Baking is a wonderful hobby that people of all ages can enjoy. However, if you have a corn allergy or sensitivity, finding the right ingredients to use in your baking can be a challenge. Many common baking ingredients contain corn, such as baking powder. But don’t worry. There are plenty of corn-free alternatives you can […]
Baking is a wonderful hobby that people of all ages can enjoy. However, if you have a corn allergy or sensitivity, finding the right ingredients to use in your baking can be a challenge. Many common baking ingredients contain corn, such as baking powder. But don’t worry. There are plenty of corn-free alternatives you can use instead, including our simple recipe for making corn-free baking powder.
This blog will show you how to make corn-free baking powder and share other substitutions.
What is Baking Powder?
Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise by releasing carbon dioxide gas when mixed with a liquid and heated in an oven. It is typically made up of a mixture of baking soda, cream of tartar, and a moisture-absorbing agent, such as cornstarch. Baking powder is often used in recipes that do not contain acidic ingredients, as it provides the necessary rise without the need for an acidic component.
What is Corn-Free Baking Powder?
Baking powder is a key ingredient in many baked goods. It’s a leavening agent that helps dough and batter rise. However, most store-bought baking powders contain cornstarch, a problem for those with a corn allergy or sensitivity.
Luckily, making corn-free baking powder is easy and can be done with three ingredients; cream of tartar, baking soda, and arrowroot powder.
How to Make Corn Free Baking Powder
Ingredients:
- 2 parts cream of tartar
- 1 part baking soda
- 1 part arrowroot powder
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of tartar, baking soda, and arrowroot powder until well combined.
- Store the corn-free baking powder in an airtight container and use it as a 1:1 substitute for regular baking powder.
Corn-Free Baking Powder
Corn-free baking powder is a type of baking powder free from corn starch, a common ingredient in traditional baking powder. It's a popular choice for people with corn allergies or sensitivities and those who follow a corn-free diet for other reasons. It can be used in various recipes, including cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Materials
- 2 parts cream of tartar
- 1 part baking soda
- 1 part arrowroot powder
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of tartar, baking soda, and arrowroot powder until well combined.
Store the corn-free baking powder in an airtight container and use it as a 1:1 substitute for regular baking powder.
Other Corn Free Baking Substitutions
- Cornstarch substitute: Cornstarch is often used in baking as a thickener for sauces, gravies, and pies. If you have a corn allergy or sensitivity, substitute it with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
- Corn syrup substitute: Corn syrup is a common sweetener used in baking. You can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. However, remember that these substitutes will change the flavor of your baked goods. You can learn more about this by reading our healthy baking substitutions.
- Cornmeal substitute: Cornmeal is often used in baking bread and muffins. If you have a corn allergy or sensitivity, you can substitute it with rice or almond flour.
Vanilla Extract
Corn-free vanilla extract is an excellent option for people with corn allergies or intolerances. Vanilla extract is commonly made with a blend of alcohol and vanilla beans, but some brands also add corn-based ingredients such as corn syrup or dextrose to the mix. For those with corn allergies, these additives can trigger an allergic reaction.
Singing Dog Vanilla is made without corn-based ingredients and is safe for individuals with corn allergies. It provides a delicious vanilla flavor and can be used in baking, cooking, or even added to beverages. People with corn allergies can enjoy the same taste and flavor in their dishes without worrying about allergic reactions.
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FAQs
If you've ever looked at the ingredients in baking powder, you most likely saw something like corn starch, monocalcium phosphate, and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). For someone who can't have corn, they'll need a baking powder that has either potato starch, arrowroot, or tapioca starch.
What is a corn-free substitute for baking powder? ›
If you've ever looked at the ingredients in baking powder, you most likely saw something like corn starch, monocalcium phosphate, and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). For someone who can't have corn, they'll need a baking powder that has either potato starch, arrowroot, or tapioca starch.
Does all baking powder contain cornstarch? ›
Even though baking powder does contain cornstarch, it also includes other ingredients that can affect the taste of your dish. If you try using it as a thickener, you might end up with a slightly sour or bitter taste in your sauces or fillings.
