14 Classic and Creative Buttermilk Recipes You’ll Love

Buttermilk is one of those ingredients that makes recipes extra tender, flavorful, and comforting. From fluffy pancakes and waffles to sweet cakes, muffins, and savory fried chicken or cornbread, these recipes show just how versatile buttermilk can be. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this roundup includes easy, approachable recipes that bring a touch of nostalgia and a lot of deliciousness to your table. Whether you’re baking a classic dessert or cooking a hearty meal, these buttermilk favorites never disappoint.

Buttermilk Pancakes

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These pancakes are soft and fluffy, with a slightly tangy flavor from the buttermilk. They cook to a golden brown on the griddle. Buttermilk helps the batter rise without becoming dense. They pair well with syrup, fruit, or butter.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Pancakes

Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake

Mini skillet cheesecakes topped with raspberries and mint leaves, placed on a tiled surface with a fork and floral napkin nearby. — Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

A classic cake with a tender crumb thanks to buttermilk. Butter and sugar create a rich, flavorful base. The slight tang enhances the overall sweetness. Perfect for birthdays or simple family desserts.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake

Buttermilk Rolls

Soft and airy rolls are enriched with buttermilk for extra tenderness. They bake to a golden brown with a slightly crisp top. Perfect for dinners or sandwiches. The rolls are easy to make and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Rolls

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Chicken is marinated in buttermilk for a juicy interior. Air frying creates a crisp, golden exterior without deep frying. The seasoning blends perfectly with the tang of buttermilk. Quick to cook and satisfying to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken and potatoes are marinated in buttermilk for tenderness. Baking in the oven allows the flavors to meld. The chicken stays juicy while the potatoes roast perfectly. A simple one-pan meal with rich flavor.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk Bread

A loaf of freshly baked bread with a golden-brown crust sits on a cooling rack against a dark background. — Buttermilk Bread. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A soft, tender loaf enriched with buttermilk. The bread has a slightly tangy taste and a fine crumb. It works well for sandwiches or toasting. Homemade bread is warm, flavorful, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Bread

Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these waffles use buttermilk for lift and flavor. They cook evenly in a waffle iron. Perfect for breakfast with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream. Each bite is fluffy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!

Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

Rectangular container with scoops of strawberry ice cream, fresh strawberries, and a metal ice cream scoop on a red checkered cloth. — Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream. Photo credit: Easy Gluten Free Desserts.

A creamy ice cream base is made with buttermilk for a slight tang. Fresh strawberries are blended in for flavor and texture. The result is smooth, rich, and refreshing. A unique twist on traditional ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins Recipe

Muffins are tender and moist thanks to buttermilk. Blueberries add bursts of sweetness throughout. A simple topping of sugar can add a slight crunch. Perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins Recipe

Buttermilk Banana Muffins

A banana muffin sits atop other muffins with bananas in the background. — Buttermilk Banana Muffins. Photo credit: Mama’s On A Budget.

Bananas and buttermilk combine to create soft, flavorful muffins. They are lightly sweetened and naturally moist. The muffins rise beautifully and have a tender crumb. Great for breakfast or on-the-go treats.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Muffins

Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread

Cornmeal and buttermilk create a tender, slightly sweet cornbread. Golden crusts form while baking. The interior is soft and slightly crumbly. It pairs perfectly with soups, chili, or fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk Banana Cake

A moist banana cake is enriched with buttermilk for tenderness. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the flavor. The cake is soft, flavorful, and perfect for dessert or afternoon tea.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake

3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

These simple biscuits use butter, flour, and buttermilk. Minimal ingredients still create a tender, flaky result. Quick to mix and bake, they are perfect for busy mornings. The biscuits rise beautifully and taste homemade.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits