How To Test Baking Powder

One of the most important basics to perform before baking is to test your baking powder for freshness, especially if it has sat in cupboard for awhile. Below find tips on How To Test Baking Powder to see if it is still active.

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Challenges With Expired Baking Powder

If it has been awhile since you last baked, it is important to test your baking powder to ensure that it is still active and below are the top reasons for testing. The good news, it is incredibly simple to check if your baking powder is still good.

1. Recipes will not rise properly if the baking powder is no longer active. This can lead to pancakes, cake and dumplings that are not light and fluffy.
2. Texture issues is a common problem with expired baking powder. Baked goods will often be heavy and dense with a crumbly grainy texture.
3. For many people that take the time to bake, having their baked goods fall flat can be a frustrating and expensive experience.

Baking Powder vs Baking Soda

Baking powder and baking soda are both leavening agents that give rise to baked goods. In other words, they make cake fluffy and give it wonderful texture.

In a nutshell, the difference between the two is that baking soda needs an acid to be part of the recipe to give the baked item its rise. On the other hand, baking powder already has the acid added to it.

How To Tell If Baking Powder Is Still Good

1. Place 1 teaspoon on baking powder in a small heat safe bowl.
2. Heat about 1/2 cup of water in a microwave safe container for about 1 1/2-2 minutes.
3. Fromm the heated water pour 1 tablespoon of hot water over the top of the baking powder. If it bubbles similar to the picture below, it is still good. If there are no bubbles or there are very few, it is time for new baking powder.

Best Substitution

Buttermilk, plain yogurt and molasses can all be used as a substitution for baking powder. However, it can be a bit tricky with these options because other wet ingredients in the recipe must be altered. The easiest way to substitute baking powder is with the following method.

To replace one tablespoon of baking powder, mix together:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar

ProTip: If making homemade baking powder it is best to mix the recipe and bake it immediately. In other words, this substitution may not be best for batters that sit for a while such as pancakes or waffles.

Best Way To Store

The best way to store baking powder is in a sealed container in a dry dark pantry.