Baking powder and baking soda are both leavening agents used in baking. Some recipes call for baking powder, baking soda or a combination of both. When both are used in a recipe, the baking powder does most of the leavening and the baking soda is used to neutralize the acids and add tenderness. Baking powder does lose it’s potency after a while, so I mix up small batches whenever I need them.
I started mixing my own baking powder quite a while ago. I ran out once and didn’t want to run to the store. I knew you could mix it up at home, but had never done it. So I looked up a recipe on-line. It’s so quick and easy, I’ve been mixing it up fresh ever since. I also like homemade baking powder because I can make it aluminum free. Homemade baking powder is not double acting like most of what you buy in the store, so it’s important to bake the item right away. (I chill the dough, sometimes overnight and have never had issue with cookies not rising, so I guess baking right away isn’t really necessary). Homemade Baking Powder
1 teaspoon baking soda (I use aluminum free)
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon corn starch *optional
Mix all ingredients in a small jar. If you are using right away, there is no need to add corn starch, *add if you’re planning on storing baking powder for future use.
It costs a little less than 18 cents for each batch you make following this recipe, if I didn’t add corn starch it would cost only 14 cents per batch. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t buy organic aluminum free baking powder for this price and it certainly wouldn’t be as fresh. I’ve always had great results with this homemade baking powder. So next time you’re in a pinch and need baking powder, mix some up at home. You’ll be surprised by how quick and easy it is.
Have you ever mixed up your own baking powder?
Susy can also be found at Chiot’s Run where she blogs about organic gardening, local eating and all kinds of other stuff, like sugaring your maples.
Never heard of it – and a great idea! I’ll have to give it a shot as we are looking more and more for organic pantry items.
That is so cool, never heard of making your own before. I will have to try it.
So simple–who knew!
I have never realized that making baking powder is so easy! Can I ask why it’s good to add corn starch if you want to store the baking powder. Does it make it to last longer or something like that?
The corn starch helps wick moisture away from the two active ingredients. Because baking powder reacts with moisture, you don’t want to get any moisture in it or it will render it useless (or less effective) so the cornstarch is added to absorb any moisture that might get in the container. If you’re using it right away there’s no need to add it because you’re going to be adding it to a recipe.
Thank you very much for your reply. Now it is all clear. You explain it very well.
Couple of questions– do you then use this in identical quantities as called for by the recipe? How fresh does the cream of tartar need to be?
Also, keeping the recipe on the jar is brilliant!
Yes, you use it in the same amount called for in the recipe. I’ve used old cream of tartar, a really old bag I found in my cabinet once and it worked fine!
I kept forgetting the recipe and I’d have to look it up. Since I only mix up small batches I figured keeping it on the jar would the easiest way.
Looking forward to mixing some up today! I loved seeing the bulk food bags from the Ashery –was just there on Saturday.
I love Ashery, you can find so many great things there at such great prices!
I’ve never made homemade baking powder before, but I had no idea it was so simple. I’m always looking for ways to keep fewer things on hand — nice to know I can make baking powder out of what I already have! Great tip.
Thanks so much for sharing! I had no idea…
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Simple is so great! Thanks for sharing this little “secret” with the rest of us! I just had to share it with my friends over at Fishes and Loaves.
I don’t use a lot of baking powder so I just buy a little and store it in an airtight jar. If I think it’s getting old I add some to a bit of water. If it froths its okay.
I SO love this site…..thanks for another great alternative to the store bought items.
That’s awesome. I had no idea.
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