Baking powder substitute
Out of baking powder? Here are 4 swaps that work, with exact amounts scaled to your recipe.
The best baking powder substitutes
Baking powder is baking soda plus a dry acid. It releases gas when wet and again when heated, making batters rise. The best all-round swap is baking soda + cream of tartar: mix fresh and use right away.
| Substitute | For 1 tsp baking powder, use | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Baking soda + cream of tartar | 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar | Any baking |
| Baking soda + buttermilk or yogurt | 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt | Pancakes, biscuits, cakes |
| Baking soda + lemon juice or vinegar | 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar | Quick breads, muffins |
| Self-rising flour | 1 cup self-rising flour per cup of flour in the recipe | Biscuits, pancakes |
How to choose
- Match the jobThink about what baking powder does in your recipe, then pick the swap listed for that kind of dish.
- Scale the amountEnter your recipe's amount in the tool above and every swap rescales automatically.
- Check the tagsGreen Healthier swaps cut calories or add protein. Vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free swaps are tagged too.
Missing something else? The full ingredient substitute finder covers 20 ingredients, and our recipe calorie calculator shows how a swap changes your recipe's nutrition.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of baking powder?
The best substitute for 1 tsp baking powder is baking soda + cream of tartar: 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar. Mix fresh and use right away.
How do I make baking powder?
Mix 1/4 tsp baking soda with 1/2 tsp cream of tartar to replace 1 tsp baking powder. Use it right away.
Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder?
Only with an acid. Use 1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 cup buttermilk or yogurt (and cut other liquid by 1/2 cup) per 1 tsp baking powder.
References
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Ingredient substitute finder
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Recipe scaler
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Cups to grams converter
Convert cups, tablespoons and grams for 30 ingredients, measured the way bakers do.
What can I make with these ingredients?
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