Sour milk is a common ingredient in many households that often goes to waste because of its sour taste. However, there are many ways to use sour milk in baking to create delicious and moist treats.
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What is sour milk?
Sour milk is regular milk that has been left out for too long, causing bacteria to grow and sour the milk. The bacteria consume lactose, a sugar found in milk, and produce lactic acid, which is responsible for the sour taste and smell. Sour milk can also be produced by adding an acidic substance, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to regular milk.
How does sour milk affect baked goods?
Sour milk can have a significant impact on baked goods. The lactic acid in sour milk reacts with baking soda, causing it to create carbon dioxide gas, which helps the baked goods rise. The acid also tenderizes gluten, making baked goods softer and more moist. As a result, baked goods made with sour milk are often denser and moister than those made with regular milk.
Substituting sour milk in baking recipes
Sour milk can be used as a substitute for buttermilk or regular milk in many baking recipes. To substitute sour milk for regular milk in a recipe, use the following ratio:
- For every 1 cup of milk, use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and enough milk to make 1 cup.
If a recipe calls for buttermilk, you can substitute sour milk for buttermilk using the same ratio.
Baked goods to make with sour milk
There are many delicious baked goods that you can make with sour milk. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Buttermilk biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits are a classic Southern dish that is often served for breakfast or brunch. The sour milk in this recipe helps create tender and flaky biscuits.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup sour milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in sour milk until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly.
- Roll or pat out dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut with a biscuit cutter and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Sour milk pancakes
Sour milk can be used to make fluffy and delicious pancakes that are perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the sour milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
- Cook until the bubbles on the surface pop and the edges look set, then flip and cook for an additional minute or until golden brown.
Chocolate sour milk cake
Sour milk can also be used to make a moist and flavorful chocolate cake that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the sour milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Blueberry sour milk muffins
Sour milk can be used to make tender and moist muffins that are loaded with blueberries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the sour milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cornbread
Sour milk can also be used to make moist and flavorful cornbread that is perfect for serving alongside chili or soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the sour milk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out clean.
FAQs
Yes, as long as the milk hasn’t spoiled or gone bad, you can use it for baking.
If the milk smells sour but not rancid, and there are no visible signs of mold or curdling, it should be safe to use in baking.
Yes, you can substitute sour milk for buttermilk in most recipes. Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Yes, you can freeze sour milk for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before using.
Sour milk can be used in a variety of recipes, including biscuits, scones, quick breads, and cakes.
Conclusion
Sour milk may not be ideal for drinking, but it can be used in a variety of delicious baked goods. From pancakes and chocolate cake to blueberry muffins and cornbread, sour milk can add a tangy flavor and moist texture to your favorite recipes. So don’t throw away that sour milk – put it to good use in your baking!