Baking without a hitch: Simple substitutes for baking powder
You start preparing the ingredients for the cake, and suddenly you realise you don't have baking powder… Who hasn't faced this? There's no need to rush to the shop. You can actually replace baking powder.
We often buy baking powder in advance because it's needed for most baked goods. However, when it runs out, you can easily cope without it. It can be replaced by an ingredient we almost always 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 function is leavening, which occurs due to a chemical reaction. At first glance, this unassuming powder is usually composed of sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid, and starch as a carrier substance.
When baking powder is moistened and exposed to heat, it starts to release carbon dioxide. It's the presence of these gas bubbles in the dough that causes it to rise and results in lightness after baking. However, if you run out, don't worry. We'll show you how to replace it.
Check your fridge
Bicarbonate of soda is the basic substitute for baking powder. However, it will only work when combined with an acid. This could be lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or even plain yoghurt or kefir. The latter ensures the fluffiness and lightness of baked goods. Cakes with such an addition rise nicely. When using this method, just remember to reduce the amount of liquids in the recipe so that the batter isn't too thin. For about 100 ml of yoghurt or kefir, add half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, then mix well. This mixture will replace 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
