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Home » Recipes » 40 Mouthwatering Buttermilk Dessert Recipes

40 Mouthwatering Buttermilk Dessert Recipes

January 27, 2024 by Jenny Leave a Comment

Buttermilk has always been a favorite staple ingredient in savory dishes, but its potential for sweet treats is often overlooked.

This is too bad because buttermilk dessert recipes often have unique flavors, a delightful crumb that elevates cakes and pastries, and delectable textures.

freshly baked pumpkin spice muffins placed on a light colored wooden table with real pumpkin on the sides and cinnamon sticks

In this piece, we’ll look into the delightful world of buttermilk dessert recipes.

From a tangy buttermilk panna cotta to a moist buttermilk cake, these recipes will showcase the versatility and singular flavor that buttermilk can bring to the dessert table.

40 Tangy and Tantalizing Buttermilk Dessert Recipes

Ready to enjoy buttermilk sweet treats? Check out these unique recipes.

1. Buttermilk Ice Cream

a wooden bowl with Buttermilk ice cream offers a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet flavor.
Recipe from Homemade In The Kitchen

Buttermilk ice cream offers a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet flavor.

It’s delicious on its own, but the unique flavor is also an ideal complement to balance the sweetness of indulgent desserts such as mini apple pies and peach cobbler for two.

2. Buttermilk Spice Muffins

These muffins are inspired by the buttermilk spice muffins from Mimi's Cafe placed on a pastel colored table
Recipe from Planted in Arkansas

These muffins are inspired by the buttermilk spice muffins from Mimi's Cafe.

They are delightful and moist, featuring a delicate, crumbly center and a unique nut topping.

3. Buttermilk Pound Cake

freshly baked pound cake classic combination of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs evokes a comforting sense of home. 

This buttermilk pound cake recipe is perfect for beginners in the kitchen as it's incredibly simple to make. Not only is it moist and flavorful, but the classic combination of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs evokes a comforting sense of home. 

Adding buttermilk to the mix elevates the cake to a whole new level of deliciousness!

4. Banana Bread

This buttery, moist banana bread is quick and easy to make with two cups of mashed bananas and is perfect for when you have ripe bananas and not enough time to eat them.

This buttery, moist banana bread is quick and easy to make with two cups of mashed bananas and is perfect for when you have ripe bananas and not enough time to eat them.

Plus, the use of buttermilk in the recipe ensures the loaves are tender and moist.

5. Chocolate Cupcakes With Mocha Buttercream Icing

a close up image of buttermilk chocolate cupcakes with mocha buttercream icing.
Recipe from Christina’s Cucina

If you love chocolate cupcakes, you’ll love this recipe for buttermilk chocolate cupcakes with mocha buttercream icing.

Not only are these cupcakes delicious, but they look beautiful too. Perfect for parties or to make as gifts.

6. Buttermilk Pie

a plate of freshly cooked Buttermilk Pie
Recipe from Call Me PMc

Buttermilk pie is a timeless Southern favorite and is simply delicious. It boasts a milky, mildly sweet, and incredibly indulgent texture.

Plus, it’s really easy to prepare. It’s a straightforward dessert that never fails to impress.

7. Lemon Buttermilk Cake

a slice of classic Southern Lemon Buttermilk Layer Cake on a small white plate with gold fork

This classic Southern lemon buttermilk layer cake is a delightful dessert, ideal for the spring and summer seasons.

With its light, fluffy texture and tangy lemon cream cheese frosting, it's a refreshing treat that is sure to be adored by your friends and family!

8. Lemon Bundt Cake

This simple buttermilk lemon bundt cake boasts an incredibly moist texture and a zesty flavor
Recipe from Baking Ginger

Look no further for the ultimate lemon Bundt cake recipe! This simple buttermilk lemon Bundt cake boasts an incredibly moist texture and a zesty flavor that will win you over.

Topped with a lemon glaze, it's easy to make and never fails to please!

9. Easy Buttermilk Cornbread

three slices of buttermilk cornbread placed on a plate
Recipe from Bake With Jamie

This is a fantastic buttermilk cornbread recipe that's super easy to make and delivers just the right balance of moisture and crumbliness you want.

Plus, the rich flavor of extra-virgin olive oil and buttermilk elevates this cornbread to new heights. Pair it with a hearty bowl of chili for a delightful fall meal that's sure to become a favorite!

10. Galletas de Suero

These buttermilk biscuits, known as galletas de suero, are a breeze to make with just four ingredients — flour, baking powder, shortening, and buttermilk!

These buttermilk biscuits, known as galletas de suero, are a breeze to make with just four ingredients: flour, baking powder, shortening, and buttermilk!

