Best Baking Soda Substitutes for Cakes

Pick substitutes that preserve tenderness, aeration, and even rise in cake batters. Cake structure depends on balanced fat, sugar, and hydration. Wrong swaps can create a dense or dry crumb.

Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData CentralMethodology

Can I make a cake without baking soda?

Yes. Start with Baking Powder at Use 3x the amount of baking powder (1 tsp soda = 1 tbsp powder), then adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.

Top Recommendation

Baking Powder

Use Use 3x the amount of baking powder (1 tsp soda = 1 tbsp powder)

Won't create the same browning. May need to remove other acids from recipe.

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How much does 1 cup of baking soda weigh?

On CupOrGram, 1 cup of baking soda is treated as 216 grams. Use the conversion page if you want the original ingredient weight before choosing a substitute.

Baking Soda cups to grams →

Common Questions for Cakes

What can I use instead of baking soda for cake?

Start with Baking Powder (Use 3x the amount of baking powder (1 tsp soda = 1 tbsp powder)). Won't create the same browning. May need to remove other acids from recipe.

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