12 Best Baking Powder Substitutes That Will Save Your Recipes
Do you ever run out of baking powder and need to make a recipe right away? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! There are many different substitutes for baking powder that you can use in your recipes.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common substitutes for baking powder. We will also provide a few recipes that use these substitutes so that you can try them out for yourself!
Table of Contents
What Is Baking Powder?
Baking powder is a combination of ingredients that are used to help baked goods rise while baking. It contains baking soda, an acid such as cream of tartar, and a filler like cornstarch.
When baking powder is combined with liquid ingredients, it releases carbon dioxide gas which causes the dough or batter to expand and become light and fluffy.
Baking powder is usually single-acting, meaning that it starts to react when the liquid ingredients are added. This makes it ideal for quick baking recipes like pancakes and muffins.
Double-acting baking powders react twice: once when mixed with liquid ingredients, and a second time after being exposed to heat in the oven.
This type of baking powder is typically used for recipes that require a longer baking time, such as cakes and breads. Baking powder is an essential ingredient for many baked goods and can be found in the grocery store near other baking supplies.
Best Baking Powder Substitutes.
If you find yourself running out of baking powder or simply don’t have any in the pantry, there are a few substitutes you can use to create your favorite treats.
1. Buttermilk and baking soda.
This combination of ingredients is a great alternative to baking powder and just as effective. To use this substitute, mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into every cup of liquid used in the recipe.
Then, add one cup of buttermilk for each teaspoon of baking powder normally called for in the recipe.
Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the baking soda and buttermilk to react too quickly. This combination lets you enjoy your baked goods, without having to worry about running out of baking powder.
2. Club Soda.
Club soda can be used in place of baking powder, but it is important to remember that you need to use twice as much club soda as baking powder.
So if your recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking powder you will want to use 2 teaspoons of club soda instead.
It’s also a good idea to add a bit of vinegar or lemon juice when substituting with club soda, as this will create a reaction and help your baked goods rise.
Just be careful not to overdo it on the acidity, or you may wind up with a too-sour taste in the finished product.
3. Cream of Tartar and baking soda.
Cream of tartar is a dry, acidic powder that is often used in baking. It can be used as a substitute for baking powder, although it will not provide the same leavening power.
To use cream of tartar and baking soda as a substitute for baking powder, mix together two parts cream of tartar with one part baking soda.
This mixture can replace one teaspoon of baking powder in a recipe. When using this substitute, be sure to pay close attention to the amount of other acidic ingredients, such as buttermilk, yogurt or lemon juice, used in the recipe to ensure it does not become overly acidic.
Additionally, this substitute should only be used when baking recipes that do not require a lot of leavening, such as pancakes or muffins.
4. Lemon Juice and baking soda.
This combination is one of the most popular baking powder substitutes that you can use. The lemon juice provides acidity and helps activate the baking soda, providing a leavening agent to your baked goods.
To substitute 1 teaspoon of baking powder in your recipe, mix together ¼ teaspoon of baking soda plus ½ teaspoon cream of tartar or 5ml (1 teaspoon) of lemon juice. Make sure you mix them together well before adding to your ingredients.
5. Molasses and baking soda.
This combination is a common baking powder substitute because it provides similar leavening properties.
To use this combination, mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of molasses for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder called for in the recipe.
Additionally, make sure to adjust the other liquids in the recipe since you are adding extra liquid from the molasses.
6. Plain Yogurt and baking soda.
Plain yogurt and baking soda can be used as a baking powder substitute for cakes, muffins, and other quick breads. To make the substitution, mix 1 cup of plain yogurt with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
This combination creates a chemical reaction that mimics the action of traditional baking powder. The leavening effect will be slightly less than that of baking powder, so you may need to use a bit more batter when preparing the recipe.
As a result of the chemical reaction between the yogurt and soda, it is important to use this substitute immediately after mixing and not store it for later use.
Additionally, this substitution works best with mild-flavored recipes such as vanilla cakes, as the yogurt can overpower strong flavors.
7. Self-Rising Flour.
Self-rising flour is an option for baking powder substitutions. It contains salt, baking powder, and flour that are pre-mixed in precise proportions.
Self-rising flour can be used to make a wide variety of recipes such as cakes, biscuits, muffins, cookies etc., but it will likely not rise as high or have the same texture as when using baking powder.
To substitute self-rising flour for baking powder, use 1/4 cup of self-rising flour for every teaspoon of baking powder called for in the recipe. When using self-rising flour, reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe.
8. Soda pop.
This is one of the most commonly used baking powder substitutes. The carbonation in soda pop creates bubbles that give cakes, muffins and other baked goods a light and airy texture without having to use baking powder.
