Best Cream of Tartar 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 Central, in-house testingMethodology

Can I make a cake without cream of tartar?

Yes. Start with Baking Powder at Use 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder for 1 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, then adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.

Top Recommendation

Baking Powder

Use Use 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder for 1 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Useful when cream of tartar is paired with baking soda.

View full adjustment notes →

How much does 1 cup of cream of tartar weigh?

On CupOrGram, 1 cup of cream of tartar is treated as 162 grams. Use the conversion page if you want the original ingredient weight before choosing a substitute.

Cream of Tartar cups to grams →

Alternative Options for Cakes

Common Questions for Cakes

Can I make a cake without cream of tartar?

Yes. Start with Baking Powder at Use 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder for 1 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Useful when cream of tartar is paired with baking soda.

What can I use instead of cream of tartar for cake?

Top options are Baking Powder (Use 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder for 1 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/2 teaspoon baking soda) plus Lemon Juice (2 teaspoons lemon juice per 1 teaspoon cream of tartar).

Best cream of tartar substitute for cake?

Baking Powder is the top pick here. Use Use 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder for 1 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and adjust only after a test bake.

How do I substitute cream of tartar in cake batter?

Replace using Use 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder for 1 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, mix as usual, then tune liquid and bake time in small steps if needed.

More Recipe Contexts