As a professional baker, I often get asked what to use if you don’t have baking powder. Baking powder is key for the perfect texture and rise in many treats, like fluffy cakes and tender pastries. But what if you’re out of this important ingredient? Don’t worry, there are several substitutes you can use to keep your baking going smoothly. So what to use instead of baking powder?
Looking for a vegan option, something to use with what you already have, or a healthier choice? This article covers the top ten baking powder substitutes you should know. From common items like buttermilk and yogurt to creative choices like club soda and whipped egg whites, I’ll walk you through each one. This way, you can bake with confidence, even without that familiar yellow can.
Understanding Baking Powder and Its Role
Baking powder and baking soda are key ingredients in making light, fluffy baked goods. They work by creating carbon dioxide gas when mixed with wet ingredients. This gas forms air bubbles that make cakes, breads, and cookies rise and feel airy.
Chemical Makeup and Functionality
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a basic compound with a pH level of about 8. It needs an acidic partner, like sour cream or lemon juice, to start the reaction that releases carbon dioxide. Baking powder is different. It’s a complete leavening system with baking soda, an acidic agent like cream of tartar, and a stabilizer like cornstarch.
Difference Between Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Baking soda is much stronger than baking powder, so use it carefully. A good rule is to use about 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for every 1 cup of flour. Baking powder is usually used at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 1 cup of flour.
Baking powder is a double-acting leavening agent. It reacts first when the dry and wet ingredients mix, and again when the batter heats up in the oven. This double action ensures your baked goods rise consistently and reliably.
Homemade Baking Powder Substitute
If you’re out of baking powder, don’t panic. You can make your own at home with just a few items. The trick is to copy the mix of an acid, a base, and a stabilizer found in baking powder.
Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda, and Cornstarch
To make a homemade baking powder substitute, you’ll need cream of tartar, baking soda, and a bit of cornstarch. Use 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of cornstarch. This mix can replace 1 teaspoon of store-bought baking powder.
Cream of tartar adds the acid needed. Baking soda is the leavening agent. Cornstarch absorbs moisture and stops the mix from reacting too soon. This homemade substitute works just like the store-bought kind, making your baked goods rise and have the right texture.
Getting the right balance of these three ingredients is key to a good substitute. Try different ratios to find what works best for your recipes and baking needs.
Buttermilk as a Baking Powder Replacement
Buttermilk is a secret ingredient in baking that you might not know about. It’s a tangy, fermented dairy product that can replace baking powder. The acid in buttermilk works with baking soda to make your baked goods light and fluffy.
To use buttermilk instead of baking powder, replace 1/2 cup of buttermilk for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda too. And make sure to adjust the other liquids to keep the right consistency.
| Baking Powder | Buttermilk Substitute |
|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 1/2 cup buttermilk + 1/4 teaspoon baking soda |
| 2 teaspoons | 1 cup buttermilk + 1/2 teaspoon baking soda |
| 3 teaspoons | 1 1/2 cups buttermilk + 3/4 teaspoon baking soda |
Buttermilk does more than just help with rising. It also adds a unique tang to your baked goods. Use it as a baking powder substitute in everything from pancakes and waffles to biscuits and cakes.
Plain Yogurt: A Tangy Alternative
Plain yogurt is a great choice for baking instead of baking powder. It’s made special by a fermentation process. This process makes it a perfect match for baking soda.
To swap out 1 teaspoon of baking powder, mix 1/2 cup of plain yogurt with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Don’t forget to adjust the liquid in your recipe to keep it right.
The yogurt adds a nice tang to your baked goods. At the same time, the baking soda helps them rise like baking powder does. This swap is great for those who want to avoid baking powder.
Using yogurt instead of baking powder might change your baked goods’ texture and taste a bit. But, they can still be super tasty. The yogurt‘s tanginess goes well with many recipes, sweet or savory.
Molasses: A Sweet and Acidic Solution
Molasses is a byproduct of sugar production. It can be a versatile baking powder substitute. As a natural sweetener, it has enough acidity to react with baking soda. This reaction produces the carbon dioxide needed to make baked goods rise.
To replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 cup of molasses and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Adjust the recipe’s sweetener and liquid levels too.
The acidity in molasses comes from its 20-22% water and high acid content. This makes it a good substitute for baking powder. The reaction between molasses and baking soda creates the leavening action needed for light, fluffy baked goods.
Using molasses will add a distinct flavor to your recipes. Its deep, caramelized taste is great in gingerbread, bran muffins, and other treats. Just adjust the sweeteners to keep the flavor balanced.
