Baking powder is a staple ingredient in most baking recipes, acting as a leavening agent to help your baked goods rise and become fluffy. But what happens when you run out of baking powder? Don’t worry! There are plenty of baking powder substitutes that can save the day and help you achieve the same delicious results.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best substitutes for baking powder and how to use them in your recipes.
1. Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar
One of the most common and effective baking powder substitutes is a mixture of baking soda and cream of tartar. Baking soda provides the leavening power, while cream of tartar acts as an acid to activate it.
- How to use it: For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
For more tips on stocking your pantry with essential ingredients, visit our guide on the ultimate kitchen setup.
2. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can also use lemon juice. The acidity in lemon juice reacts with baking soda, producing the same leavening effect as baking powder.
- How to use it: For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, substitute 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice.
This method adds a slight lemon flavor, making it perfect for citrus-flavored baked goods like lemon cake or muffins.
3. Buttermilk and Baking Soda
Buttermilk, with its slight acidity, is another excellent substitute for baking powder when combined with baking soda.
- How to use it: Replace each teaspoon of baking powder with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 cup of buttermilk, reducing other liquids in the recipe by the same amount.
For more on using buttermilk in baking, check out our guide on perfect pancake recipes.
4. Yogurt and Baking Soda
Yogurt can also be used as a replacement for baking powder due to its acidity, especially plain or Greek yogurt.
- How to use it: For each teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 cup of yogurt, reducing other liquid ingredients by the same amount.
5. Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar, much like lemon juice, can activate baking soda and act as a great baking powder substitute.
- How to use it: Combine 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar for each teaspoon of baking powder required in the recipe.
Why You Might Need a Baking Powder Substitute
Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture. If you don’t have baking powder on hand, using a substitute is essential to maintain the integrity of your recipe. These substitutes rely on baking soda paired with an acid to replicate the chemical reaction that baking powder provides.
When using any of these alternatives, make sure to adjust other ingredients accordingly, particularly liquids, to maintain the right balance in your recipe.