Out of Baking powder, one case
Baking powder substitutes for cake
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Baking soda + cream of tartar
Per 1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar
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.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cake
One casethe full baking powder card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp baking powder | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baking soda + cream of tartarcake | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartarWorks | Works |
| 2 | Self-rising flourcake | Same amountReplace all-purpose flour + baking powder with self-rising flourWorks | Works |
| 3 | Buttermilk + baking sodacake | ½ tsp baking soda + ½ cup buttermilkTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Yogurt + baking sodacake | ½ tsp baking soda + ½ cup yogurtTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Lemon juice + baking sodacake | ½ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp lemon juiceTweak it | Tweak it |
Baking soda + cream of tartar
similar taste and texture
Combination of baking soda and cream of tartar that replicates baking powder's leavening action. Good for most cake recipes.
- Best for
- cake, when you want same leavening, most cake recipes, chocolate cake
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
similar taste and texture
Pre-mixed flour that contains baking powder and salt. Convenient substitute when making cake.
- Best for
- cake, when you want convenience, quick cake recipes, when you're using flour
Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, so reduce or eliminate these ingredients in your cake recipe.
Buttermilk + baking soda
different taste, similar texture
Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want additional moisture in cake.
- Best for
- cake, when you want moisture, moist cake, when you have buttermilk
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your cake batter. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Yogurt + baking soda
different taste, similar texture
Acidic dairy product combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want additional moisture in cake.
- Best for
- cake, when you want moisture, moist cake, when you have yogurt
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your cake batter. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Lemon juice + baking soda
different taste, similar texture
Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want minimal additional ingredients in cake.
- Best for
- cake, when you want minimal ingredients, most cake recipes, when you have lemon juice
This combination provides leavening with minimal additional ingredients. The lemon juice adds a slight tangy flavor to cake.
How it behaves in this recipe
For cake, baking powder substitutes must provide the leavening action that makes cakes rise and have proper texture. The recommended substitutes work because they can create the necessary rise and texture in cake batter.
Tips for substituting baking powder
7 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
Notes on baking powder
- Use baking soda + cream of tartar for most similar results
- Use self-rising flour for convenience
- Use buttermilk + baking soda for additional moisture
- Use yogurt + baking soda for additional moisture
Questions
5 questionsWhat'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 ¼ teaspoon baking soda + ½ 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 ½ teaspoon baking soda + ½ 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.