Out of Baking powder, one case
Can you substitute baking soda for baking powder?
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
Yes, you can substitute baking soda for baking powder, but you need to add an acidic ingredient. Use ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- most baking applications
One casethe full baking powder card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp baking powder | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baking soda + cream of tartarmost baking applications | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartarWorks | Works |
| 2 | Baking soda + buttermilkwhen you want moisture | ½ tsp baking soda + ½ cup buttermilkTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Baking soda + lemon juicewhen you want minimal ingredients | ½ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp lemon juiceTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Baking soda + vinegarwhen you want minimal ingredients | ½ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp vinegarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Baking soda + yogurtwhen you want moisture | ½ tsp baking soda + ½ cup yogurtTweak 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 baking applications.
- Best for
- most baking applications, when you want same leavening, cakes, muffins, cookies
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
different taste, similar texture
Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want additional moisture.
- Best for
- when you want moisture, cakes, muffins, when you have buttermilk, biscuits
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your recipe. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Baking soda + lemon juice
different taste, similar texture
Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want minimal additional ingredients.
- Best for
- when you want minimal ingredients, cakes, muffins, when you have lemon juice, quick breads
This combination provides leavening with minimal additional ingredients. The lemon juice adds a slight tangy flavor.
Baking soda + vinegar
different taste, similar texture
Acidic liquid combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want minimal additional ingredients.
- Best for
- when you want minimal ingredients, cakes, muffins, when you have vinegar, quick breads
This combination provides leavening with minimal additional ingredients. The vinegar adds a slight tangy flavor.
Baking soda + yogurt
different taste, similar texture
Acidic dairy product combined with baking soda that provides leavening action. Good for when you want additional moisture.
- Best for
- when you want moisture, cakes, muffins, when you have yogurt, biscuits
This combination provides leavening and adds moisture to your recipe. Adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting baking soda for baking powder, the main consideration is that baking soda needs an acidic ingredient to work. The recommended combinations work because they provide the necessary acid to activate the baking soda and create the leavening action.
Tips for substituting baking powder
7 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
Notes on baking powder
- Use baking soda + cream of tartar for most similar results
- Use baking soda + buttermilk for additional moisture
- Use baking soda + lemon juice for minimal ingredients
- Use baking soda + vinegar for minimal ingredients
Questions
5 questionsCan I use baking soda instead of baking powder?
Yes, but you need to add an acidic ingredient like cream of tartar, buttermilk, or lemon juice. Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda + ½ teaspoon cream of tartar per teaspoon of baking powder.
What's the difference between baking powder and baking soda?
Baking powder contains baking soda plus an acid (cream of tartar), while baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate. Baking powder provides double-acting leavening, while baking soda needs an acid to work.
Why do I need an acid with baking soda?
Baking soda needs an acid to create the chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, which makes baked goods rise. Without an acid, baking soda won't work as a leavening agent.
Can I use just baking soda without an acid?
No, baking soda alone won't work as a leavening agent. It needs an acidic ingredient to create the chemical reaction that makes baked goods rise.
Which acid works best with baking soda?
Cream of tartar works best as it provides the most similar results to baking powder. Buttermilk and yogurt also work well and add moisture to your recipe.