You need a 1/2 cup of buttermilk but all you have is 2% low-fat milk and you don’t feel like traveling to the store just to get a container of buttermilk that is way more than you need anyways. So what can you do? Substitute.

Buttermilk, 1 cup

Substitute 1 cup yogurt, not Greek –OR–

Substitute 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice (I prefer lemon juice); and let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes to curdle.

 

Cake Flour, 2 cups

Substitute 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of cornstarch to help introduce a finer texture.

 

Whole Milk, 1 cup

Substitute 1 cup of skim or low-fat milk with 2 tablespoons of melted butter added.

 

Half-and-Half, 1 cup

Substitute 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream.

 

Heavy Cream, 1 cup

Substitute 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.

 

Yogurt, 1 cup

Substitute 1 cup of sour cream.

 

Dark Brown Sugar, 1 cup

Substitute 1 cup granulated sugar mixed with two tablespoons of molasses.

 

Dark Brown Sugar, 1 cup

Substitute 1 cup granulated sugar mixed with two tablespoons of molasses.

 

Vanilla Extract, 1 teaspoon

Substitute 1 teaspoon of Bourbon or Rum

 

Pumpkin Pie Spice, 1 tablespoon

Substitute 1 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves and 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated nutmeg.

 

Semi-Sweet Chocolate, 1 ounce

Substitute 3 tablespoons cocoa powder mixed with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of either vegetable oil or melted butter.

 

Lemon Juice, 1 tablespoon

Substitute 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.

 

Eggs, 1 egg

Substitute 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise Do not substitute for any recipe calling for egg whites..

 

Honey, 1 cup

Substitute 1/2 cup corn syrup, maple syrup, molasses or agave nectar.

 

Confectioner’s Sugar, 1 cup

Substitute 1 cup granulated sugar ground fine in either a blender or a Cuisinart.