Molasses is a versatile ingredient that can replace traditional baking powder. By learning how to use it, you can enjoy its natural leavening and unique flavor in your baking.
what to use instead of baking powder
When you’re out of baking powder, don’t worry. There are many baking powder substitutes you can use. These include homemade leavening agent replacements, buttermilk, plain yogurt, molasses, sour milk, vinegar, lemon juice, club soda, and self-rising flour. Each of these healthy baking powder alternatives adds the needed acidity to work with baking soda and make your baked goods light and fluffy.
For a vegan baking powder replacement, mix 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. This mix acts like commercial baking powder.
Buttermilk is another great option. Just add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to the dry mix and 1/2 cup of buttermilk to the wet mix. This combo gives you the leavening power of baking powder.
Plain yogurt can also be used as a baking powder replacement. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to the dry mix and 1/2 cup of yogurt to the wet mix. Don’t forget to cut the other liquids by 1/2 cup for the right balance.
Molasses, being acidic, is a healthy baking powder alternative. Mix 1/4 cup of molasses with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
| Substitute | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Cream of Tartar and Baking Soda | 2 tsp cream of tartar + 1 tsp baking soda = 1 tbsp baking powder |
| Buttermilk | 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 cup buttermilk = 1 tsp baking powder |
| Plain Yogurt | 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 cup yogurt = 1 tsp baking powder |
| Molasses | 1/4 cup molasses + 1/4 tsp baking soda = 1 tsp baking powder |
Sour Milk: A Classic Substitute
Sour milk is a great choice when you need a baking powder substitute. You can make it at home by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. This mix creates the same leavening effect as baking powder.
How to Make Sour Milk at Home
To make sour milk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This lets the milk curdle and thicken.
After the milk has soured, you can use it in place of baking powder in your recipes. For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder needed, use 1/2 cup of sour milk and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Adjust the other liquids in your recipe to keep the balance right.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1 cup |
| White Vinegar or Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
Sour milk is a handy and budget-friendly substitute for baking powder. It’s easy to make at home. If you’re out of baking powder or prefer natural ingredients, sour milk is a smart choice for your baking.
Vinegar: A Versatile Acidic Option
Vinegar comes from fermentation and has acetic acid. It can replace baking powder in recipes. Use 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder needed.
This vinegar substitute is great for recipes with lots of sugar, like cookies and cakes. It balances the vinegar’s strong taste. Vinegars are very acidic, with a pH between 2 and 3, making them perfect as a baking powder substitute.
You can swap different vinegars like white, red wine, and apple cider for each other in recipes. Lemon, lime, orange, and apple juices can also take the place of apple cider vinegar.
| Vinegar Type | pH Range |
|---|---|
| White Vinegar | 2.4 – 3.4 |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 2.8 – 3.8 |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 2.9 – 3.3 |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 2.4 – 3.1 |
Not all vinegars are gluten-free, but their acidity makes them a good baking powder substitute. With some trial, you can find the right vinegar for your baking.
Lemon Juice: A Citrusy Twist
Lemon juice is a great choice for baking when you need a baking powder substitute. It has a lot of citric acid, which works well with baking soda for leavening. To swap out 1 teaspoon of baking powder, mix 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
Think about the flavor of your recipe before using lemon juice as a substitute. It adds a unique citrus taste, so it’s best in recipes like lemon bars or lemon cakes. This can make your baked goods taste bright and tangy.
Remember, you might need to adjust the lemon juice and baking soda amounts depending on your recipe and the texture you want. Always try different amounts to get the best results when substituting ingredients in baking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
Using lemon juice can make your baked goods taste amazing with a citrusy twist. It’s perfect for adding a fresh and bright flavor to your cooking.
Club Soda: A Bubbly Solution
If you’ve ever found yourself in a baking predicament without baking powder, don’t worry! Club soda can be a great substitute. It’s a carbonated drink that has sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in it. This can help your baked goods rise.
To use club soda, just swap out any liquid in the recipe like milk or water with an equal amount of club soda. The club soda’s carbonation will mix with the recipe’s acidic parts. This creates the same rise and light texture as baking powder.
Club soda is great for many baked goods, like cakes, quickbreads, muffins, and scones. Its bubbly nature adds a unique, airy quality to your treats. It’s perfect when you’re short on baking powder.
| Baking Powder Substitute | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Club Soda | 1:1 (replace any liquid with club soda) |
So, if you’re out of baking powder, grab the club soda. It can make your baking magic happen. With a bit of trial, you might find a new favorite way to make your treats light and fluffy.
Self-Rising Flour: An All-in-One Substitute
If you’re out of baking powder or baking soda, self-rising flour is a great substitute. It’s a mix of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Just swap regular flour with self-rising flour in your recipe and leave out the baking powder and baking soda.
Self-rising flour has about 8.5% protein, less than all-purpose flour’s 11.7%. This means cookies made with it might spread more, making them bigger and flatter.
