I sometimes receive messages from readers who say they followed my recipe to the letter, but their cake didn’t rise. And my first question back to them is – “did you check your baking powder is still good”? Baking powder can be dead even if it’s not past the due date.
To check if your baking powder is still active, pour 1/4 cup boiling water over 1/2 tsp baking powder. If it bubbles, it’s still good. If not, it’s no good!
If it foams when you pour over boiling water, the baking powder is active!
Background
Dead baking powder is a common cause of cakes not rising, even if it’s not past the due date. This is because factors such as heat, humidity and jars not properly sealed will reduce the rising power of baking powder.
So if you don’t bake regularly and your baking powder has been sitting in the dark corners of your pantry for months, it’s wise to check if your baking powder is still active before embarking on that special celebration cake!
How to check if baking powder is still active
Place 1/2 teaspoon baking powder in a small bowl.
Pour over 1/4 cup (65ml) boiling water.
Still good – If it bubbles energetically as you pour, it’s still good. Note, the bubbles will subside quite quickly once you finish pouring.
Dead – If it doesn’t foam, then the baking powder is dead. Time to get another!
Baking powder can go off even if not past the Use By Date
Unless you’re a regular baker, baking powder can sit forgotten in the dark corners of your pantry for months, during which time it loses its rising power, causing cakes to not rise and cupcakes to sink.
Baking powder can go off even if it is not past its expiry date.
This is because baking powder starts to lose its rising powder as soon as you break the seal, and the rate at which it does depends on factors such as heat, humidity and how well the jar is sealed.
Patisseries and restaurants replace baking powder regularly to ensure it is fresh.
In professional kitchens and restaurants, baking powder is replaced regularly and/or recipes are adjusted to increase the amount of baking powder to compensate for the loss of rising power of older baking powder.
So while the Use By Date on the jar may suggest the baking powder is still good for months or even over a year, if it’s been open for months OR it’s been stored in a hot humid environment, it may no longer be active.
So if you don’t bake regularly, it’s wise to check if your baking powder is still active before embarking on that special celebration cake or dozens of cupcakes for the bake sale!
What happens if baking powder is no longer active
Baking powder is the ingredient that is used to make cakes, muffins and other baked goods rise so it becomes soft and fluffy inside.
So if baking powder is not active OR less active than it should be, anything you use it in will not rise as it should.
Time to toss it and get another! ~ Nagi x
Life of Dozer
Just because this isn’t a recipe, doesn’t mean Dozer doesn’t make an appearance! Here he is, just looking cute. 🥰
I have read that baking powder can be substituted with bi-carb (baking soda) and cream of tartar. Any thoughts on this? I haven’t tried it yet so I would be interested to know if you have Nagi.
Hi Judith, yes you can use a substitute of 2 parts cream of tartar to 1 part bi-carb/baking soda 🙂 N x
You should do a special posting for “Tips of the Trade,” like this one, and the “fresh egg test.” Is there any problem with “old” cream of tartar or baking soda?? I usually have both in the cupboard, but they sit there for a long time. I once made the mistake of using old nuts in my banana bread. And after ruining a good cup of tea, I now I taste milk or cream before pouring it into ANYTHING! Thank you, Nagi!
Thanks for this tip. I now know the excuse for my failed banana cake(s). Could you think about using grams in your measurements. Sometimes cups and tablespoons are a problem when reducing portion size.
Your extra notes & ingredients tips are so useful and interesting – thank you!
You’re so welcome Kate!! N X
Thanks for the tip!
You don’t have to toss baking powder that’s off! It can be mixed with moisturiser to make a facial scrub. My skin loves it! No breakouts or dry skin any more.
I would never have thought of that!! N x
Oh and if you mix (even old) baking powder into shampoo with a little water, you get a clarifying shampoo. Leaves my hair so swishy, it doesn’t feel like my hair 😉
i think it has to do with the pH value.
Dozer – Where are you?
OH MY! Let me get this fixed!! N x
I did not know this!!! Think I’ve said before that I’m no baker, but this is really handy to know for the rare occasions I reaffirm my ineptitude!!
Lol!
😂😂😂
Thanks for the helpful tip!! I think the dozer photo might not have uploaded.. Would love to see his little face! 🙂
I’ll have this fixed! The people need Dozer!
Where’s Dozer’s pic…wouldn’t want to miss his sweet pic
How could I forget Dozer! N x
I always make orange and almond cake,
(Flourless)and although it tastes devine
It always drops, sooo disappointing
Looks great until I turn of the oven
Any tips?
Love your recipies and everything you present!,
Thank you
Lia