They are delicious and flaky, and there's nothing quite like enjoying warm, old-fashioned biscuits fresh from the oven.

11. Lemon Blueberry Scones and Lemon Glaze

These Buttermilk Lemon Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze strike a delightful balance between tart and sweet, filled with juicy blueberries and zesty lemon juice and topped with a sweet lemon glaze.

These buttermilk lemon blueberry scones with lemon glaze strike a delightful balance between tart and sweet, filled with juicy blueberries and zesty lemon juice and topped with a sweet lemon glaze.

They are an ideal choice for breakfast or a delightful treat!

12. Blueberry Buttermilk Biscuits With Lemon Glaze

fresh, ripe blueberries or dried ones, the combination of juicy blueberries in a flaky buttermilk biscuit topped with a sweet lemon glaze creates
Recipe from Saving Talents

This blueberry biscuit recipe with a lemon glaze is a delightful treat that's perfect for the summer or any time of year.

Whether you use fresh, ripe blueberries or dried ones, the combination of juicy blueberries in a flaky buttermilk biscuit topped with a sweet lemon glaze creates an irresistible and mouth-watering appetizer.

13. Berry Cupcakes

a piece of delicious berry cupcakes cut in half and placed on a white plate
Recipe from Infinite Taste

These delicious berry cupcakes are easy to make and can be made with boxed cake mix.

They are vanilla with a touch of lemon, a luscious berry-frilled center, a delightful blackberry buttercream swirl, and fresh blackberry topping for a burst of flavor.

14. Maple Donut Cake

This Maple Donut Cake recipe may not trick you into believing you're indulging in a fried donut, but it will certainly quench your craving for old-fashioned maple donuts.

This maple donut cake recipe may not trick you into believing you're indulging in a fried donut, but it will certainly quench your craving for old-fashioned maple donuts.

The buttermilk cake forms the base of this delightful treat and is indulgent with a rich and dense texture.

15. Sourdough Strawberry Shortcakes

Sourdough Strawberry Shortcakes topped with fresh strawberries and placed on a white table
Recipe from Sourdough Brandon

This dish is yummy and easy to make. All you need to do is combine kielbasa, potatoes, and onions with a honey mustard sauce in a foil packet and grill it to perfection.

It’s a satisfying camping meal, but you can enjoy it all year round.

16. Apple Crumble Scones

These homemade apple crumble scones are flaky and buttery, with delightful bursts of apple and a delightful crunchy crumble topping.

These homemade apple crumble scones are flaky and buttery, with delightful bursts of apple and a delightful crunchy crumble topping.

Plus, they're remarkably easy to make, ensuring you can savor delicious scones any day of the week!

17. Buttermilk Banana Bread With Chocolate Chips 

a close up image of banana bread with chocolate chunks and chips in the bread and on the top

Banana bread, in general, is easy to make and can be done without yeast or rise. That’s why it’s a perfect solution when you have ripe or overripe bananas in your home.

The addition of buttermilk in this recipe gives it a unique tang that enhances the flavor. And the chocolate chunks and chips in the bread and on the top give it the perfect sweet touch.

18. Blueberry Buttermilk Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

This blueberry buttermilk breakfast cake is a delightful and flavorful baked delight that brings together the sweetness of blueberries with a tender, buttery cake base and a crunchy, crumbly streusel topping.

This blueberry buttermilk breakfast cake is a delightful and flavorful baked delight that brings together the sweetness of blueberries with a tender buttery cake base and a crunchy, crumbly streusel topping.

19. Farmhouse Buttermilk Cake

This farmhouse buttermilk cake is ideal for morning coffee or afternoon tea and can also be enjoyed with whipped cream or creme fraiche.

This farmhouse buttermilk cake is ideal for morning coffee or afternoon tea and can also be enjoyed with whipped cream or creme fraiche.

The brown sugar sweetness is complemented by a salted nutty topping reminiscent of salted caramel flavors. It's a simple yet delicious treat!

20. Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk pie is a cherished Southern tradition enjoyed by generations of families in the South.
Recipe from Brooklyn Active Mama

Buttermilk pie is a cherished Southern tradition enjoyed by generations of families in the South.

It's rich and creamy, perfect for any occasion, and guaranteed to please everyone. Plus, it only requires a few ingredients and is relatively easy to make.

21. Fresh Strawberry Bread with Buttermilk

This fresh strawberry bread with buttermilk is crafted using seasonal, ripe strawberries! The buttermilk contributes to a light and fluffy texture with a hint of tartness.

This fresh strawberry bread with buttermilk is crafted using seasonal ripe strawberries! The buttermilk contributes to a light and fluffy texture with a hint of tartness.

Enhanced with vanilla and orange zest, this quick bread offers a burst of sweet, vibrant flavor!

