Skip to content

📦 Free U.S.Shipping For All Orders Over $40.

✈️ Now Shipping International! Afordable Shipping & Custom Included.

Welcome guest

Please login or register
Click & Get 35%OFF at Checkout!

Baking Powder vs Baking Soda: Understanding the Difference

Antoine Elie @

Baking powder and baking soda are essential ingredients in the kitchen, but understanding the difference between them is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and rise in your baked goods. Both are leavening agents used to create gas bubbles in doughs and batters, but they have different chemical properties and react differently to other ingredients.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, produces carbon dioxide gas when mixed with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice, buttermilk, or sour cream. This gas expands under hot temperatures and causes baked goods to rise. In contrast, baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate, an acidifying agent, and a drying agent, which activate the baking powder when mixed with liquid. There are two types of baking powder - single-acting and double-acting, with the latter being the more popular choice for homemade baked goods.

Using the wrong leavening agent in a recipe can result in flat or inedible baked goods. Baking soda is best suited for recipes that require an acidic ingredient, such as cookies and muffins, while baking powder is ideal for cakes and bread. In some rare cases, recipes may require both baking soda and baking powder to neutralize the batter or dough.

It's also important to check the freshness of these ingredients before use, as they can lose their potency over time. To check freshness, a simple test can be performed. For baking powder, add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to a cup of hot tap water. If it bubbles and fizzes, it's still good to use. For baking soda, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 teaspoons of vinegar. If it bubbles and fizzes, it's still good to use. If there's no reaction, it's time to replace them.

In conclusion, using the correct leavening agent is crucial to achieving the desired texture and taste in baked goods. By understanding the difference between baking powder and baking soda, you can ensure your recipes turn out perfectly every time.

Sources & References:

  1. American Chemical Society. (2019). Baking Powder Vs. Baking Soda: Chemical Differences. Retrieved from https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/2019-2020/october-2019/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda.html

  2. Joy of Baking. (2022). Baking Powder and Baking Soda. Retrieved from https://www.joyofbaking.com/bakingpowder.html

  3. King Arthur Baking Company. (2022). Baking Powder Vs. Baking Soda. Retrieved from https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2018/09/19/baking-powder-vs-baking-soda

Latest Recipes Articles!

Great crêpe recipes & Inspirations :)

  • Fluffy Chocolate Crêpe Cake

    Fluffy Chocolate Crêpe Cake

    Antoine Elie @

    Indulge in a unique twist on the classic Crêpe cake with this Fluffy Chocolate Crêpe Cake. What sets it apart is the incredibly light and airy texture of the crêpes, achieved by beating egg whites and folding them into the batter. While cooking crêpes soufflé may require a bit more time and effort, the end result is absolutely worth it!

  • Crêpes Suzette

    Crêpes Suzette

    Flipcrêpes Administrator @

    Crêpes Suzette is a classic French dessert that has been enjoyed for over a century. It is said to have originated in the late 19th century, when a young waiter accidentally set fire to a dish of crêpes he was preparing for the Prince of Wales' entourage. The quick-thinking chef who came to his rescue managed to turn the mistake into a delicious dessert by adding sugar, butter, orange juice, and Grand Marnier to the pan, creating a caramelized sauce that he poured over the crêpes. The dish was named after the young prince's companion, Suzette, and became an instant hit among French aristocrats and high society. Today, Crêpes Suzette is still considered a luxurious and elegant dessert, often served in fine dining restaurants and special occasions around the world.
  • Cherry & Cream Crêpe Cups

    Cherry & Cream Crêpe Cups

    Antoine Elie @

    If you're looking for a delightful treat to serve at your next party, our mini Cherry & Cream Crêpe Cups are an excellent choice, particularly for events where food is passed around on trays. These crêpe cups have a crunchy texture and are sturdy enough to hold a creamy or mousse-based filling without becoming soggy, especially if you assemble them at the last minute. While Amarena Cherries are an excellent ingredient for this recipe, feel free to use any seasonal fruits of your choice, such as blueberries, kiwi, or mango.
  • Crêpe lasagna with goat cheese and Bolognese

    Crêpe lasagna with goat cheese and Bolognese

    Antoine Elie @

    Introducing a unique and indulgent twist on a classic Italian favorite - Goat Cheese Bolognese Crêpe Lasagna made with the Gluten-Free Flipcrêpes Buckwheat-Millet crêpe mix. This decadent dish combines layers of savory Bolognese sauce, creamy goat cheese, and delicate crepes made with the finest gluten-free ingredients.
  • Frangipane Crêpes

    Frangipane Crêpes

    Flipcrêpes Administrator @

    Despite its association with fancy pastry chefs, Frangipane is actually one of the simplest and most versatile recipes in a chef's toolkit. This delectable ingredient can be used in numerous ways, beyond just tarts, and it pairs particularly well with fall fruits such as pears, as well as stone fruits like cherries and apricots.
  • La complète on buckwheat galette

    La complète on buckwheat galette

    Flipcrêpes administrator @

    Definitely on of the most popular galette in France is, La Complète which consist of grated Emmental cheese, a slice of ham, and an egg cooked on top.

Continue Shopping

We think you might like these products.

Your Cart

Your Cart is empty
Let's fix that

You might like...

Search our store

Your Wishlist