To add volume and texture to baked goods, you need to use baking powder. But what if you are in the middle of a baking project and you realize that you don’t have this common ingredient? Don’t freak out. You can give these substitutes a try:

Egg Whites

If you are making meringues, pancakes, or other types of cakes and you run out of baking powder or baking soda, one good replacement would be whipped egg whites. You can expect a light and airy texture to what you are making because when you whip egg whites, tiny air bubbles are created. That’s what increases the volume and lightness. To achieve this, you need to beat the egg whites at low speed until they are foamy.

Self-Rising Flour

Self-rising flour is an excellent ingredient that can definitely serve as a replacement for baking powder. It can make your baked goods rise. You simply have to replace the regular flour in the recipe with self-rising flour.

Club Soda

This carbonated beverage contains sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda. Therefore, you can also use it as a leavening agent. But you have to keep in mind that club soda contains a little bit of sodium bicarbonate, so it would be good to utilize this substitute in recipes that require a minimal amount of baking powder.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is almost similar to plain yogurt. Since it is fermented, it has a sour and slightly tangy taste. It is actually the result of churning sweet cream into butter. Its leavening effect like that of baking powder is due to its acidity.

If you opt to use buttermilk, it is highly recommended that you reduce the amount of other liquid in the recipe.

Molasses

Molasses is not only a good replacement for refined sugar but also baking powder. Combine it with baking soda, and you can expect an acid-base reaction. With this option, you must reduce the amount of liquid as well as that of sweeteners.

Plain Yogurt

Just like buttermilk, plain yogurt is formed through milk fermentation. It acts as an excellent leavening agent without altering the flavor of whatever you are making.

Again, you have to reduce the amount of liquid if you decide to use plain yogurt as a substitute for baking powder.

Sour Milk

Since sour milk goes through acidification, its pH levels are reduced. This allows it to produce the same effect as that of baking powder.

Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is a by-product of winemaking. It is commonly utilized to prevent the formation of sugar crystals. But aside from that, it can replace baking powder as well. The ratio would be 2:1.

Lemon Juice

Needless to say, lemon juice is very acidic, which allows it to trigger an acid-base reaction when mixed with baking soda. It has a strong flavor, though, so it would be good to use it in small amounts.

Vinegar

Vinegar may be highly acidic, but it can be a very useful ingredient in various baked goods. Pair it with baking soda and you can expect an excellent leavening effect.

As you can see, there are many ingredients that can substitute baking powder. However, you should take a look at the flavor profile of what you are making so that you will be able to pick the appropriate replacement.