Best Baking Powder Substitutes
Out of baking powder? These are the best baking powder substitutes you can use in cooking and baking — ranked by how well they work in most recipes. Whether you need a dairy-free swap, a pantry staple alternative, or just ran out mid-recipe, one of these 4 options will have you covered.
Baking Powder Substitution Options
¼ tsp Baking Soda + ½ tsp Cream of Tartar
Use instead of Baking Powder
The most reliable substitute — cream of tartar provides the acid baking powder needs to react. Use this 1:1 ratio and it will leaven exactly the same. Works in any baked good.
¼ tsp Baking Soda + ½ tsp Lemon Juice
Use instead of Baking Powder
The baking soda reacts with lemon juice to create CO2 for leavening. Add baking soda to dry ingredients and lemon juice to wet, then combine quickly and bake immediately.
¼ tsp Baking Soda + ½ cup Buttermilk (reduce other liquid by ½ cup)
Use instead of Baking Powder
Buttermilk's acidity activates baking soda for lift. Reduce other liquids in the recipe by ½ cup to compensate. Works especially well in pancakes, cakes, and muffins.
Self-Rising Flour (replace 1 cup all-purpose flour with self-rising and omit salt)
Use instead of Baking Powder
Self-rising flour already contains baking powder (about 1½ tsp per cup) and salt. If your recipe calls for baking powder and all-purpose flour, swap to self-rising and remove added salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for baking powder?
The best substitutes for baking powder are ¼ tsp Baking Soda + ½ tsp Cream of Tartar, ¼ tsp Baking Soda + ½ tsp Lemon Juice, ¼ tsp Baking Soda + ½ cup Buttermilk (reduce other liquid by ½ cup). The most reliable substitute — cream of tartar provides the acid baking powder needs to react. Use this 1:1 ratio and it will leaven exactly the same. Works in any baked good.
Can I use ¼ tsp Baking Soda + ½ tsp Lemon Juice instead of baking powder?
The baking soda reacts with lemon juice to create CO2 for leavening. Add baking soda to dry ingredients and lemon juice to wet, then combine quickly and bake immediately.
How do I substitute baking powder in baking?
When substituting baking powder in baking, it's important to match the ratio carefully. Check the individual substitution notes above for exact measurements and tips for each swap.