Single action baking powder creates the carbon dioxide bubbles upon contact with moisture, similar to baking soda.There are two types of baking powder: single action and double action. Typically, baking powder is called for in recipes that do not otherwise have an acidic ingredient, such as molasses or buttermilk.Īs with baking soda, the purpose of baking powder is to create air bubbles that give your baked goods their light, airy texture. Baking powder typically contains tartaric acid, more commonly known as cream of tartar.Ĭream of tartar is a dry acid, so when you use baking powder, you are adding the acidic ingredient that will produce the carbon dioxide bubbles at the same time. Literally.īaking powder, on the other hand, is a blended mixture containing baking soda, acidic salts or dry acids, and often a starch such as corn starch. Not knowing the difference between baking soda and baking powder can cause your baked goods to go flat. That’s because the way they react and create air differs. If you’re wondering, “what makes bread rise, baking soda or baking powder?” the answer is both, depending on the recipe.Įven though baking soda and baking powder both perform the same job in baking, they are chemically different and cannot be substituted one for one in recipes.
Yeast is another leavening agent you might know about.Įven air (caused by vigorous whipping and mixing) or steam (created by heat in the oven) can be leavening agents, depending on the baking method.īaking soda and baking powder are more common in recipes for cookies, cakes, and quick breads, and they are responsible for giving baked goods the light, fluffy, porous structure that makes them delicious. Difference between Baking Powder and Baking Sodaīaking powder and baking soda are both leavening agents, which means they cause dough or batter to expand by releasing gas.