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Baking SOS? Here are the EASIEST baking powder substitutes you already have in your pantry!
What is it, and why is it important?
Baking powder is a blend of baking soda (alkali) and acid used as a leavening agent. Some common acidic ingredients used include cream of tartar, aluminum sulfate, or calcium acid phosphate.
We use baking powder for many of our cookie and cake recipes, but in case you’re out, we are sharing out go-to baking powder substitutes.
Baking Powder 101:
- Baking texture. It is used to leaven and affects the texture, but not the flavor. It’s what makes cookies puff up and quick bread recipes rise.
- The science of it all. As soon as the baking powder mixes with the wet ingredients carbon dioxide gas is released. This chemical reaction causes little air pockets to form in the batter or dough. Further bubbles of steam are created as the food bakes and as the steam expands so does the baked good.
- Expiration. Though baking powder can be used after the expiration date on the package, it will eventually lose its leaving power.
Substitutions for Baking Powder
My favorite baking powder substitute is cream of tartar, lemon juice, or white vinegar because they are pantry staples we always have on hand, and you do not have to alter the other ingredients.
1. Cream of Tartar (My Favorite)
Mix a large batch and store the blend in a container in the cupboard to use again.
- Mix 1 teaspoon cream of tartar + ½ teaspoon baking soda + ½ teaspoon cornstarch.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder = 1 teaspoon of the blend.
2. Lemon Juice or White Vinegar
This substitute works best in recipes that calls for 1 teaspoon or less of baking powder.
- For 1 teaspoon baking powder mix ½ teaspoon lemon juice + ¼ teaspoon baking soda.
3. Self Rising Flour
Self-rising flour is a mixture of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Use in quick bread recipes and easy cookie recipes.
- Use 1 cup of self-rising flour in place of 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Omit the baking powder and salt listed in the ingredients.
4. Plain Yogurt or Buttermilk
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl then add baking soda and plain yogurt or buttermilk. The acid in the dairy will activate the baking soda. You may need to reduce the amount of liquid ingredients you add by ½ cup to compensate for the liquid in the dairy.
- For 1 teaspoon baking powder use ½ teaspoon of baking soda + ½ cup buttermilk or plain yogurt.
5. Club Soda
Club soda contains sodium bicarbonate which can provide some lift and aeration, but on a small scale. It’s best when used in recipes that don’t require much of a rise like pancake recipes. You will also need to reduce the amount of other liquids by ¼ cup to produce the right batter consistency.
- For 1 teaspoon of baking powder use ¼ cup club soda + ¼ teaspoon baking soda + ½ teaspoon vinegar.
Pro Tip
To test if your baking powder is still good add ½ teaspoon of baking powder to a small bowl, then add ⅓ cup of hot water. It should immediately and intensely start bubbling. If it does not, toss the bottle and search for a new can.
More Like This
- More “How to” posts: How to Make Buttermilk, How to Activate Yeast, How to Soften Butter, Common Baking Substitutions
- Recipes that use baking powder: Orange Cookies Recipe, Blueberry Bread, Pancake Recipe, Banana Crumb Muffins, Vanilla Cake
More collections: Quick Bread Recipes, Easy Cake Recipes, Easy Cookie Recipes
Recipe FAQ
Can I still bake without baking powder?
- Technically, yes you can make the recipe without adding baking powder. However, using a substitute is preferable otherwise the final product will be flat and dense.
baking powder vs baking soda?
- Baking soda. Needs acid (like buttermilk) to activate as well as a liquid, is 3-4x more powerful than baking soda, and can have a soapy taste if there is not enough acid added to the recipe.
- Baking powder. Already contains acid and only needs liquid to activate, and contains a neutral taste.
Great post ! It’s so good to know how to manage lack of baking powder since sooner or later my pantry stocks will come to a point of no return LOL 🙂
LOL..thank you!