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How to Easily Make Your Own Baking Powder

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November 25, 2022 by Rhonda Leave a Comment

Is there anything more frustrating than preparing to make a recipe and realizing you’re out of baking powder? Or are you trying to avoid harmful ingredients in store-bought products? Knowing how to make your own baking powder can save you frustration, money, and time. It’s fast and easy. Learn how to make it and get those homemade goodies in the oven today!

baking powder in a clear class bowl with measuring spoon in the bowl for how to make your own baking powder post

Baking powder is a key ingredient in many baked goods, as it helps to leaven batters and doughs. However, buying baking powder can be expensive, and it can also contain unwanted additives or preservatives.

In This Article show
Why Would You Want to Make Your Own Baking Powder?
FAQs About Homemade Baking Powder
What is Cream of Tarter and is it safe?
What is Arrowroot powder?
How do I store homemade baking powder?
What is the shelf life of baking powder I make myself?
How to test if baking powder is expired
Recipe to Make Your Own Baking Powder
Notes
Wrap Up

Why Would You Want to Make Your Own Baking Powder?

  • It’s Aluminum-free. Unlike most store-bought baking powders, this one doesn’t contain sodium aluminum sulfate.
  • GMO Corn-free. You can leave the cornstarch out altogether or use non-Gmo cornstarch. You could also use organic arrowroot powder.
  • Can be gluten-free. Using cornstarch, even non-GMO cornstarch will mean it contains corn gluten. The gluten that affects people with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is not the same type of gluten.
  • Avoid a metallic taste. You’ll never have to worry about your baked goods tasting of aluminum.
baking powder being added to flour

FAQs About Homemade Baking Powder

What is Cream of Tarter and is it safe?

Cream of Tarter is otherwise known as potassium bitartrate or tartaric acid which has had a chemical reaction with potassium hydroxide.

Cream of tartar is found in wine barrels or at the bottom of wine bottles. It’s scraped off, heated, pulverized, and processed. From what I can learn, sodium and carbon are used in the processing. It does not seem to have any bleaching or other harsh agents.

Although Cream of Tartar can be pricey, making your own baking powder is still more cost-effective than buying it pre-made. If you plan on using large quantities or want to store it for long periods of time, then buy Cream of Tartar in bulk. You can save even more if you look for potassium bitartrate instead and buy it in bulk.

Organic cream of tarter used to be sold by a couple of companies but I can’t find them anymore. I’m not sure what happened.

What is Arrowroot powder?

Arrowroot powder is used instead of GMO cornstarch. If you can’t find organic or non-GMO cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder. You can use it in any recipe that calls for cornstarch.

If you have a corn allergy, using arrowroot powder is the solution.

If you’re only making a small batch to use immediately, arrowroot powder isn’t necessary. However, if you plan to make a large batch of baking powder and store it, adding arrowroot will prevent it from absorbing moisture.

How do I store homemade baking powder?

Just like the store-bought stuff, DIY baking powder can be stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place like your pantry. I store mine in a glass jar on a shelf in my cabinet.

What is the shelf life of baking powder I make myself?

If you bake often and make your own baking powder, it will probably last until it’s gone. If you don’t bake often, be sure to test its freshness before using it in a recipe. Using “flat” or “dead” baking powder will cause your recipe to fail.

How to test if baking powder is expired

To test whether it’s still “alive”, mix one teaspoon with 1/3 cup of water. If it fizzes, then it is active and can be used in your recipe.

grandmother and granddaughter making cookies using homemade baking powder

Recipe to Make Your Own Baking Powder

  • 4 Tbsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 cup Pure Cream of Tartar
  • 4 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder (or GMO-free cornstarch)
  1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and combine well.
  2. Store in an air-tight container in a cool dry place.

Notes

  1. It’s easy to make a larger or smaller batch than this recipe. Always keep the ratio of 1 part baking soda, 1 part arrowroot powder or cornstarch, and 2 parts cream of tartar.
  2. This recipe yields a single-acting baking powder, which means it reacts when it comes in contact with liquid. So it’s crucial to add it to the bowl just before adding the liquid portions and combine them quickly. Be sure to get your baked goods in the oven immediately.
    • Most store-bought varieties are double-acting which means a second acid is in it that will react when the heat of the oven.

Wrap Up

Knowing how to make your own baking powder can save money and avoid unnecessary chemicals in your baking. It’s easy to do, using simple ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder or cornstarch, and cream of tartar.

By making it yourself, you can be sure that it’s fresh and free of additives. You can store it in an airtight container and use it whenever you need it.

Tips to Remember

Test your baking powder by mixing one teaspoon with 1/3 cup of water. If it fizzes, then it can still be used.

You can easily increase or decrease the amount of this recipe you make. Just remember the ratio of 1 to 1 to 2 – one part baking soda, one part arrowroot powder or cornstarch, and two parts cream of tartar.

This recipe quickly reacts once the liquid is added, meaning you must add the baking powder to the bowl right before adding any liquids. Stir the ingredients together quickly and make sure to get your baked goods in the oven right away.

Now, make your own baking powder, and get those homemade goodies in the oven!

As always, we’re here to help.

You might also enjoy other From Scratch Recipes

Classic Einkorn Yellow Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Sausage Gravy Recipes

DIY baking powder in a clear class bowl with a black measuring spoon in it
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Filed Under: Healthy, Natural Living, Home & Kitchen Tips, Recipes Tagged With: from scratch baking, from scratch recipes, kitchen tips

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Welcome! I’m Rhonda, owner and found of The Farmer’s Lamp. We share old-timey, down-to-earth, common sense homestead knowledge, and experience.

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