13 Creamy Recipes Using Buttermilk to Elevate Your Baking

Buttermilk adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to baked goods. This post shares 13 recipes that use buttermilk to improve your baking.

Each recipe includes a short About section, a full list of ingredients, and clear step-by-step instructions. These recipes suit beginners and experienced bakers alike.

From fluffy pancakes to moist cakes, buttermilk brings a unique taste to every dish. Read on to find simple, delicious ideas that make baking fun and rewarding. Start baking today with these easy buttermilk recipes!

1. Buttermilk Pancakes

About
Buttermilk pancakes are light, fluffy, and golden. The buttermilk gives them a soft texture and a slight tang that pairs well with syrup or fruit. This recipe makes a quick breakfast for busy mornings. Kids and adults love the classic taste. You can whip up a batch in minutes with basic pantry items. Enjoy a stack fresh from the griddle, warm and comforting. Perfect for weekends or any day you want a simple, tasty start.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
2. Whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter in another bowl.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
4. Stir until just combined. Lumps are okay.
5. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter.
6. Scoop 1/4 cup batter onto the skillet.
7. Cook until bubbles form on top, about 2 minutes.
8. Flip and cook until golden, about 1 minute.
9. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve warm.

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2. Buttermilk Biscuits

About
Buttermilk biscuits are flaky, buttery, and tender. The buttermilk keeps them soft while adding a subtle tang. This recipe creates a classic side for soups or breakfast. They bake up golden and warm in under 30 minutes. You need only a few ingredients to make them. Fresh biscuits taste great with butter or jam. Bake these for a cozy treat everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cut cold butter into flour mixture with a fork until crumbly.
4. Add buttermilk. Stir until dough forms.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead gently 5 times.
6. Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
7. Cut out biscuits with a round cutter.
8. Place biscuits on a baking sheet.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Serve warm.

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3. Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

About
Buttermilk chocolate cake is rich, moist, and full of flavor. The buttermilk makes it extra tender and balances the sweetness. This recipe delivers a dessert perfect for birthdays or gatherings. It’s easy to make and bakes into a soft, fudgy cake. Top it with frosting or enjoy it plain. Chocolate lovers will ask for seconds. Bake this treat to impress friends or family.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round pans.
2. Mix flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix well.
5. Stir in hot water until batter is smooth.
6. Pour batter evenly into pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack. Frost if desired.

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4. Buttermilk Cornbread

About
Buttermilk cornbread is golden, crumbly, and slightly sweet. The buttermilk adds moisture and a tangy kick. This recipe makes a hearty side for chili or barbecue. It bakes in a skillet for a crisp edge. You can serve it warm with butter or honey. It’s quick to mix and ready in under an hour. Enjoy this classic comfort food any time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease an 8-inch skillet.
2. Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter in another bowl.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until mixed.
5. Pour batter into the skillet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and firm.
7. Cool slightly. Cut into wedges. Serve warm.

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5. Buttermilk Banana Bread

About
Buttermilk banana bread is moist, sweet, and packed with banana flavor. The buttermilk keeps it soft and adds a hint of tang. This recipe turns ripe bananas into a delicious loaf. It’s great for breakfast or a snack. You can add nuts or enjoy it plain. Baking fills your kitchen with a warm aroma. Slice it up for a treat everyone loves.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugar in another bowl until creamy.
4. Add eggs, mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Pour batter into the pan.
7. Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack. Slice and serve.

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6. Buttermilk Scones

About
Buttermilk scones are tender, flaky, and lightly sweet. The buttermilk gives them a soft crumb and a slight tang. This recipe makes a quick treat for tea or breakfast. You can add berries or leave them plain. They bake up golden and warm in under 30 minutes. Serve with jam or cream for extra flavor. These scones bring a cozy vibe to any table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cut butter into flour mixture with a fork until crumbly.
4. Whisk buttermilk and egg in a small bowl.
5. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until dough forms.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Pat into an 8-inch circle.
7. Cut into 8 wedges. Place on baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden. Serve warm.

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7. Buttermilk Pound Cake

About
Buttermilk pound cake is dense, moist, and buttery. The buttermilk adds a creamy texture and a gentle tang. This recipe creates a classic dessert for any occasion. It’s simple to make and bakes into a golden loaf. Enjoy it plain or with berries. The rich flavor keeps people coming back. Bake this cake for a sweet, satisfying finish.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time. Mix well after each.
5. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla.
6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until smooth.
7. Pour batter into the pan.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack. Slice and serve.

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8. Buttermilk Muffins

About
Buttermilk muffins are soft, fluffy, and versatile. The buttermilk keeps them moist and adds a faint tang. This recipe makes a quick breakfast or snack. You can toss in blueberries or chocolate chips for variety. They bake up in under 25 minutes. Warm muffins fresh from the oven taste amazing. Make a batch for a simple, delicious bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla in another bowl.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until just mixed.
5. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until tops are golden.
7. Cool in tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a rack. Serve warm.

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9. Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls

About
Buttermilk cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and packed with spice. The buttermilk makes the dough tender and adds a tangy note. This recipe brings warm, sticky rolls to your table. They’re perfect for brunch or a sweet treat. You can make them ahead and bake fresh. The cinnamon-sugar filling smells incredible. Enjoy these rolls with a drizzle of glaze.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cut cold butter into flour until crumbly.
4. Add buttermilk. Stir until dough forms.
5. Roll dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
6. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
7. Roll dough tightly into a log. Cut into 9 slices.
8. Place rolls in the dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Serve warm.

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10. Buttermilk Lemon Bread

About
Buttermilk lemon bread is moist, zesty, and refreshing. The buttermilk keeps it soft and enhances the lemon flavor. This recipe makes a bright loaf for breakfast or dessert. It’s quick to mix and bakes in about an hour. The citrus kick wakes up your taste buds. Slice it up for a light, cheerful treat. Perfect with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugar in another bowl until creamy.
4. Add eggs, buttermilk, lemon juice, and zest. Mix well.
5. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until combined.
6. Pour batter into the pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack. Slice and serve.

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11. Buttermilk Oatmeal Cookies

About
Buttermilk oatmeal cookies are chewy, hearty, and flavorful. The buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang. This recipe whips up a batch of cookies fast. They’re great for snacks or lunchboxes. You can add raisins or nuts for texture. Warm cookies smell amazing fresh from the oven. Bake these for a wholesome, tasty bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar in another bowl until smooth.
4. Add egg, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Stir in dry ingredients and oats until combined.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized dough onto the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
8. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a rack. Enjoy.

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12. Buttermilk Coffee Cake

About
Buttermilk coffee cake is tender, crumbly, and lightly sweet. The buttermilk keeps it moist and adds a tangy twist. This recipe makes a great morning or afternoon treat. It has a cinnamon streusel topping that crunchies up nicely. You can bake it in under an hour. Pair it with coffee for a cozy break. Everyone loves this classic cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugar in another bowl until fluffy.
4. Add eggs and buttermilk. Mix well.
5. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until smooth.
6. Pour batter into the pan.
7. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over batter.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm.

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13. Buttermilk Dinner Rolls

About
Buttermilk dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and golden. The buttermilk gives them a rich flavor and tender texture. This recipe makes rolls perfect for any meal. They bake up warm and inviting in about 30 minutes. You can brush them with butter for shine. Fresh rolls make dinner feel special. Bake these for a crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, warmed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add warm buttermilk and melted butter. Stir until dough forms.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
6. Punch down dough. Shape into 12 rolls. Place in pan.
7. Let rolls rise for 20 minutes.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Serve warm.