Did you run out of sour cream during a baking session?
Are you looking for a non-dairy, vegan substitute for sour cream?
If you have answered yes to any of the above-mentioned questions, we have the perfect sour cream substitutes for you! So, scroll down and take a look at 5 simple sour cream replacement options. Choose the one that suits you the best.

Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and stronger flavor than plain yogurt, which is why it is often used in creamy fruit salad recipes. However, what most people don’t know about Greek yogurt is that it is also an excellent alternative for sour cream.
The reason why it is the perfect stand-in for sour cream is that it is strained to remove most of the whey. As a result, its consistency is thicker than plain yogurt. Plus, it develops the perfect level of tang – very similar to sour cream.
Greek Yogurt is a good sour cream substitute for preparing dips and dressings. You can also use it in baked goods. Greek yogurt can be used as a one-to-one replacement for sour cream, meaning you will use the same quantity of Greek yogurt as suggested for sour cream in the recipe.
Keep in mind that while Greek yogurt should ideally be your first choice, if it’s not available, plain yogurt will do. There should be no noticeable change in the taste when you use plain yogurt as a sour cream substitute for baked goods.
However, dips and dressing are likely to taste a bit tangier than usual. Plus, plain yogurt can easily curdle when simmered, which means that it may not the best ingredient for making sauces. So, if you must work with plain yogurt, it is best to strain it through cheesecloth to get the desired consistency.
2. Cottage Cheese
Did you know that curd is the solid part of milk, which is left after the cheese-making process? Well, cottage cheese is made from curds of milk. It is has a very mild flavor with a slightly salty taste.
To use cottage cheese as a sour cream substitute, blend one cup of cottage cheese with 4T of milk and 2t of lemon juice. The concoction can be used as a replacement for one cup of sour cream. An alternative method is to mix a cup of cottage cheese with one-quarter cup of low-fat yogurt. Add 1t of lemon juice, blend all ingredients thoroughly, and you are good to go! Use cottage cheese as a one-to-one replacement for sour cream.
3. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is one of the substitutes for heavy cream. But did you know that you can also use it to replace sour cream? It offers a bit of tanginess – perfect to match that of sour cream. It is a good substitute for baked goods and dressings.
You can use the same amount of buttermilk as sour cream for any recipe. However, since buttermilk is much thinner than sour cream, make sure you add it very slowly. You can also cut back on the amount to avoid sogginess in baked goods. It is important to mention that since buttermilk is liquid, it does not make the best sour cream substitute for dips that require thick texture.
4. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is extracted from the flesh of grated coconuts. It makes an excellent sour cream substitute, especially in baked goods. All you need to do is add 1T of lemon juice for every cup of coconut milk. This will mimic the sourness and tanginess of the sour cream, allowing you to recreate sour-cream based dishes perfectly.
Another way is to remove coconut cream from coconut milk and use it instead. You can do that by placing a can of full-fat coconut in the refrigerator. The cream will separate and rise to the top. Skim it off and blend with 1T of lemon juice or vinegar. Add salt to taste. Use this coconut cream as a one-to-one replacement for sour cream. However, keep in mind that if you use coconut milk or cream, you will notice a hint of coconut flavor in the dish.
5. Dairy-Free or Vegan Substitutes for Sour Cream
If you are looking for a dairy-free or vegan replacement for sour cream, you’ll be glad to know that coconut milk fits your requirements. However, if the slight coconut flavor bothers you, you can try the following substitute.
6. Soy-Based Sour Cream Substitute
To make it at home, you’ll need a cup of silken tofu, 1T apple cider vinegar, 3t lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend the ingredients thoroughly and your dairy-free, vegan one-to-one substitute for sour cream is ready!
Do you love the tangy taste of sour cream but are running short of it? Worry not – go crazy with these sour cream substitutes and make and enjoy your favorite sour-cream based dish today!
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