Baking Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Yogurt in Baking

Ran out of yogurt mid-recipe and can’t dash to the store? Been there, and guess what?

It’s totally cool. You’ll be amazed at how many kitchen staples can stand in for yogurt and still knock your socks off with delicious results.

From adding moisture to getting that perfect rise, swapping in the right substitute can turn your baking crisis into a triumph.

And nope, you don’t need to be a culinary wizard to pull it off.

Stick with us, and we’ll spill the beans on the top five stand-ins that’ll save your bake and maybe even make it better.

What Does Yogurt Do in Baking?

Yummy, creamy yogurt brings moistness and flavor to cakes, muffins, and other baked goodies.

It also provides probiotics and nutrition while replacing other ingredients.

Yogurt began as a Middle Eastern specialist cooking ingredient which is now widely available around the world.

In baking, yogurt adds an acidic element providing a soft texture for crumbly cakes or dense cookies.

The sourness adds a unique complexity of flavor to an otherwise simple cake too.

In order to use yogurt for baking, simply substitute it for other liquids such as cream or milk, making sure to keep it thick in consistency.

Knowing these tricks can help you create delicious yet healthy treats with yogurt at home.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Yogurt in Baking

If you’re looking for a substitution for yogurt in baking, there are several options available.

Here is a roundup of five of the top substitutes to use instead of yogurt when you’re baking:

1 – Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a staple in many kinds of baking, providing a tart flavor and creamy texture.

Buttermilk has been used at least since the 16th century, though it was originally made from the liquid left over from churning butter.

Modern buttermilk is usually made with cultured milk or milk that has been treated with bacteria to give it a tart taste.

Its unique tanginess can help reduce the richness of some dishes, and its light consistency provides excellent aeration for baked goods like biscuits or pancake batters.

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it in most recipes by stirring one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into a cup of yogurt – the acid in either ingredient will curdle the yogurt in much the same way as cultured milk would make buttermilk.

2 – Sour Cream

Rich, creamy sour cream is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

With its tart and tangy flavor, it adds an irresistible zing to any recipe.

Its texture is perfect for dolloping atop nachos or burritos or for blending into a queso dip.

With its rich, creamy consistency, it can even be used as a substitute for yogurt in baking recipes.

Add a bit of sour cream to cakes, muffins, and other desserts for extra flavor and moisture without altering the recipe too much.

So if you’re looking for a zesty ingredient to add to your cooking, why not give sour cream a try?

3 – Crème Fraiche

Crème Fraiche is a luxurious addition to any dish.

It has a smooth, creamy texture and a pleasantly tart taste, similar to sour cream, with a more subtle flavor.

Because of its thick consistency, it can be used as an alternative in baking and cooking recipes that call for yogurt, either plain or flavored.

Try adding some Crème Fraiche to cakes for extra moisture, use it in savory dishes such as quiches and soufflés for an added layer of texture and flavor, or simply serve it on the side for dipping.

Any way you try it, you’ll be sure to love the richness of this delicious ingredient.

4 – Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is distinct from regular yogurt in its thicker, creamier texture and tangy, slightly tart taste.

It’s a wonderful healthy alternative to heavier creams and cheeses and comes in many flavors.

Not only is Greek yogurt perfect to eat on its own or paired with fruits or granola, but it also makes a great substitution for other dairy items when cooking and baking.

For example — instead of using regular yogurt or sour cream in an ordinary cake recipe, use Greek yogurt for added nutrition and flavor.

Experimenting with substitutions such as Greek yogurt can increase the nutritional value of your favorite dishes while adding unique tastes and textures that are sure to surprise you.

5 – Coconut Yogurt

Coconut yogurt is a delicious dairy-free treat that will satisfy yogurt lovers’ cravings.

It has a rich, creamy texture and notably sweet taste due to the coconut milk base.

This vegan alternative can be used as a healthy substitute for traditional yogurts in many baking recipes.

Coconut yogurt adds the perfect savory sweetness to everything from cupcakes to cheesecakes and pies.

Its neutral flavor also makes it a great addition to smoothies or recipes requiring Greek yogurt as an ingredient.

Give your desserts an exotic twist with this creamy dairy-free treat – you won’t be disappointed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a yogurt substitute in baking, there are plenty of options available.

You can opt for traditional dairy products such as buttermilk or sour cream or try out something new such as crème Fraiche, Greek yogurt, or coconut yogurt.

Whichever one you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy the unique flavor and textures that these alternatives offer.

So don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spice up your baking repertoire.