Do you need baking powder in a recipe but only have cornstarch in your pantry? I know they look and feel the same, and it’s tempting to simply put it in and go on to the next stage.

Nevertheless, even though baking powder includes cornstarch, it cannot be used in lieu of cornstarch and vice versa.

My name is Angie, and I’ve been baking since I was a teenager. Certain baking items are difficult to get by where I came from, so I had to learn to adapt. I’d be delighted to share some of my insider knowledge with you.

In this post, I’ll explain what baking powder and cornstarch are, if they’re the same, and how you may be able to get away with substituting one for the other.

Let’s start baking!

What is Baking Powder?

Baking powder is a dry leavening ingredient that is often used in baking. It’s made from baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate), cream of tartar, and cornstarch.

When the base (sodium bicarbonate) and acid (cream of tartar) are mixed with water, a chemical reaction occurs that results in the production of carbon dioxide. This reaction aids in the expansion of baked goods in size and volume.

What role does cornstarch play here?

We want the above-mentioned response to occur when we want it to. Here is where cornstarch comes into play. Its purpose is to prevent the acid and base from interacting too quickly. It does this by absorbing any moisture that the combination may be exposed to.

What is Cornstarch?

Cornstarch, often known as corn flour, is a starch powder derived from maize endosperm. Cornstarch, like many other starches, is used to absorb moisture.

Cornstarch is often used as a thickening ingredient in cooking since it thickens sauces and stews when heated.

How They Differ

The primary distinction between cornstarch and baking powder is that the former is mainly a thickening agent, whilst the latter is a leavening agent. When combined with other components, they fulfill fundamentally distinct functions.

Can you Replace Baking Powder with Cornstarch?

Cornstarch cannot be used to replace baking powder, but it may be used to create baking powder. Here’s a simple homemade baking powder recipe that I like to use:

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

4 tablespoons baking powder is produced by this recipe.

Can you Replace Cornstarch with Baking Powder?

Since baking powder contains cornstarch, you may believe it can be used as a substitute. Sadly, this is not the case.

The quantity of cornstarch in baking powder is insufficient to have the same thickening effect as normal cornstarch.

Even if you add it in bigger amounts, the taste of your dish will be much impacted since the other chemicals in baking powder give it a bitter, somewhat salty, and sour flavor.

FAQs

Here are some other questions you may have concerning cornstarch and baking powder.

What can I use as a substitute for cornstarch?

Depending on the function of cornstarch in your recipe, you may need a different alternative. Cornstarch is often used as a thickening ingredient in baking and cooking, although it may be substituted with potato starch, arrowroot flour, rice flour, and other comparable starches.

What can be used in place of baking powder?

Baking powder acts as a leavening agent in baked goods. You may use another leavening agent, such as baking soda, to get the same result. You may also manufacture your own baking powder using this simple method.

Final Thoughts

Except from the fact that they are both powdered and white, cornstarch and baking powder have very little in common. If you’re wondering if you need both in your pantry, the answer is a resounding YES.

If you have any more questions on this issue, please leave them in the comments section and I will respond as soon as possible!

Angie’s Bio