How To Make Your Own Baking Powder

By Danilo Alfaro

Photo © Melissa Wiese

How To Make Your Own Baking Powder

Most biscuits, muffins and quickbreads require baking powder. But what if you're all out? If you try to substitute baking soda, your results could be less than desirable. Don't despair, though — you can make your own baking powder using two common ingredients: baking soda and cream of tartar.

Unfortunately, if you don't have both baking soda and cream of tartar, you're going to have to go to the store. While you're there, you might was well pick up all three items, just so you'll have them on hand. Here's an article that discusses the difference between baking soda and baking powder.

Note: The recipe that follows will make 1 tablespoon of baking powder.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 1 minute

Here's How:

1. Measure 1 teaspoon baking soda and 2 teaspoons cream of tartar into a bowl.
2. Mix until thoroughly combined and use right away.

Tips:

1. It's best to mix up only as much as you need at the moment. If you plan to store it, add a teaspoon of corn starch and make sure you keep it tightly sealed in an airtight container.
2. If you want to make a larger (or smaller) amount, you can easily adjust the quantities. Here's a cooking measurement calculator that can help.

What You Need

• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cream of tartar