Ingredient Substitutions
Written by Mustapha B. · Updated August 13, 2026
Search for any ingredient you’re missing to get a working substitute with the right amount.
Ingredient substitutions
Out of something mid-recipe? Search above for a working substitute with the right ratio. Below is the full list, each swap is chosen to behave as closely as possible to the original in cooking and baking.
| Out of… | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Buttermilk | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar (rest 5 min) · or · ¾ cup plain yogurt + ¼ cup milk |
| Heavy cream | ¾ cup milk + ¼ cup melted butter (not for whipping) · or · 1 cup evaporated milk |
| Sour cream | 1 cup plain Greek yogurt · or · 1 cup buttermilk (in baking) |
| Cornstarch (thickener) | 2 tbsp all-purpose flour per 1 tbsp cornstarch · or · 1 tbsp arrowroot per 1 tbsp cornstarch |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses · or · 1 cup white sugar (in a pinch) |
| Self-rising flour | 1 cup AP flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt |
| Egg (in baking) | ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce · or · 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water (rest 5 min) · or · ¼ cup mashed banana |
| Honey | 1¼ cup sugar + ¼ cup liquid per 1 cup honey · or · 1 cup maple syrup |
| Wine (for cooking) | Broth + 1 tsp vinegar or lemon · or · Grape or apple juice + 1 tsp vinegar |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed crackers or cornflakes · or · Rolled oats · or · Panko |
| Vanilla extract | Equal amount maple syrup · or · Half the amount of almond extract |
| Lemon juice | Equal amount lime juice · or · Half the amount of white vinegar |
| Shortening | Equal amount butter (reduce other liquid slightly) · or · Equal amount coconut oil |
| Milk | 1 cup water + 1 tbsp butter · or · Equal amount any plant milk |
| Mayonnaise | Equal amount Greek yogurt · or · Equal amount sour cream |
| Cream cheese | Equal amount mascarpone · or · Equal amount thick (strained) Greek yogurt |
| Ricotta | Equal amount cottage cheese (blended smooth) · or · Equal amount mascarpone |
| Tomato sauce | ¾ cup tomato paste + 1 cup water · or · Crushed tomatoes, simmered |
| Soy sauce | Equal amount tamari (gluten-free) · or · Worcestershire sauce + a little water |
| Baking powder | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp |
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it sit 5 minutes, it curdles slightly and works just like buttermilk in baking.