I've been on a homemade tortilla kick for the last few weeks. And as a result, I've been burning through my store bought baking powder like crazy!
So when I was testing a new recipe recently, with all the other ingredients in the bowl, I realized I only had a 1/4 tsp of store bought baking powder.
Fortunately I had an easy recipe for homemade baking powder on hand and ready to go. Plus, I had all the ingredients in my pantry!
Store Bought Baking Powder Substitute
If you are out of baking powder, or are just trying to create an organic baking powder option, then this is the recipe for you!
In this baking powder recipe I use three simple ingredients: Baking soda, cream of tartar, and arrowroot powder.
Super easy! Plus, it allows me to control the quality of each item. With the exception of the baking soda I was able to use all organic ingredients!
And, since I have a corn allergy, this DIY baking powder recipe allows me to avoid the cornstarch that is usually in store bought baking powder.
An Update on Organic Cream of Tartar
Until a few months ago there were two companies that offered organic cream of tarter. The one I used was McCormick - but they stopped making the organic version available.
Spicely also had an organic cream of tartar that was available until a few months ago... which makes me wonder if something happened to the supply of organic cream of tartar!
My local health food store still had some in stock and I bought it all, so I have some for a while. So, if you are looking for organic cream of tarter, you might check your own local health food store to see if they have a back stock of the older stuff.
Homemade Baking Powder FAQs
How do you store DIY baking powder?
You can keep it in an air tight container in the pantry, just like store bought baking powder.
I have kept it in a glass jar or simply used the homemade baking powder to refill the old container from the store bought version.
How long does this baking powder substitute last?
Generally, I have found that this baking powder will last until it's gone. But that's probably because I go through it pretty quickly!
If you don't bake often, you will want to test it for freshness before using it. If you use "flat" baking powder your recipe will not turn out well.
How can you tell if baking powder is expired?
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking powder with 1/3 cup of water. If it fizzes then it is ready to use for baking!
Do I have to use arrowroot powder?
Nope! You can use cornstarch instead in a 1:1 ratio in place of arrowroot. We use arrowroot due to a corn allergy.
Baking Powder
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 cup Pure Cream of Tartar
- 4 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder (or GMO-free cornstarch)
Instructions
- All all ingredients to a medium bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Store in an air tight container in the pantry.
Sandy says
You said: With the exception of the baking soda I was able to use all organic ingredients!
Where did you find organic cream of tartar? What brand name is is? I can’t find any.
Victoria says
Hey Sandy, it was McCormick – they stopped making the organic version available just a few months ago and I forgot I had even mentioned it in this post :-(
Spicely also had an organic cream of tartar that was available until a few months ago… makes me wonder if something happened to the supply?
My local health food store still had some in stock and I bought it all, so I have some for a while – you might check there to see if they have a back stock of the older stuff?
I’ll update the post, definitely frustrating! I’ll update it again when a new source of organic cream of tarter becomes available. Sorry about that.
Tina says
Thank YOU soooo much for this simple recipe. I have everything to make this.
Victoria says
Whoo hoo!! I’m so glad, Tina! I made this a few days ago again (for the 100th time) because I use it up so quickly. Ha. Enjoy!
hayden mora says
I was so excited when I found your recipe but alas – it does seem that something had happened to the global stock of organic cream of tartars. I’ve checked manufacturing websites, while foods, local health food stores. I’m at a loss!
Did you happen to find out what happened or an alt source?
Regardless, thanks for all you do!
Warmly,
H
Victoria says
Hi Hayden!
Yes, sadly the world is out of organic cream of tartar for the time being. You can use all natural, but there are no other options for now :-(
I will keep this post updated as it become available!
Sally says
What is the purpose of the arrowroot in this recipe?
Victoria says
Hi Sally! The purpose is to replace the corn starch in store bought baking powder, both for texture of the finished product and bulk.
Without it, measurements would not be 1:1 and you would have to figure out how to measure the homemade for your recipes.
It’s not strictly needed for finished product, but I don’t like to have to calculate measurements, so I like to have it in there for ease of baking.
I hope that helps!
Kat says
I also have corn allergy but Is there anything else to use instead of arrowroot and how much if so
Victoria says
Hi Kat! The arrowroot can be left out if absolutely needed, it’s there to bring up the bulk normally given by the corn starch so that the homemade powder can be used 1:1 in recipes as listed…
By leaving out the arrowroot you will just need to use 25% less than called for in any given recipe.
I don’t know of any other suitable replacements for arrowroot though. I hope this helps!