22. Buttermilk Cookies

These Buttermilk Cookies are tender and buttery, finished with a velvety vanilla frosting.
Recipe from Dance Around The Kitchen

These buttermilk cookies are tender and buttery, finished with a velvety vanilla frosting. Enjoy them plain, or add some sprinkles for a playful touch!

They are a perfect partner with tea or as a delightful and sweet afternoon snack.

23. Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins

freshly baked pumpkin spice muffins placed on a light colored wooden table with real pumpkin on the sides and cinnamon sticks

Utilize your surplus sourdough starter to whip up a batch of these moist and tender sourdough pumpkin muffins!

Crafted with real homemade pumpkin puree, warm spices, and sweet sugar, this is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall.

24. Ferrero Rocher Cake

Indulge in a decadent chocolate cake with a touch of hazelnut, topped with a luscious milk chocolate Nutella frosting and adorned with crushed Ferrero Rocher candies. 

Indulge in a decadent chocolate cake with a touch of hazelnut, topped with a luscious milk chocolate Nutella frosting and adorned with crushed Ferrero Rocher candies. 

This delightful confection showcases the beloved candy in a single-layer cake, and the addition of buttermilk ensures a moist and delightful texture.

25. The Best Red Velvet Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

a close up image of delightful red velvet cupcake
Recipe from Simply Happenings

Celebrate Valentine’s Day, Christmas parties, birthdays, or any time of year with these delightful red velvet cupcakes! The addition of buttermilk ensures a moist texture paired with a hint of chocolate flavor. 

Complete the experience by generously topping them with luscious cream cheese frosting.

26. Cream Chocolate Cake With Whipped Cream Frosting

Indulge in the decadent Bailey's Irish Cream Chocolate Cake, featuring buttermilk, for a wonderfully tender, moist, and intensely chocolatey experience.

Indulge in the decadent Baileys Irish cream chocolate cake, featuring buttermilk, for a wonderfully tender, moist, and intensely chocolatey experience.

Topped with a light and fluffy whipped cream frosting, it strikes the perfect balance for the ultimate cake indulgence.

27. Caramel Cupcakes With Caramel Filling

These cupcakes feature a brown sugar cake filled with caramel sauce and crowned with caramel buttercream frosting, creating an indulgent and delightful treat.

Caramel cupcakes with filling are incredibly sweet and delicious!

These cupcakes feature a brown sugar cake filled with caramel sauce and crowned with caramel buttercream frosting, creating an indulgent and delightful treat.

28. Strawberry Donuts

freshly baked donut with fresh strawberries, buttermilk, and a donut mold pan,

These strawberry donuts are a delightful homemade treat that anyone can whip up.

With fresh strawberries, buttermilk, and a donut mold pan, you can easily create these moist, light, and fluffy baked donuts, free from the heaviness and greasiness of traditional fried donuts.

29. Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These buttermilk vanilla chocolate chip cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and a delightful twist on the classic cupcake.
Recipe from Baked by Blair

These buttermilk vanilla chocolate chip cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and a delightful twist on the classic cupcake.

They boast the added sweetness of chocolate chips in the cupcake batter and in the buttercream frosting, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

30. Cream Cheese Pound Cake

a slice of Cream cheese pound cake is a delectably moist cake with a soft and rich texture
Recipe from Sweet and Savory Meals

Cream cheese pound cake is a delectably moist cake with a soft and rich texture that simply melts in your mouth. With just a handful of ingredients, including butter, sugar, eggs, flour, buttermilk, and cream cheese, this cake is a true delight. 

The secret to its perfection lies in the cream cheese, which adds an unparalleled level of moisture.

31. Moist Buttermilk Chocolate Cake

This moist, fudgy, and fluffy cake is a beloved choice for chocolate enthusiasts served on a plate

This moist, fudgy, and fluffy cake is a beloved choice for chocolate enthusiasts.

The incorporation of buttermilk not only imparts a subtle tang to the flavor but also contributes to the cake's tender texture.

32. Blueberry Buttermilk Ice Cream With Shortbread Crumble

Savor the unique, sumptuous allure of blueberry buttermilk ice cream with shortbread crumble.

Each velvety scoop is infused with the rich, tangy notes of buttermilk, creating a harmonious balance of creaminess and zesty freshness that is simply irresistible.

33. Miniature Strawberry Buttermilk Buckle

Buckles are single-layer cakes with fruit mixed into the cake and a streusel topping.

Buckles are single-layer cakes with fruit mixed into the cake and a streusel topping. They are simple to make, featuring a straightforward batter and a three-ingredient streusel.

This one — with the combination of fresh strawberries and buttermilk — is exceptionally tart and moist, making it a perfect refreshing sweet treat.

