Baking is where choosing the right substitute really matters. Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to cakes and brownies. Your best bet here is plain yogurt or buttermilk (the homemade milk mixture we talked about). Avoid using crème fraîche, as it’s too rich and can change the texture of a delicate cake.
I once used Greek yogurt in a chocolate cake recipe for a birthday. The cake was so moist it practically melted in your mouth. No one missed the sour cream. The secret is to not overthink it—baking is more forgiving than we give it credit for.
Recipe Substitutes - World of Printables