Best Baking Powder Substitutes for Pancakes

Baking Powder substitute

Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar

Use the same amount (1 tsp baking powder = ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar) as the baking powder you are replacing

Best for pancakes

Close match

For pancakes, 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 fluffy pancakes.

Compare all 5 baking powder substitutes

Find the best substitutes for baking powder in pancakes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect fluffy pancakes.

Other baking powder substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Self-Rising Flour
Close match
Use the same amount (replace all-purpose flour + baking powder with self-rising flour)
Pre-mixed flour that contains baking powder and salt.
What changes
Convenient substitute when making pancakes.
Best for
pancakes, when you want convenience, quick pancake recipes, when you're using flour
Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, so reduce or eliminate these ingredients in your pancake recipe.
3Buttermilk + Baking Soda
Different taste
Use the same amount (1 tsp baking powder = ½ tsp baking soda + ½ cup buttermilk)
Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action.
What changes
Good for when you want additional moisture in pancakes.
Best for
pancakes, when you want moisture, fluffy pancakes, when you have buttermilk
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your pancake batter. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
4Yogurt + Baking Soda
Different taste
Use the same amount (1 tsp baking powder = ½ tsp baking soda + ½ cup yogurt)
Acidic dairy product combined with baking soda that provides leavening action.
What changes
Good for when you want additional moisture in pancakes.
Best for
pancakes, when you want moisture, fluffy pancakes, when you have yogurt
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your pancake batter. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
5Lemon Juice + Baking Soda
Different taste
Use the same amount (1 tsp baking powder = ½ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp lemon juice)
Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action.
What changes
Good for when you want minimal additional ingredients in pancakes.
Best for
pancakes, when you want minimal ingredients, fluffy pancakes, when you have lemon juice
This combination provides leavening with minimal additional ingredients. The lemon juice adds a slight tangy flavor to pancakes.

How it behaves in this recipe

For pancakes, baking powder substitutes must provide the leavening action that makes pancakes fluffy and light. The recommended substitutes work because they can create the necessary rise and texture in pancake batter.

Cooking tips

Baking powder is essential for fluffy pancakes as it provides the leavening action
Mix dry ingredients thoroughly before adding wet ingredients for even distribution
Don't overmix pancake batter - lumps are okay and will create fluffier pancakes
Let pancake batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking for better results
Cook pancakes on medium heat for even browning and proper cooking
Flip pancakes only once when bubbles form on the surface
Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while cooking the rest

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

Frequently asked questions

What's the best baking powder substitute for pancakes?

Baking soda + cream of tartar works best for pancakes 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 pancakes?

Yes, self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt. When using it, reduce or eliminate these ingredients from your pancake recipe.

Why do pancakes need baking powder?

Baking powder provides the leavening action that makes pancakes fluffy and light. Without it, pancakes would be dense and flat.

Can I use buttermilk instead of baking powder in pancakes?

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 fluffy pancakes without baking powder?

Use baking soda + cream of tartar, or self-rising flour. Make sure to mix the batter gently and let it rest before cooking for best results.

Best Baking Powder Substitutes for Pancakes

Other baking powder substitutes

2Self-Rising Flour

3Buttermilk + Baking Soda

4Yogurt + Baking Soda

5Lemon Juice + Baking Soda