34. Apple Crisp Cheesecake

This apple crisp cheesecake captures the cozy flavors of spiced baked apples, a delicious buttermilk cheesecake filling, and crisp oaty topping in a delightful twist on a fall classic.

This apple crisp cheesecake captures the cozy flavors of spiced baked apples, a delicious buttermilk cheesecake filling, and crisp oaty topping in a delightful twist on a fall classic.

For an added touch, drizzle with caramel sauce to make it a must-have for fall baking!

35. Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

These delightful bakery-style coffee cake muffins are layered with cranberry sauce and topped with a sweet buttery crumble.

These delightful bakery-style coffee cake muffins are layered with cranberry sauce and topped with a sweet buttery crumble.

They make the perfect breakfast treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

36. Cinnamon Bundt Cake With Cinnamon Swirl

This cinnamon bundt cake features a luscious and gooey cinnamon swirl. Moist and rich, this cake is crafted with buttermilk and boasts a delightful ripple of brown sugar and cinnamon through the center. 

This cinnamon Bundt cake features a luscious and gooey cinnamon swirl. Moist and rich, this cake is crafted with buttermilk and boasts a delightful ripple of brown sugar and cinnamon through the center. 

To elevate the experience, it is finished with a lavish and creamy cinnamon glaze.

37. Coconut Cupcakes

cupcake topped with a dreamy coconut cream frosting and are a delightful dessert for any occasion.

These coconut cupcakes are a delightful and sweet indulgence.

They’re topped with a dreamy coconut cream frosting and are a delightful dessert for any occasion. Even those who claim not to be fans of coconut can’t resist the deliciousness!

38. Caramel Pecan Buttermilk Pie

This recipe combines two distinct Southern dessert flavors into one delicious pie.
Recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian

This recipe combines two distinct Southern dessert flavors into one delicious pie.

It uses buttermilk pie filling topped with caramel and pecans and is as good as it looks. It’s perfect for a weeknight treat or holiday dessert.

39. Sweet Blueberry Biscuits

These delicious blueberry biscuits use buttermilk for that additional moistness. The tang also elevates the taste of the blueberries, resulting in a flavor biscuit.

These delicious blueberry biscuits use buttermilk for that additional moistness. The tang also elevates the taste of the blueberries, resulting in a flavor biscuit.

Make them even better by adding a sweet and sticky glaze for the ultimate breakfast treat.

40. Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Muffins

close up image of chocolate chip buttermilk muffins with mini chocolate chips

These buttermilk chocolate chip muffins are simple to prepare and exceptionally light and fluffy.

Their extra soft texture is owed to the buttermilk, sour cream, and melted butter used in this recipe. Packed with mini chocolate chips, they offer delightful texture and sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Store-Bought Buttermilk or Freshly Made Buttermilk Better?

Both store-bought buttermilk and freshly made buttermilk have their advantages. 

Store-bought buttermilk is convenient and readily available, making it a practical choice for everyday use. On the other hand, freshly made buttermilk can offer a fresher taste and may be preferred for certain recipes. 

Ultimately, the choice between store-bought and freshly made buttermilk depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the recipe. 

Can You Substitute Buttermilk in Any Dessert Recipe?

Yes, buttermilk can often be substituted in dessert recipes with good results. It adds a unique tangy flavor and contributes to the moistness and tenderness of baked goods. 

However, it's important to consider the impact on the overall flavor and texture of the dessert when substituting buttermilk. In some cases, you may need to adjust other ingredients to compensate for the acidity and moisture that buttermilk provides. 

It's always a good idea to consider the specific characteristics of buttermilk and how they contribute to the desired outcome of the dessert before making any substitutions.

How Do You Make Buttermilk if You Don’t Have Any Available?

To make a buttermilk substitute, simply combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens and curdles slightly. 

This homemade buttermilk substitute can be used in recipes that call for buttermilk, though the flavor and texture may be slightly different from traditional buttermilk.

Enjoy That Buttermilk Sweet Treat Goodness

Buttermilk is a versatile and valuable ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dessert recipes. Its unique tangy flavor and its ability to tenderize and contribute to moistness make it a valuable addition to cakes, muffins, scones, and more. 

If you want to experiment with this versatile ingredient, take a look through our recipe recommendation and give some of your favorites a shot. You can add and mix and match elements to suit your personal tastes too.

Exploring the world of buttermilk dessert recipes is sure to yield delightful and satisfying results.

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Jennifer Anderson Hey, I’m Jenny! As a working mom, I understand the importance of saving time and money. My hope is that my blog brings you countless resources for great, fast recipes and easy cleaning, health and DIY tips. MORE ABOUT ME »

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