When using self-rising flour instead of baking powder, use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking powder per cup of flour. But, if a recipe calls for more than 1 teaspoon of baking powder per cup of flour, add more baking powder with self-rising flour.
Remember, don’t add baking powder or salt if using self-rising flour. These are already in the flour. For recipes needing both baking powder and baking soda, use the same amount of baking soda as with all-purpose flour.
Self-rising flour was first made in England over 100 years ago for sailors. It’s a blend of all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. To make your own, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
For recipes needing leavening agents, use self-rising flour cup-for-cup. Leave out baking powder and salt from the list of ingredients. This works well with recipes using about 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder per cup of flour.
Whipped Egg Whites: A Fluffy Alternative
Looking for a substitute for baking powder? Whipped egg whites can change the game. They’re great for making baked goods light and airy. This is especially true for pancakes, soufflés, and certain cakes.
Technique for Perfect Whipped Egg Whites
Getting your egg whites whipped just right is crucial. Here’s how to do it:
- Begin by beating the egg whites at a low speed until they get foamy and bigger.
- Then, increase the mixer speed. Keep beating until the egg whites form stiff peaks.
- Don’t overbeat them. This can make them dry and lose their fluffiness.
Whipped egg whites give a natural lift to your baked goods. They make your treats light and airy.
When using whipped egg whites instead of baking powder, fold them into your batter gently. This keeps the air in and helps your treats rise well. It also keeps them with a light and airy texture.
Tips for Adjusting Recipes with Substitutes
When using baking powder substitutes, it’s key to adjust the recipe carefully. This ensures the final product is light and fluffy. You might need to reduce other liquids to balance the moisture from the substitute. Also, adjust the sweetness if you’re using molasses as a substitute.
Pay close attention to the recipe and make smart changes. This way, your baked goods will be delicious, even without traditional baking powder. Knowing how substitutes affect the recipe lets you make tasty treats with different leavening agents.
Adjusting recipes can help with dietary needs, trying new flavors, or using what you have on hand. Learning to substitute baking powder opens up new cooking possibilities. With practice and an eye for tweaks, you’ll soon be making delicious baked goods that fit your tastes and needs.
FAQ
What can I use instead of baking powder?
You can use homemade baking powder, buttermilk, plain yogurt, molasses, sour milk, vinegar, lemon juice, club soda, and self-rising flour as substitutes.
How do I make homemade baking powder?
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of cornstarch to make homemade baking powder. This mix can replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
Can I use buttermilk instead of baking powder?
Yes, buttermilk works as a baking powder substitute. Use 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
What can I use instead of baking powder in pancakes?
For pancakes, try using plain yogurt, sour milk, or whipped egg whites instead of baking powder. These ingredients react with baking soda to leaven the batter.
Can I use vinegar instead of baking powder?
Yes, vinegar can be used as a baking powder substitute. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
Is there a vegan alternative to baking powder?
Yes, vegan options include homemade baking powder, club soda, and whipped aquafaba (from a can of chickpeas).
Source Links
- 10 Handy Substitutes for Baking Powder
- 5 Baking Powder Substitutes That’ll Get a Rise Out of Your Baked Goods
- Baking Basics: Baking Powder vs Baking Soda – Sally’s Baking Addiction
- What’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
- How to substitute baking soda or baking powder | McCormick
- The 6 Best Substitutes for Baking Powder
- 10 Baking Powder Substitutes to Save The Day
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- 10 Baking Powder Substitutes For Last-Minute Cupcake Emergencies
- Top Baking Powder Alternatives for Recipes
- 3 Yogurt Substitutes (and 3 You Should Avoid)
- Top Baking Powder Alternatives for Recipes
- Baking Powder Substitute
- Baking with liquid sweeteners
- 8 Substitutes for Baking Powder to Use When You Run Out
- 10 Best Baking Powder Substitutes That Work Like a Charm
- 9 Tried and Tested Baking Powder Substitutes
- Out of Baking Powder? Here are 8 Substitutions That Actually Work
- Top Substitutes for Baking Powder – Drizzle Me Skinny!
- 12 Baking Powder Substitutes & 5 Tips for the Best Results – Domestic Fits
- The Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes for Baking
- Apple Cider Vinegar Instead of Baking Powder?
- 10 Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes in Baking
- Citrus Powder–How to make Citrus Powder
- Top Baking Powder Alternatives for Recipes
- 7 Baking Powder Substitutes: Rev Up Recipes
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder
- How to substitute self-rising flour for all-purpose flour
- How to Make Self-Rising Flour Without a Trip to the Store
- Pancakes without Baking Powder, Fluffy Souffle Pancakes | Baker Bettie
- Pancakes without Baking Powder
- Baking Substitutions Guide: Easy Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- All the Common Baking Substitutes You’ll Ever Need to Know
