Gluten-free bakers rely heavily on xanthan gum. It has a similar look and feel to baking powder, so you may believe you can use it as a substitute, particularly if you’re out.

Sadly, xanthan gum cannot be substituted for baking powder in recipes.

While they are quite similar, xanthan gum is a binder and baking powder is a leavening ingredient. Baking powder may be replaced with other components such as egg whites.

Hello! Although I don’t need to create gluten-free cookies for myself, many of my close friends, family members, and customers do. That being said, gluten-free baking has become an important part of my journey, and I’ve loved every minute of it.

Let’s talk about xanthan gum and why it can’t be used in baking.

What is Xanthan Gum, and What is it Used For?

One of those must-have components for gluten-free baking is xanthan gum. After all, it functions as a gluten substitute, giving the elasticity and stickiness needed for structured but delightfully moist baked items. (But it may be used as a thickening ingredient in other delicacies like ice cream, too).

Without xanthan gum, baked goods would be a crumbly, inedible disaster from the start.

So what exactly is this useful gluten-free food additive?

Xanthan gum is simply fermented and dried sugar produced by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. When the sugar has fermented, it creates a sticky material that is dried and powdered into a fine powder, which we know as xanthan gum.

What is Baking Powder, and What is it Used For?

Baking powder is a dry chemical leavener made up of baking soda, acid, and cornstarch. (This is why it is so simple to produce your own baking powder at home).

To achieve the infamous rise, baking powder is applied to baked products such as cakes and cookies. Treats would never rise if baking powder (or a comparable alternative) was not included, leaving you with a flat and unsatisfying outcome.

Can Xanthan Gum Substitute Baking Powder?

With that in mind, xanthan gum cannot be used in place of baking powder.

While the two substances seem and feel identical, they have very distinct functions.

If you use xanthan gum instead of baking powder, your baked products will not rise properly.

What Can I Use as a Substitute for Baking Powder?

If you’re out of baking powder and searching for a good substitution, you have a lot of possibilities. Here are a few examples of things you may readily find or manufacture at home.

DIY Baking Powder

You may produce your own baking powder using baking soda and cream of tartar.

Just combine two parts baking soda and one part cream of tartar. You may also add one part cornstarch to get a more complete mixture that works flawlessly.

This mixture is gluten-free. As an extra plus, it is aluminum-free, which the store-bought type is not. Or, you may make your own baking powder and store it in an airtight container.

Baking Soda and Lemon Juice/Vinegar

Since that baking soda is a common element in baking powder, it’s not unexpected that it may be used as a solid substitute for baking powder.

Baking soda, on the other hand, is significantly more powerful than its powder equivalent. When using baking soda as a substitute, use one-third of the quantity. A tablespoon of baking powder, for example, is equivalent to a teaspoon of baking soda.

To make a foundation that serves as baking powder, combine some lemon juice or white vinegar with the baking soda.

Whipped Egg Whites

What if you don’t have any baking soda on hand? Don’t be alarmed. Beat some egg whites till stiff, then fold them into your batter. Be cautious not to overmix, since this will prevent the eggs from performing their job.

What Can I Use Instead of Xanthan Gum?

Do you have a problem with the other component xanthan gum? If your gluten-free recipe asks for xanthan gum and you don’t have any on hand, try one of these alternatives instead.

Psyllium Husk

Since the two are so similar, psyllium husk is a good substitute for xanthan gum. This powder is made from the husk of Plantago ovata plant seeds and may be used interchangeably with xanthan gum; just twice the quantity.

Ground Chia Seeds & Water

Chia seeds have become a popular addition in many people’s kitchens due to their many health advantages. Not only are they high in nutrients, but they may also be used in lieu of xanthan gum in gluten-free recipes.

To one part chia seeds, add two parts boiling water. Consider crushing the chia seeds ahead of time to avoid a little crunch in your dessert (unless that is the type of texture youre going for).

When adding chia seeds, you may need to increase the baking time (10 to 15 minutes).

Unflavored Gelatin

Gelatin is produced from animal collagen, making it a perfect choice for adding structure to baked products such as bread, muffins, and more. When substituting xanthan gum, just double the quantity of gelatin.

Keep in mind that although gelatin is completely gluten-free, it is neither vegan or vegetarian. It is also incompatible with Halal and kosher diets. Although this may not be important to others, it is important if you follow a certain diet. In this scenario, utilize a different swap.

FAQs

Xanthan gum and baking powder are two distinct chemicals that should not be used interchangeably. Fortunately, both xanthan gum and baking powder have easy alternatives. Continue reading if you want to discover more!

Can you bake with xanthan gum?

Xanthan gum may be used in baking. In fact, xanthan gum is virtually always included in gluten-free baked products. This is because xanthan gum substitutes ordinary gluten in products such as bread and muffins.

Can I leave out baking powder?

You should not completely omit the baking powder. If necessary, use a replacement. Otherwise, your baked items will not come out as expected. Baking powder is required for leavening and rising. Imagine a chocolate cake that doesn’t rise at all!

Can you use xanthan gum with regular flour?

You may use xanthan gum in place of ordinary flour.

How much xanthan gum to use with gluten-free flour?

As a general guideline, use one teaspoon of xanthan gum for every cup of gluten-free flour. It is important to stick to the recipe in order to attain the desired (and delicious) results.

Final Words

Baking powder is a leavening agent, while xanthan gum is a binder. With this in mind, xanthan gum cannot be used in place of baking powder. If you need to substitute an item for baking powder, use homemade baking powder or whipped egg whites.

What is your preferred baking powder substitute? Do you use xanthan gum in your baking? Please comment below!