Food & Drink

9 Tried and Tested Baking Powder Substitutes

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 | 0 Comments
baking powder substitute

Are you looking for a go-to baking powder substitute you might already have in your kitchen? When mixing up a batch of cookies or a birthday cake, finding that you’re out of the staple can be frustrating. However, with these baking powder replacements, you can still make some light and fluffy goodness.

 

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What Is Baking Powder? 

Baking powder is a leavening agent that creates a reaction with other ingredients when baked. Many people confuse baking powder and baking soda. However, they can’t be swapped evenly in recipes. In fact, baking soda is actually a base component of baking powder. Then an acidic powder like cream of tartar is added to create a reaction when it’s mixed with wet ingredients. 

Baking powder substitutes will save you a trip to the store.
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Purpose of Baking Powder

Baking powder is used to heighten baked goods and give them a light and fluffy texture. The chemical reaction begins when the powder makes contact with wet ingredients. Then, when baking cakes and cookies or frying pancakes, the heat further activates the baking powder, causing the baked good to rise more. 

If you're new to baking and wondering about the role of other integral ingredients in baked goods, a cooking class near you might be just the thing. From cooking classes in Atlanta to cooking classes in Washington D.C., there's sure to be a chef in your area ready to guide you. There are even online cooking classes if you prefer to learn in the comfort of your own kitchen.

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9 Baking Powder Substitutes

If you’re out of baking powder, you can still make that decadent recipe with the same comforting texture. These baking powder substitutes are simple swaps that you can mix with the rest of your ingredients. Many use baking soda, but keep in mind that it can’t be used alone as a replacement for baking powder.

1. Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar

With this combination, you’re essentially mixing up your own baking powder. This is as close as you’ll get to the store-bought can. The base pH of the baking soda and the acidic cream of tartar combine to create fizzy and fluffy results. Since store-bought baking powder usually contains another powder like cornstarch, this mix will be more potent, so you’ll have to use less.

How to make it: To replace a teaspoon of baking powder, mix together ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar with ¼ teaspoon of baking soda.

a bowl of cream of tartar
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2. Buttermilk and Baking Soda

Thanks to the fermentation process, buttermilk is acidic. So, when combined with baking soda, it creates a similar reaction to baking powder. This is a good baking powder substitute to replace other liquids as well. So, reduce a wet ingredient like regular milk or water by the amount of buttermilk you add.

How to make it: To replace a teaspoon of baking powder, whisk ¼ teaspoon of baking soda into ½ cup of buttermilk. 

Buttermilk and baking soda are a sub for baking powder.
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3. Whipped Egg Whites

Regular eggs are also used to add height and fluffiness to recipes. These can also be a great baking powder substitute that add a decadent texture to your recipes. Just make sure to remove the yolk and whip up the whites until they are soft and fluffy.

How to make it: To replace a teaspoon of baking powder, use the whipped whites from one egg. 

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4. Club Soda or Pop

You might not think to check your bar cart for a baking powder substitute, but this is an awesome one. The carbonated liquid adds bubbles to your batter — literally! Add it last and gently fold it in to avoid popping too many bubbles. You can use club soda for a neutral taste or opt for pop for a gentle infusion of flavor.

How to make it: Replace it cup-for-cup with a liquid ingredient like milk or water in your recipe.

Club soda is a great baking powder substitute.
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5. Baking Soda and Yogurt

The same fermentation process that makes buttermilk acidic works the same way in yogurt. Add a little baking soda to get the reaction going. The best part is, this sub for baking powder can work with a variety of yogurts. Use Greek yogurt to add a little extra protein, or choose an almond one for plant-based baked goods. Stick with plain yogurt unless you want to add a hint of another flavor. Keep in mind that you’ll need to reduce another liquid by the same amount to avoid a too-wet mixture.

How to make it: To replace a teaspoon of baking powder, whisk ¼ teaspoon of baking soda into ½ cup of buttermilk. 

a cup of yogurt
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6. Baking Soda and Vinegar

This powerful combo can be used for everything from unclogging drains to making a fun foam in your kid’s science project. It can make a pretty perfect baking powder substitute too. By creating the same acid and base reaction, it will provide a lifting effect to baked goods. But like the cream of tartar and baking soda combo, this is stronger, so you’ll want to use less.

How to make it: To replace a teaspoon of baking powder, mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda into ½ teaspoon of vinegar. 

baking soda and a bottle of vinegar
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7. Baking Soda and Molasses

The slight acidity of molasses allows it to react with baking soda and create a leavening reaction. It can also add a flavorful depth to baked goods. If using this baking powder substitute in a recipe with brown sugar, you might want to opt for white sugar to avoid an overwhelming molasses flavor. You’ll also want to add your liquid ingredients slowly and reduce them as needed to account for the molasses.

How to make it: To replace a teaspoon of baking powder, stir ¼ teaspoon of baking soda into ¼ cup of molasses. 

Baking soda and molasses are a baking powder substitute.
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8. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

This is a perfect baking powder substitute for fruity recipes like strawberry pancakes or white cupcakes. The lemon juice adds a subtle hint of flavor while its acidity combines with the baking soda to create a fluffy texture. Plus, you likely already have both of these in your kitchen. 

How to make it: To replace a teaspoon of baking powder, mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with ½ teaspoon of lemon juice.

baking soda and lemon juice
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9. Self-Rising Flour

Not only is this a simple baking powder substitute, but it’s also a great baking staple to keep on hand. It’s a mixture of regular flour, baking powder and salt, ready to serve as the base for tons of recipes. Just keep in mind that there is already salt included, so you might want to reduce any that’s called for.

How to make it: Simply swap self-rising flour cup-for-cup for the amount of regular flour in the recipe.

Use self-rising flour as a substitute for baking powder.
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Finding new recipe swaps is all part of the culinary journey. While the dream is to have a fully stocked kitchen all of the time, we all run out of staples occasionally and require quick substitutions. Choose from these baking powder alternatives the next time you're in need, and don't skip a beat in your bake-flow.

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