Baking Powder Substitutes — What to Use Instead

1 tested substitutions for baking powder with exact ratios and the science behind each swap.

Reviewed by CupOrGram Editorial TeamData methodology: NIST-derived density references + recipe testing notesMethodology
Best First Pick

Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar

Use 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder for the closest result in most recipes.

See adjustment notes →

Quick Ratio Cheat Sheet

Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder
Excellent: 1Good: 0Moderate: 0

Best by Recipe Type

Top Search Questions We Target

These are high-intent questions bakers search for. Each links to a recipe-specific substitute page with direct ratios and adjustment notes.

Can I make a cake without baking powder?

Yes. Start with Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar at 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder. This is essentially homemade baking powder. Single-acting only.

See recipe-specific answer →

What can I use instead of baking powder for cake?

Start with Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar (1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder) for the closest match.

See recipe-specific answer →

Best baking powder substitute for cake?

Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar is the top pick here. Use 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder and adjust only after a test bake.

See recipe-specific answer →

How do I substitute baking powder in cake batter?

Replace using 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder, mix as usual, then tune liquid and bake time in small steps if needed.

See recipe-specific answer →

Can I make cookies without baking powder?

Yes. Start with Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar at 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder. This is essentially homemade baking powder. Single-acting only.

See recipe-specific answer →

What can I use instead of baking powder for cookies?

Start with Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar (1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder) for the closest match.

See recipe-specific answer →

Best baking powder substitute for cookies?

Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar is the top pick here. Use 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder and adjust only after a test bake.

See recipe-specific answer →

How do I substitute baking powder in cookie dough?

Replace using 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder, mix as usual, then tune liquid and bake time in small steps if needed.

See recipe-specific answer →

Can I make muffins or quick bread without baking powder?

Yes. Start with Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar at 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder. This is essentially homemade baking powder. Single-acting only.

See recipe-specific answer →

What can I use instead of baking powder for muffins?

Start with Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar (1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder) for the closest match.

See recipe-specific answer →

Best baking powder substitute for muffins?

Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar is the top pick here. Use 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder and adjust only after a test bake.

See recipe-specific answer →

How do I substitute baking powder in muffins and quick breads?

Replace using 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder, mix as usual, then tune liquid and bake time in small steps if needed.

See recipe-specific answer →

Can I make pancakes or waffles without baking powder?

Yes. Start with Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar at 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder. This is essentially homemade baking powder. Single-acting only.

See recipe-specific answer →

What can I use instead of baking powder for pancakes?

Start with Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar (1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder) for the closest match.

See recipe-specific answer →

Best baking powder substitute for pancakes?

Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar is the top pick here. Use 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder and adjust only after a test bake.

See recipe-specific answer →

How do I substitute baking powder in pancake and waffle batter?

Replace using 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder, mix as usual, then tune liquid and bake time in small steps if needed.

See recipe-specific answer →

Can I make bread without baking powder?

Yes. Start with Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar at 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder. This is essentially homemade baking powder. Single-acting only.

See recipe-specific answer →

What can I use instead of baking powder for yeasted bread?

Start with Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar (1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder) for the closest match.

See recipe-specific answer →

Best baking powder substitute for yeasted bread?

Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar is the top pick here. Use 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder and adjust only after a test bake.

See recipe-specific answer →

How do I substitute baking powder in yeasted dough?

Replace using 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp baking powder, mix as usual, then tune liquid and bake time in small steps if needed.

See recipe-specific answer →

Worked Example

If a recipe calls for 1 cup baking powder (184g), start with your selected substitute's ratio, then run a small test bake before scaling.

Expect up to 6% variation in cup-based measurements due to brand and handling differences. Weight-first measuring is more reliable for structure-sensitive recipes.

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Pitfalls to Avoid

  • This is essentially homemade baking powder. Single-acting only.
  • Start with the listed ratio for baking powder and test a half batch before scaling.
  • Adjust liquid and bake time gradually after the first test bake.
  • Prioritize substitutions marked excellent/good for structure-sensitive recipes.

When to substitute vs when not to

Substitutions work best in forgiving recipes like muffins, quick breads, and cookies. They're riskier in precision-dependent recipes like macarons, choux pastry, or laminated doughs where the original ingredient's exact properties (fat content, water content, acidity) are critical to the chemistry.

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