{"id":2043,"date":"2021-10-30T16:04:23","date_gmt":"2021-10-30T20:04:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/?p=2043"},"modified":"2022-03-27T12:18:07","modified_gmt":"2022-03-27T16:18:07","slug":"can-cornstarch-replace-baking-powder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/can-cornstarch-replace-baking-powder\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Cornstarch Replace Baking Powder? Substitutes That Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
This post contains affiliate links.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of my first encounters with following a recipe was that I didn’t have baking powder. The one item I had an abundance of at the time was cornstarch and I had no idea if it would work to replace baking powder. I never wanted to be put in that stressful situation again so I decided to find out what substitutes I can use for baking powder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a general rule, cornstarch cannot replace baking powder. Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent while baking powder is used as a leavening agent. Cornstarch thickens mixtures while baking powder promotes the rising of the dessert.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I decide to bake a cake for a family event, I try to have my pantry fully stocked with all my essentials. Just like baking, I’m not perfect! I took this opportunity as a learning experience and have figured out the most effective substitutes for baking powder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How is Cornstarch Different From Baking Powder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cornstarch<\/th>
Baking Powder<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Extracted from corn kernels and formed into a starch<\/td>
Air bubbles formed which gives height to desserts<\/td><\/tr>
Used for thickening liquids<\/td>
Is composed of an acid, base, and a buffer<\/td><\/tr>
Thickening reaction comes from heat and starch molecules<\/td>
Used in baking to make desserts less dense and airy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Even though the appearances of cornstarch and baking powder are almost identical, they are completely different!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baking powder is more complex and composed of multiple components. Let us take a moment and become mad scientists and talk about acids and bases. But don\u2019t worry, I promise I won\u2019t hurt your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n