To use this substitute, simply replace the amount of baking powder called for with an equal amount of soda pop.
9. Sour Milk and baking soda.
This combination is often used as a substitute for baking powder. To use, you need to replace the liquid called for in the recipe with an equal amount of sour milk (or buttermilk).
In addition, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda per cup of sour milk. This ratio will create enough leavening power to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
The sour milk and baking soda combination can also be used in recipes calling for self-rising flour — just omit the salt and baking powder called for in the recipe.
10. Vinegar and baking soda.
This combination can be used as a substitute for baking powder. To make the equivalent of 1 teaspoon of baking powder, mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with ½ teaspoon of vinegar.
The mixture will cause bubbling and fizzing so it’s best to immediately add it to other dry ingredients or combine with wet ingredients before adding to the rest of the batter.
11. Yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk.
All of these dairy products contain lactic acid which will react with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas just like baking powder.
To substitute for 1 teaspoon of baking powder use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda plus ½ cup of plain yogurt, sour cream or buttermilk. As a result, you will need to reduce the amount of other liquids in your recipe by ½ cup.
12. Whipped Egg Whites.
Egg whites contain proteins that can help create air pockets when heated, making them a great substitute for baking powder. To replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder in your recipe, use 2 egg whites.
If the recipe calls for more than 1 teaspoon, use an additional tablespoon of egg white for every teaspoon of baking powder needed. Whisk the egg whites until they become frothy and light, then fold them into the recipe.
Baking soda vs baking powder substitute.
Baking soda and baking powder are both leavening agents, but they serve very different purposes.
Baking soda is a single-acting baking agent, which means that it only begins to react once it gets wet.
On the other hand, baking powder contains both an acid and a base, and when combined with liquid, the two come together to start a chemical reaction.
Baking soda is most often used for quick breads and other recipes that require an immediate rise, such as pancakes and waffles. Baking powder, on the other hand, is best used for cakes and muffins because it provides a more gradual, consistent rise throughout baking.
If you don’t have baking soda or baking powder on hand, there are a few substitutes that you can use in place of either one. For baking soda, you can substitute an equal amount of cream of tartar dissolved in water (1 teaspoon cream of tartar + 1/2 teaspoon water for every 1/4 teaspoon baking soda).
You can also use an equal amount of baking powder as a substitute for baking soda, but you need to make sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly. For each 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, use 1 teaspoon of baking powder instead and reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 2 tablespoons.
Baking powder substitute for pancakes.
If you’re out of baking powder, don’t panic! You can still make delicious pancakes without it. There are several simple substitutes that can be used as a replacement for baking powder in pancakes.
One substitute is to mix together two parts cream of tartar and one part baking soda. This combination will provide the leavening effect of baking powder.
Another substitute is a combination of one part baking soda and two parts vinegar. This will help with the rising action, however it may add more flavor than desired to your pancakes as the vinegar can be quite strong.
Yogurt is also an effective substitution for baking powder when making pancakes. The yogurt has a natural acidity that will contribute to the rising action of your pancakes. Adding some baking soda to the mix will help add more lift and lightness, but it’s not necessary.
Finally, you can also substitute a combination of one part baking powder and one part cornstarch for standard baking powder in pancakes. This combination provides the lift of baking powder and will make your pancakes nice and fluffy.
Baking powder substitute for waffles.
There are many recipes that call for baking powder, but not everyone has it on hand. Fortunately, there are several alternatives that can be used when baking waffles.
One of the most popular substitutes is self-rising flour. When self-rising flour is combined with a liquid ingredient such as milk or water, it will form an airy batter that will rise during the cooking process.
Another option is to combine cream of tartar and baking soda together. This combination should be used in a 1:2 ratio, with one part cream of tartar to two parts baking soda. The mixture can then be added to any waffle batter recipe just as you would regular baking powder.
Yogurt can also be used as a baking powder substitute in waffles. The acidity of the yogurt helps to activate the other ingredients, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Finally, buttermilk can be used as an alternative to baking powder in waffle recipes. Buttermilk has natural leavening agents that will help the waffles rise and become fluffy.
Baking powder substitute for wings.
For those looking for a healthier alternative to deep frying chicken wings, baking powder can be used as an effective substitute.
Baking powder works by releasing carbon dioxide when heated, which helps give the wings a crispy texture without any added fat or oil.
To make your own baking powder substitute for wings, combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar. This homemade baking powder substitute can then be used in the same way as regular baking powder.
To prepare chicken wings with a baking powder substitute, simply preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and toss the wings with the baking powder mixture in a large bowl.
Spread the wings out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through and golden brown. To add extra flavor, you can toss the wings in your favorite sauce before baking.
