🥧 Baking

Can You Substitute Baking Soda for Baking Powder? Guide

Learn how to substitute baking soda for baking powder in your recipes. Get proper ratios, adjustments, and tips for successful substitutions.

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Quick Answer

Yes, you can substitute baking soda for baking powder, but you need to add an acidic ingredient. Use 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder.

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 baking applications.

Best for:

most baking applicationswhen you want same leaveningcakesmuffinscookies

Mix the baking soda and cream of tartar together before adding to your recipe. This combination provides the same leavening action as baking powder.

Baking Soda + Buttermilk

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.

Best for:

when you want moisturecakesmuffinswhen you have buttermilkbiscuits

This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your recipe. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.

Baking Soda + Lemon Juice

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.

Best for:

when you want minimal ingredientscakesmuffinswhen you have lemon juicequick breads

This combination provides leavening with minimal additional ingredients. The lemon juice adds a slight tangy flavor.

Baking Soda + Vinegar

1:1 (1 tsp baking powder = 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp vinegar)

Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want minimal additional ingredients.

Best for:

when you want minimal ingredientscakesmuffinswhen you have vinegarquick breads

This combination provides leavening with minimal additional ingredients. The vinegar adds a slight tangy flavor.

Baking Soda + Yogurt

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.

Best for:

when you want moisturecakesmuffinswhen you have yogurtbiscuits

This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your recipe. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Baking soda needs an acidic ingredient to work as a leavening agent
  • 💡Mix baking soda and acidic ingredient together before adding to your recipe
  • 💡Baking soda + cream of tartar provides the most similar results to baking powder
  • 💡When using liquid acids, adjust other liquid ingredients in your recipe
  • 💡Baking soda is more powerful than baking powder, so use less
  • 💡Test your baking soda by mixing with vinegar - it should bubble immediately
  • 💡Store baking soda in an airtight container to prevent clumping

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Learn how to substitute baking soda for baking powder in your recipes. Get proper ratios, adjustments, and tips for successful substitutions.