How to Make Baking Powder

Co-authored by Emily Margolis

Last Updated: November 19, 2023 References

Baking powder (not to be mistaken for baking soda) is a leavening agent used to lighten doughs by releasing gas, forming bubbles causing the dough to rise. It is often bought ready mixed but you can easily make your own with a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Your Own Baking Powder

You’ll need a bowl, a sifter, a whisk, a small container with a lid, baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch or arrowroot.
Use ¼ cup (130 g) of baking soda, ¼ cup (27.5 g) of the cornstarch or arrowroot, and ½ cup (81 g) of cream of tartar.^{[1]
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This will prevent any lumps from forming in your mixture, and help to more fully incorporate all the ingredients.^{[2]
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Using a whisk, fully mix all the ingredients together.^{[3]
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It should be kept in an airtight container to prevent moisture from entering, and is good for 7 to 10 weeks.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Other Baking Powder Substitutes for Recipes

1
Use buttermilk for a rich substitute. Combine equal parts baking soda and buttermilk or plain yogurt.^{[5]
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- The cultures in these dairy products react with the baking soda to create the gas necessary for leavening your baked goods.
- Only use buttermilk as a substitute in recipes that already require wet ingredients. If necessary, reduce the measurements of the other wet ingredients to prevent your batter or dough from being too moist.
2
Try lemon juice if you don’t want to use dairy. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and baking soda for any recipes that require baking powder.^{[6]
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- The acid in the lemon juice creates the chemical reaction with the baking soda, working in a pinch if you don't have baking powder.
- Using lemon juice may leave a residual flavor, so only use it in products that you don't mind tasting mildly of citrus.
Mix ⅓ cup (113 g) of molasses with ¼ teaspoon (130 g) of baking soda. This substitution is best used in recipes that would not affect the taste much, such as in gingerbread or spice cake.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Baking Powder in Your Home

Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with ¼ cup (130 g) of baking powder. Sprinkle the combination over your carpet and leave for 10 minutes, vacuuming afterwards.^{[8]
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Use it as a cleaner. Baking powder is great for cleaning or adding a little power to many common cleaners.
- Sprinkle some baking powder in your dishwasher for an extra clean set of dishes.
- Pour 1-2 tablespoons (33-66 g) baking powder in with your laundry to help boost your detergent.
- Mix a little baking powder with hot water to create a paste and leave on dried food. It will work to remove the food from stoves, countertops, and dishes so that cleaning them down with a sponge afterwards is much easier.^{[9]
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- Clean your microwave. Mix 2-4 tablespoons (66-132 g) of baking powder with 1 cup (240 mL) of water and place the mixture in the microwave. Heat until the water boils, and allow time for it to cool in the microwave. Afterwards, it should be much easier to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
- Clean your dirty mop by soaking it in a mixture of warm water and baking soda. It will remove any unwanted odors from mold or mildew that may be trapped in the mop head.
- Clean your drains. Pour half a cup of baking soda and then half a cup of vinegar down your clogged drain. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, and then pour hot water down the drain to rinse.
Fill a clean old sock with baking powder and let set in a pair of shoes that have begun to smell. The baking powder helps to absorb the odors.^{[10]
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If you have an ant problem in your home, sprinkle a trail of baking powder mixed with salt in front of whatever entrance you think they’re using.^{[11]
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Mix baking powder with warm water to create a paste. Dip a clean toothbrush into the paste and use to scrub walls with crayon drawings on them.^{[12]
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Is baking soda good for health?

Emily Margolis
Professional Baker
Emily Margolis is a baking entrepreneur in Baltimore, MD. With over 15 years of baking experience, she founded Baking with Chef Emily in 2018, offering private baking lessons in the D.C. area.

Emily Margolis

Professional Baker

Expert Answer

Mixed with water, baking soda can function as a natural deodorant or as a balm to sooth itchy or irritated skin.

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Is baking powder necessary for cake baking

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No. There are substitutes you can find by searching online or asking someone who bakes.

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Why can't I make baking soda?

Community Answer

Baking soda is obtained either by passing carbon dioxide and ammonia through a sodium chloride solution to produce soda ash, or from mining trona ore. Much easier to just get a box of baking soda from the store!

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Tips

Keep the baking powder dry until you are ready to use it.^{[13]
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Store-bought baking powder may have traces of metal or corn in it, so making your own is a way to remove these ingredients.

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