you’ll likely want to adjust the amount of sugar and baking powder used in order to achieve desired results.

In other words: when it comes to substituting sour cream for milk in cornbread recipes – experiment with confidence!
How to Substitute:
Here’s a step-by-step guide for substituting sour cream for milk in cornbread:
- Gather all of the ingredients for your cornbread recipe, including the sour cream.
- Prepare the cornbread batter according to the recipe, but hold back on adding the milk.
- Measure out the same amount of sour cream as the amount of milk called for in the recipe.
- Gradually add the sour cream to the batter, stirring until it is fully incorporated.
- Check the consistency of the batter. If it seems too thick, you can add a little more sour cream or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake as directed in the recipe.
- Enjoy your sour cream cornbread!
Sour cream is thicker than milk, so the batter may be thicker than usual. You may need to adjust the baking time or temperature accordingly.
Substitute Yogurt for Milk in Cornbread
If your pantry is missing one essential ingredient for the perfect cornbread, yogurt can come to rescue! For every cup of milk a recipe demands simply use 1 cup of yogurt. Keep in mind that this substitution influences both consistency and flavor which might differ from what you experienced before with cow’s milk.

To make sure the taste still pleases your palette – adjust additional seasonings accordingly.
Step by Step:
- Start by preheating your oven to the temperature specified in the recipe.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients of the cornbread recipe (flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, sugar).
- In a separate bowl, mix together the yogurt and any other liquid ingredients called for in the recipe (eggs, oil).
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for the time specified in the recipe or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
To add a bit of zest to your cornbread recipe, consider substituting yogurt for milk. Not only will this offer extra flavor, but the thicker texture may require slight modifications to the other ingredients and amounts in order to ensure that you achieve perfect results every time!
Substitute Non-dairy milk for Milk in Cornbread
Absolutely! Replacing cow’s milk with non-dairy milks such as soy, almond, or oat will yield equally delicious cornbread. The flavor and texture may differ slightly but it is still guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

When using non-dairy milk, it may be necessary to adjust the amount of liquid and baking powder in the recipe to achieve the desired texture.
How to Substitute step by step:
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to substitute non-dairy milk for milk in a basic cornbread recipe:
- Gather all the ingredients for your cornbread recipe, including the non-dairy milk of your choice.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) and set them aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients (non-dairy milk, eggs, melted butter or oil).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- Preheat your oven and grease your baking dish.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the recipe’s instructions.
- Test the cornbread with a toothpick or butter knife to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Allow the cornbread to cool before slicing and serving.
When using non-dairy milk, you may need to adjust the amount of baking powder in the recipe to achieve the desired texture. Also, if you find that your batter is too thick, you can add a little more non-dairy milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Substitute Water for Milk in Cornbread:
For an interesting twist on the traditional cornbread recipe, why not consider substituting cow’s milk with almond, soy or oat milks for extra flavor? For a more creative option, mix melted butter or oil and water in roughly half of the amount called for by your recipe. You’ll be amazed at how deliciously delicious your cornbread will turn out!
Step by Step:
Here’s a step-by-step guide for substituting water for milk in a cornbread recipe:
- Begin by gathering all of the ingredients you will need for your recipe. Make sure you have an equal amount of water as the amount of milk called for in the recipe.
- In a separate container, mix the dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) together.
- In a separate container, mix the wet ingredients (eggs, melted butter or oil) together.
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine.
- Once the ingredients are combined, add the water in place of the milk, and stir until well combined.
- Preheat a skillet or baking pan, add some oil or butter to it, and then pour the batter into the skillet or pan.
- Bake the cornbread in the preheated oven according to the recipe’s instructions.
- Once the cornbread is done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
So, Can You Substitute Buttermilk for Milk in Cornbread:
Substituting non-dairy milk or water for cow’s milk in a cornbread recipe can yield a delicious and unique treat! Whether you opt for almond, soy, oat, or water instead of cow’s milk, be sure to adjust the other ingredients – such as baking powder – in order to achieve the best results. With a few simple adjustments, you’ll have mouthwatering cornbread that is sure to please everyone at the table! Enjoy!

With years of experience in the culinary industry, Chef Spencer B. has honed his skills at some of the most renowned food establishments. He has now turned his focus to bringing his expertise to the home kitchen, sharing his love for food with others. Whether through cooking classes or catering events, Chef Spencer B. is dedicated to sharing his passion for culinary arts with his clients.