Best Baking Powder Substitutes for Cake Guide
Find the best substitutes for baking powder in cake. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect cake texture and rise.
Quick Answer
For cake, the best baking powder substitutes are Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar (1:1), Self-Rising Flour (1:1), or Buttermilk + Baking Soda (1:1). Each provides the leavening needed for proper cake rise.
Best Substitutes
Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar
1:1 (1 tsp baking powder = 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar)Combination of baking soda and cream of tartar that replicates baking powder's leavening action. Perfect for most cake recipes.
Best for:
Mix the baking soda and cream of tartar together before adding to your cake batter. This combination provides the same leavening action as baking powder.
Self-Rising Flour
1:1 (replace all-purpose flour + baking powder with self-rising flour)Pre-mixed flour that contains baking powder and salt. Convenient substitute when making cake.
Best for:
Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, so reduce or eliminate these ingredients in your cake recipe.
Buttermilk + Baking Soda
1:1 (1 tsp baking powder = 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1/2 cup buttermilk)Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want additional moisture in cake.
Best for:
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your cake batter. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Yogurt + Baking Soda
1:1 (1 tsp baking powder = 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1/2 cup yogurt)Acidic dairy product combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want additional moisture in cake.
Best for:
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your cake batter. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Lemon Juice + Baking Soda
1:1 (1 tsp baking powder = 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp lemon juice)Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want minimal additional ingredients in cake.
Best for:
This combination provides leavening with minimal additional ingredients. The lemon juice adds a slight tangy flavor to cake.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Baking powder is essential for proper cake rise as it provides the leavening action
- 💡Mix dry ingredients thoroughly before adding wet ingredients for even distribution
- 💡Don't overmix cake batter - mix just until ingredients are combined
- 💡Bake cake on the middle rack of the oven for even cooking
- 💡Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean
- 💡Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack
- 💡Store cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best baking powder substitute for cake?
Baking soda + cream of tartar works best for cake as it provides the same leavening action as baking powder. Use 1/4 teaspoon baking soda + 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar per teaspoon of baking powder.
Can I use self-rising flour instead of baking powder in cake?
Yes, self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt. When using it, reduce or eliminate these ingredients from your cake recipe.
Why do cakes need baking powder?
Baking powder provides the leavening action that makes cakes rise and have proper texture. Without it, cakes would be dense and flat.
Can I use buttermilk instead of baking powder in cake?
Yes, but you need to add baking soda. Use 1/2 teaspoon baking soda + 1/2 cup buttermilk per teaspoon of baking powder.
How do I make cake without baking powder?
Use baking soda + cream of tartar, or self-rising flour. Make sure to mix the batter gently and bake at the correct temperature for best results.
Summary
Find the best substitutes for baking powder in cake. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect cake texture and rise.