Out of Baking powder, one case
Baking powder substitutes for pancakes
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 pancakes, replace each teaspoon of baking powder with ¼ teaspoon baking soda plus ½ teaspoon cream of tartar, or with ¼ teaspoon baking soda plus ½ cup buttermilk swapped in for ½ cup of the milk. Self-rising flour, cup for cup in place of the flour, also works. Each provides the leavening needed for fluffy pancakes.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- pancakes
One casethe full baking powder card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp baking powder | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baking soda + cream of tartarpancakes | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartarWorks | Works |
| 2 | Self-rising flourpancakes | 1 cup self-rising flour per 1 cup all-purpose flourWorks | Works |
| 3 | Buttermilk + baking sodapancakes | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ cup buttermilkTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Yogurt + baking sodapancakes | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ cup yogurtTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Lemon juice + baking sodapancakes | ¼ tsp baking soda + 1 tbsp 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 fluffy pancakes.
- Best for
- pancakes, when you want same leavening, fluffy pancakes, most pancake recipes
Mix the baking soda and cream of tartar together before adding to your pancake 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 pancakes.
- Best for
- pancakes, when you want convenience, quick pancake recipes, when you're using flour
Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, so leave both out of your pancake 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 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. Use it in place of ½ cup of the recipe's milk.
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 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. Use it in place of ½ cup of the recipe's milk.
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 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. Take 1 tablespoon of the recipe's milk out to make room for it.
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.
Tips for substituting baking powder
7 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
- With the baking soda blends, cook the batter soon after mixing: they release their gas as soon as they are wet and hold none back for the griddle
- 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
Questions
5 questionsWhat'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 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 pancakes?
Yes, self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt. Use it cup for cup in place of the flour and leave both out of 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 ¼ teaspoon baking soda + ½ cup buttermilk per teaspoon of baking powder, and take ½ cup of the recipe's milk out.
How do I make fluffy pancakes without baking powder?
Use baking soda + cream of tartar, or self-rising flour. Mix the batter gently and, with the baking soda blend, cook it soon after mixing, because it fizzes once and stops.