Out of baking powder? Use yogurt or vinegar as substitutes
You're preparing the ingredients for the cake, and suddenly you realize you don't have any baking powder. Who hasn't been there? There's no need to rush to the store, though. You can actually replace baking powder with common household items.
We often stock up on baking powder because it's essential for most baked goods. However, when it runs out, don't worry. You can substitute it with something you likely already have in the fridge.
Why is baking powder so important?
Baking powder is essential for cakes to rise and achieve the right fluffiness. Its primary role is leavening, made possible through a chemical reaction. This seemingly simple powder is typically composed of sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid, and starch as a carrier substance.
When baking powder is moistened and exposed to heat, it releases carbon dioxide. These gas bubbles in the dough cause it to rise, resulting in lightness after baking. However, if you find yourself without it, don't worry. We'll show you how to replace it.
Check your fridge
Baking soda is a basic substitute for baking powder, but it needs to be combined with an acid to work. This could be lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or even plain yogurt or kefir. This combination ensures fluffiness and lightness in baked goods, allowing cakes to rise nicely. Just remember to reduce the amount of liquids in the recipe so the batter isn't too thin. For half a cup of yogurt or kefir, add half a teaspoon of baking soda and mix well. This mixture can replace 2 teaspoons of baking powder.