Can you substitute buttermilk for oil in a cake mix recipe?

Buttermilk cannot be substituted for oil in a cake mix recipe on a one-to-one basis. Buttermilk is a liquid ingredient, while oil is a fat ingredient.

Substituting oil for buttermilk would throw off the overall balance and texture of the cake. The cake might not rise properly and could come out dense or crumbly.

There are other ways to add moisture and richness to a cake without buttermilk, such as adding sour cream, yogurt, or applesauce.