Go Back
+ servings
Red velvet cheesecake on a white plate.
Print
No ratings yet

How To Substitute Sour Cream In Baking

Sour cream is a versatile ingredient that adds a tangy flavor and richness to baked goods, making them moist and tender. Learn How to Substitute Sour Cream In Baking using easy substitutes that can take its place while still delivering delicious results!
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time0 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Bundt Cake, Cookies, Cupcake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: how to substitute sour cream in baking, sour cream substitutes for baking, sour cream substitutes in baking, vegan sour cream substitutes
Yield: 1 dessert
Author: Sam Adler

Materials

  • Whole Milk Yogurt 1:1 sub ratio
  • Mayonnaise 1:1 sub ratio
  • Buttermilk 3/4 cup per 1 cup sour cream
  • Cream Cheese 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp milk per 1 cup sour cream
  • Creme Fraiche 1:1 sub ratio
  • Vegan Sour Cream Substitutes 1:1 sub ratio

Instructions

Whole Milk Yogurt

  • Not only does whole milk yogurt add a tangy and creamy flavor to your baked goods, but it's also packed with protein and calcium, making it a healthy alternative. Greek yogurt and full-fat whole milk yogurt is best. Use a 1:1 ratio.

Mayonnaise

  • Mayonnaise's creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a delicious alternative that subtly enriches cakes, quick breads, and even biscuits. Use it as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream in any recipe.

Buttermilk

  • Buttermilk is a versatile and tangy substitute for sour cream in baking that can add depth and flavor to your favorite recipes. Because it's lighter, it cannot be used as a 1:1 substitute. Use ¾ cup of buttermilk for every 1 cup of sour cream. See post on how to make your own buttermilk.

Cream Cheese

  • Cream cheese is high in fat and protein, making it a more indulgent and satisfying option. To substitute cream cheese for 1 cup sour cream, combine ¾ cup softened cream cheese with 1-2 tbsp milk and stir to combine well. This works best with softened cream cheese.

Creme Fraiche

  • Creme fraiche is a perfect substitute for sour cream in baking because of its similar flavor profile, thick and creamy texture, and higher fat content, which makes it ideal for enriching cakes, pies, and other baked goods. Try using creme fraiche as a 1:1 sour cream substitute.

Vegan Sour Cream Substitutes

  • Vegan sour cream is a dairy-free alternative to traditional sour cream that's made from plant-based ingredients like cashews or soy. Use it as a 1:1 substitute. My favorite brands are Tofutti and Kite Hill.

Notes

My favorite substitute for sour cream is yogurt but the rest work as well!