How can I make homemade baking powder? ›
To make baking powder using baking soda, combine two parts cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) with one part baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). If you don't plan to use it right away, you will want to add some cornstarch to keep it from clumping.
What is a substitute for 1 teaspoon of baking powder? ›
To replace 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) lemon juice. Summary: Replace 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking powder with 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) baking soda.
What can you use in place of baking powder for cornbread? ›
If baking powder is unavailable, the following substitutes may be appropriate for your recipe: buttermilk, plain yogurt, molasses, cream of tartar, sour milk, vinegar, lemon juice, club soda, self-rising flour, or whipped egg whites.
What ingredient will you use if cornstarch is not available? ›
Kuzu starch can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cornstarch to thicken sauces, soups, and desserts. Arrowroot powder (a.k.a. arrowroot flour and arrowroot starch) delivers thickening results that are very similar to what cornstarch offers.
How to make baking powder with vinegar? ›
Substitute 6: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Just like with lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vinegar plus ¼ teaspoon baking soda will make 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
What to use if there is no baking powder? ›
For every teaspoon of baking powder, you'll want to substitute in ¼ tsp of baking soda with ½ tsp of cream of tartar. If you don't have any cream of tartar, you can also substitute one teaspoon of baking powder with a mixture of ¼ tsp of baking soda plus ½ tsp of either vinegar or lemon juice.
What two things make baking powder? ›
Baking powder is sodium bicarbonate combined with a powdered acid; it is pre-packaged to react in the presence of moisture and heat.
Baking powder contains baking soda. It is a mixture of baking soda, cream of tartar (a dry acid), and sometimes cornstarch. These days, most baking powder sold is double acting.
What ingredient to avoid in baking powder? ›
Choosing a baking powder that doesn't contain aluminum will eliminate the possibility of any unwanted metallic tastes, and the tiny catch is an easy one.
What is a substitute for baking powder for dogs? ›
and I am wondering if there is something else I could use that will do the same but not harm my little baby cakes. Chef's Answer ~ You can make your own baking powder by combining 1/2 tsp cream of tartar, 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/4 tsp cornstarch.
What happens if I use baking soda instead of baking powder? ›
That is why you will notice that recipes usually call for a small amount of baking soda, typically ¼ teaspoon per 1 cup of flour. Do not make the mistake of trying to substitute equal parts baking soda for baking powder in recipes. Your baked goods will have no leavening, be quite flat, and have an altered taste.
Can I use expired baking powder? ›
Baking powder won't have an off smell or taste—unless it's been contaminated with something else. And it is safe to use past its expiration date, even if it isn't as effective. You'll just end up with a flatter, denser baked good than you would if you used fresh baking powder.
Is baking powder gluten and corn free? ›
Baking powder is typically a combination of an acid (like cream of tartar), baking soda, and a starch to absorb moisture. These days, the starch found in baking powder is usually either potato starch or regular cornstarch, both of which are gluten-free. This, in turn, makes most baking powder gluten-free.
What can you substitute for baking powder if you are not available? ›
For every teaspoon of baking powder, you'll want to substitute in ¼ tsp of baking soda with ½ tsp of cream of tartar. If you don't have any cream of tartar, you can also substitute one teaspoon of baking powder with a mixture of ¼ tsp of baking soda plus ½ tsp of either vinegar or lemon juice.
Does baking soda contain corn? ›
No. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. It is a alkaline and when combined with an acid and a liquid, it produces carbon dioxide gas which will leaven baked goods. Corn starch is a finely textured starch derived from the endosperm of the kernel of a maize plant.
Why baking powder contains corn flour? ›
Cornstarch, flour, or potato starch are often used as buffers. An inert starch serves several functions in baking powder. Primarily it is used to absorb moisture, and so prolong shelf life of the compound by keeping the powder's alkaline and acidic components dry so as not to react with each other prematurely.
