Used to create rise and fluffiness in breads, biscuits, pancakes, and quick breads when yeast or commercial baking powder is unavailable.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) acts as a chemical leavening agent by releasing carbon dioxide when it reacts with an acid. This trapped gas creates bubbles that help dough rise, making it ideal for quick breads in emergency or low-resource conditions. When paired with shelf-stable acids like cream of tartar, it also forms a substitute for baking powder.
Ingredients
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- Cream of tartar (for shelf-stable acid source)
- Optional: vinegar, yogurt, lemon juice, or other acidic ingredients
- Flour, salt, fat, and water as needed
How to Use It
- For recipes with natural acid sources (e.g., yogurt, lemon juice):
- Use ¼ to ½ teaspoon of baking soda per cup of flour
- Mix dry and wet ingredients quickly and bake immediately
- To make homemade baking powder substitute using shelf-stable ingredients:
- Combine 1 part baking soda to 2 parts cream of tartar
- Example: For 1 teaspoon of baking powder, mix ⅓ tsp baking soda + ⅔ tsp cream of tartar
- Use in place of commercial baking powder in any recipe
- Best for: Pancakes, Flatbreads, Quick-drop biscuits or bannock, Campfire skillet breads
Shelf Life of Cream of Tartar
- Indefinite shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place in a sealed container
- Remains usable for many years as long as no moisture is introduced
- To test potency: mix a small amount with baking soda in water — it should fizz
Warnings
- Baking soda alone will not rise dough — an acid is always needed
- Too much baking soda without enough acid may cause a bitter, soapy taste
- Not a substitute for yeast in long-fermentation breads like sandwich loaves or pizza crust
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store both baking soda and cream of tartar in sealed, dry containers
- Shelf life is indefinite if uncontaminated and protected from moisture
- Keep in your food storage or baking kit as a reliable leavening combo
When to Use It
- When yeast or commercial baking powder is unavailable
- For quick breads that can be baked immediately
- In emergency, camp, or off-grid cooking situations
- As a long-term, shelf-stable baking solution