5 Ingredients To Replace Baking Powder
Baking powder is a product that is used to improve the texture of the preparations that are going to be placed in the oven. Get fluffier results, both from sweet and savory recipes. It is common to find this ingredient among cakes and even empanadas.
However, there are people who prefer to opt for other types of elements for their recipes. For this reason, we are going to offer you the main substitutes for baking powder. This way you will be able to know which ingredients are capable of developing a similar function, increasing the fluffiness of the food that goes into the oven.
What is baking powder?
As we have mentioned, baking powder is included among the leavening ingredients, just like yeast. This means that it induces fermentation, so that the food is capable of retaining gas inside, increasing its fluffiness and improving its texture.
It is common to use this ingredient when preparing a cake or other pastry products. These are formed by a mass to which a thermal process will be applied. Thanks to the baking powder, once the heat is applied, the dough is able to swell, resulting in a much more pleasant texture, less caked and lighter.
Ingredients to replace baking powder
Next we are going to tell you which ingredients are suitable to replace the baking powder. Try them in your recipes until you find your favorite.
1. Egg whites
Egg white is a food that stands out for its protein content of high biological value. These nutrients help prevent the processes of degeneration of lean mass, as stated in a study published in the journal Biomed Research International . In this way, the function goes beyond simply achieving a better texture.
To use the egg whites with a leavening power, it is important that you previously set the mountains to the point of snow, in order to get air inside. You will need a whisk and a lot of patience.
2. self-rising flour
There is a type of flour widely used in confectionery that is self-rising flour, ideal for a baking process. It is usually used frequently when making cakes or other types of desserts, since it increases its volume inside the oven, improving the texture of the final food.
However, you have to bear in mind that it is a product with a high carbohydrate content. Flours have also been shown to impact metabolic health when consumed regularly. For this reason, introduce it in the diet in moderation.
3. Carbonated water
Sparkling water contains baking soda inside. This is one of the main substitutes for baking powder. Thanks to the gas content of this liquid, the texture of the final product is improved, making it much more spongy.
4. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is able to improve the texture of foods that are subjected to high temperatures. In addition, it has a remarkable amount of vitamin C, a nutrient that positively intervenes in the efficiency of the immune system, as stated in a study published in the journal Nutrients .
5. Molasses
Molasses also simulates the effect of baking powder on foods that are going to be subjected to a thermal process. However, it is an ingredient that contains a large amount of sugar, so it is advisable not to abuse it.
A regular intake of it would get blood glucose out of control and promote insulin resistance in the medium term. This is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes.
Substitute baking powder in your recipes
With these ingredients that we have just presented you will achieve results very similar to those obtained with baking powder. However, you have to bear in mind that some of them present a significant contribution of macronutrients, so they could impact on the quality of the diet.
Remember that you also have yeasts at your disposal that manage to generate a spongy appearance in foods subjected to baking. These are the most common ingredients when making bread and many bakery products. However, the options we have given you are valid, they will help you to obtain satisfactory results and they will please everyone.
