Baking Powder Substitute: 5 Ways to Replace It in Baking
Published · 4 min read
To replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use ¼ teaspoon baking soda + ½ teaspoon cream of tartar. That is exactly what baking powder is made of. No cream of tartar? Use any acid you have, like lemon juice, vinegar, buttermilk or yogurt.
Baking powder substitutes (per 1 tsp)
| Substitute | Amount | Adjust the recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Baking soda + cream of tartar | ¼ tsp + ½ tsp | Nothing |
| Baking soda + lemon juice or vinegar | ¼ tsp + ½ tsp | Nothing |
| Baking soda + buttermilk | ¼ tsp + ½ cup (120 ml) | Use ½ cup less of the other liquid |
| Baking soda + plain yogurt | ¼ tsp + ½ cup (120 g) | Use ½ cup less of the other liquid |
| Self-raising flour | 1 cup (125 g) replaces 1 cup flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt | Leave out the salt |
Tips
- Bake right away. Homemade baking powder starts reacting as soon as it meets liquid.
- Test old baking powder: stir ½ tsp into hot water. If it doesn’t fizz, it’s too old.
- Whipped egg whites can lift pancakes and sponge cakes when you have no leavening at all.
Try it in protein pancakes. Need buttermilk too? Here’s the buttermilk substitute.
Questions
Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder?
Yes, but you need an acid too. Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda plus ½ teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
How do I make baking powder at home?
Mix 1 part baking soda with 2 parts cream of tartar: ¼ teaspoon baking soda + ½ teaspoon cream of tartar replaces 1 teaspoon baking powder.
What happens if I leave baking powder out?
Cakes, muffins and pancakes will be flat and dense. Cookies are the most forgiving and only spread a bit more.
