🍪 Examples of Baking Powder in Use:
Vanilla Cake – where there’s no other acidic ingredient.
Sugar Cookies – for light and fluffy texture.
Scones or Biscuits – when you’re not using an acid like buttermilk.
⚠️ Important Notes:
Easier to use for beginners, since no additional acid is required.
Cannot substitute 1:1 with baking soda (you’ll need more baking powder).
🔄 Can You Substitute One for the Other?
Baking Soda → Baking Powder: Yes, but use 3x more baking powder than baking soda. It may slightly affect taste and texture.
Baking Powder → Baking Soda: Only if you add an acid, and use 1/3 the amount of baking soda.
🧪 Quick Summary Table:
Property Baking Soda Baking Powder
Composition Sodium bicarbonate Baking soda + acid + starch
Needs acid to work? Yes No (already contains acid)
Strength Stronger Weaker
Taste if misused Bitter or metallic Mild
Examples Banana bread, cookies w/ brown sugar Cakes, muffins without acidic ingredients
Substitution Use less Use 2-3x more
âś… Pro Tip:
When in doubt, check the recipe ingredients:
If you see lemon, buttermilk, yogurt, vinegar, or brown sugar → likely needs baking soda.
If there’s no acidic ingredient → use baking powder
