Cups & Temps

Baking powder substitute: what to use instead

For 1 teaspoon baking powder, mix 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar. Combine it right before using and bake promptly, because this blend starts reacting as soon as it gets wet.

Ratios from university extension services and King Arthur Baking. Checked .

How much baking powder does the recipe call for?

We scale every substitute below to your amount.

Showing amounts for 1 tsp baking powder.

Baking powder substitutes, best first

  1. For 1 tsp baking powder1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (+ 1/4 tsp cornstarch if storing)Best for: cakes, biscuits, quick breads

    King Arthur and Iowa State give this ratio; Nebraska, UC and Utah State list 5/8 tsp cream of tartar, and Mississippi State/Purdue 1/3 tsp soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar. Mix just before using.

  2. For 1 tsp baking powder1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 cup buttermilk, sour milk or yogurtBest for: recipes that already contain milk

    Cut the recipe's other liquid by 1/2 cup (Mississippi State, Purdue, NMSU).

  3. For 1 tsp baking powder1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 Tbsp vinegar or lemon juice, plus sweet milk to make 1/2 cupBest for: pancakes, muffins

    Reduce other liquid by 1/2 cup (Utah State, Purdue).

  4. For 1 tsp baking powder1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/4 to 1/2 cup molassesBest for: gingerbread and spice cakes

    Molasses adds sweetness and color; adjust sugar and liquid (Utah State, Purdue).

What not to use

Baking soda by itself in a recipe with no acid: soda only releases gas when it meets an acid, so the bake rises poorly. Don't swap soda for powder 1:1 either.

Why the swaps work

Baking powder is baking soda already mixed with a dry acid (and starch). Double-acting powder makes gas once when wet and again in the oven's heat.

Questions people ask

Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder?

Only with an acid. Use 1/4 tsp soda plus 1/2 tsp cream of tartar, or 1/4 tsp soda with 1/2 cup buttermilk (and 1/2 cup less other liquid), per 1 tsp powder.

How do I test if baking powder is still good?

Stir about a teaspoon into a tablespoon of water; fizzing means it's active (King Arthur).

Is homemade baking powder double-acting?

No. A soda-plus-acid mix reacts right away, so get the batter into the oven quickly.

What can I use instead of baking powder?

For 1 teaspoon baking powder, mix 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar. Combine it right before using and bake promptly, because this blend starts reacting as soon as it gets wet.

What can I substitute for baking powder?

For 1 teaspoon baking powder, mix 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar. Combine it right before using and bake promptly, because this blend starts reacting as soon as it gets wet.

Sources