Baking Powder Substitute

As a homemaker, you may have encountered a situation where you’re all set to bake your favorite recipe only to realize that you’re out of baking powder. Don’t fret! Baking powder is a common leavening agent used in baking to help cakes, cookies, and other treats rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture. But fear not, there are plenty of easy and accessible baking powder substitute that you can use to achieve similar results without compromising on taste and quality.

In this guide, we’ll explore some simple and homemaker-friendly baking powder substitutes that you can use in a pinch.

But first, what is Baking Powder?

Baking powder is a leavening agent commonly used in baking to help dough and batter rise. It is a mixture of an acid, such as cream of tartar, and a base, typically baking soda, which reacts together when combined with moisture and heat, producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles that help create a light and airy texture in baked goods. Baking powder is a crucial ingredient in many recipes for cakes, cookies, muffins, and other baked goods.

Baking Powder Substitute for Baking

Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar

If you’re out of baking powder, a combination of baking soda and cream of tartar can be an excellent substitute.

Simply mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar to replace 1 tablespoon of baking powder.

This substitute works because cream of tartar is an acidic ingredient that activates the baking soda, creating carbon dioxide gas and providing the leavening action needed for your baked goods to rise.

Baking Soda and Lemon Juice or Vinegar

Another effective substitute for baking powder is a mixture of baking soda and an acid like lemon juice or vinegar.

Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to replace 1 tablespoon of baking powder. The acid in the lemon juice or vinegar reacts with the baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas, causing your batter or dough to rise.

Yogurt or Buttermilk

Yogurt or buttermilk can also serve as a suitable substitute for baking powder in some recipes, especially those that call for a tangy flavor.

Simply use 1/2 cup of yogurt or buttermilk in place of 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

The acidity in the yogurt or buttermilk helps with leavening and adds a pleasant tangy taste to your baked goods.

Whipped Egg Whites

If you’re looking for a substitute that doesn’t require any additional ingredients, whipped egg whites can come in handy.

Whip 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form, and then fold them gently into your batter or dough in place of 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

The whipped egg whites add air to your batter or dough, providing the leavening effect needed for your baked goods to rise.

Self-Rising Flour

If you happen to have self-rising flour in your pantry, you can use it as a substitute for baking powder.

Self-rising flour is a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Simply replace the regular flour in your recipe with an equal amount of self-rising flour, and omit the baking powder and salt called for in the original recipe.

However, keep in mind that self-rising flour may alter the taste and texture of your final product, as it contains salt and additional leavening agents.

Cream of Tartar + Baking Soda

This is a classic combination that can work wonders as a substitute for baking powder. Cream of tartar is an acidic powder, and when combined with baking soda, it creates a chemical reaction that results in a leavening effect, similar to baking powder.

To use this substitute, simply mix 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. This can be used as a 1:1 replacement for baking powder in your recipe.

Baking Powder Substitute Chart for Cooking and Baking

Here’s a comprehensive chart with a list of good baking powder substitutes for cooking and baking:

Baking Powder Substitute	Description	How to Use	Ratio
Cream of Tartar + Baking Soda	Cream of tartar is an acidic powder that when combined with baking soda, creates a leavening effect similar to baking powder.	Mix 1 teaspoon cream of tartar with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.	1 teaspoon cream of tartar + 1/2 teaspoon baking soda = 1 tablespoon baking powder
Yogurt	Yogurt is acidic and can be used to provide leavening in recipes that require baking powder.	Use an equal amount of yogurt as the amount of baking powder called for in the recipe.	1 teaspoon yogurt = 1 teaspoon baking powder
Buttermilk	Buttermilk is acidic and can be used to provide leavening in recipes that require baking powder.	Use an equal amount of buttermilk as the amount of baking powder called for in the recipe.	1 teaspoon buttermilk = 1 teaspoon baking powder
Vinegar	Vinegar is acidic and can be used to provide leavening in recipes that require baking powder.	Mix 1 teaspoon vinegar with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.	1 teaspoon vinegar + 1/4 teaspoon baking soda = 1 teaspoon baking powder
Lemon Juice	Lemon juice is acidic and can be used to provide leavening in recipes that require baking powder.	Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.	1 teaspoon lemon juice + 1/4 teaspoon baking soda = 1 teaspoon baking powder
Club Soda	Club soda is carbonated and can be used to provide leavening in recipes that require baking powder.	Use an equal amount of club soda as the amount of baking powder called for in the recipe.	1 teaspoon club soda = 1 teaspoon baking powder
Whipped Egg Whites	Whipped egg whites can provide leavening and help with the rising of baked goods.	Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form and fold them into the batter.	1/4 cup whipped egg whites = 1 teaspoon baking powder
Self-Rising Flour	Self-rising flour is regular flour that already contains leavening agents, including baking powder.	Replace the regular flour in the recipe with self-rising flour and adjust the salt and baking soda accordingly.	Use the same amount of self-rising flour as the amount of regular flour called for in the recipe, and omit or reduce the amount of salt and baking soda in the recipe.
Sour Cream	Sour cream is acidic and can be used to provide leavening in recipes that require baking powder.	Use an equal amount of sour cream as the amount of baking powder called for in the recipe.	1 teaspoon sour cream = 1 teaspoon baking powder