What is baking powder made of?
Baking powder is a chemical leavening agent made up of a combination of two basic ingredients: sodium bicarbonate and an acid.
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, reacts with liquid to release carbon dioxide gas, which causes doughs and batters to rise.
The acid in baking powder can be monocalcium phosphate, sodium aluminum sulfate, or a combination of the two. These acids react with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas in addition to other byproducts such as sodium sesquicarbonate and potassium bitartrate.
All of these ingredients are present in baking powder. This combination is what gives baked goods their light and fluffy texture.
When exposed to heat, the carbon dioxide produced by the reaction causes air bubbles to expand within the dough or batter, creating an even and light texture.
Baking powder is essential for baked goods like cakes, muffins, and biscuits as it helps them rise without yeast and other ingredients. It also prevents these baked goods from becoming dense and tough during baking.
What is baking powder used for?
It is used in cakes, quick breads, muffins, pancakes and waffles. In addition to providing a light texture for baked goods, baking powder also provides flavor. Many bakers opt to use double-acting baking powder which releases carbon dioxide in two phases.
This is beneficial for baked goods since the CO2 helps to leaven the dough or batter and gives them a desired lift. Baking powder can replace yeast in certain recipes, as it provides similar results without needing to be proofed.
It’s also used in some savory dishes, such as cornbread and fried chicken. When baking, baking powder should be added to the dry ingredients before combining them with wet ingredients and stirring.
Baking powder is made of an acid, a base and a filler; when combined with liquid, it releases carbon dioxide. This gas causes doughs and batters to rise as they bake in the oven.
It’s important to note that baking powder does not have an indefinite shelf life, and should be replaced every six months for best results.
If the baking powder is expired or old when used, it may not release enough carbon dioxide to properly leaven the dough or batter. As a result, baked goods may turn out dense and heavy instead of light and fluffy.
For recipes that call for baking powder, use a fresh box and always measure the amount carefully. Too much or too little can compromise the desired result of your recipe.
Baking powder is an essential ingredient in many recipes, so it’s important to understand how it works and when to use it. With its help, you can make light and fluffy cakes, muffins, pancakes and more!
It is important to remember that baking powder should never be used as a substitute for baking soda. Baking soda reacts differently with liquids than baking powder and requires an acid to activate it.
Is baking powder healthy?
This is an important question to ask given that baking powder is used in many recipes and baked goods. The short answer is: it depends.
Baking powder is a type of leavening agent, which means that it helps dough or batter rise when heated by creating carbon dioxide gas bubbles. It usually contains a mixture of sodium bicarbonate, cream of tartar and sometimes cornstarch. Generally speaking, baking powder is safe to consume in moderate amounts.
However, depending on the type of baking powder you are using, it may contain added ingredients such as aluminum or monocalcium phosphate that can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, some people may have an intolerance to certain ingredients in baking powder.
What happens if you skip baking powder?
When baking powder is omitted from a recipe, whatever you are baking will not rise. This is because the chemical reaction between baking soda and an acidic ingredient in the recipe causes carbon dioxide to be released, which allows the dough to expand and rise.
Without this leavening agent, baked goods can remain dense and heavy and won’t have that light and airy texture that you’re looking for.
Baking powder is also important because it helps to delicately flavor whatever you are baking. Without it, your dish will likely taste flat or bland.
Homemade Substitute for Baking Powder
The homemade substitute for baking powder is a great alternative to store-bought versions that often contain additives. This easy-to-make concoction requires only two ingredients: cream of tartar and baking soda. Cream of tartar is an acidic powder derived from the sediment of red grapes, while baking soda is a base that helps neutralize the acidity of the cream. When combined, these two ingredients create a leavening agent that can be used in place of baking powder in recipes.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
Instructions
- Combine the cream of tartar and baking soda thoroughly in a small bowl.
- Use the resulting mixture as you would use store-bought baking powder, measuring out appropriate amounts for your recipe.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container and use within six months for best results.
Notes
This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for later use. With the help of this simple two-ingredient mixture, you can always have a homemade substitute for baking powder on hand! Enjoy your delicious baked goods with a little added peace of mind.
Conclusion
When it comes to baking, baking powder is an essential ingredient that can be difficult to replace. However, with the right combinations of ingredients, you can make a substitute for baking powder that will work just as well in most recipes.
Sour milk and cream of tartar, baking soda and lemon juice, or yogurt and baking soda are all common ingredients that can be used to make a baking powder substitute.
Depending on the recipe, you might want to adjust the amount of your ingredients to get the right consistency and taste. With a little experimentation, you’ll be able to find the best baking powder substitute for whatever recipe you’re making!
