Easy Homemade Baking Powder Recipe (3 Ingredients)
Out of baking powder? This easy homemade baking powder is a pantry staple—learn how to make it in minutes with just 3 simple ingredients!!

I never gave baking powder a second thought—until I needed it and didn’t have a speck left.
Cornbread was on the menu, chili simmering on the stove, but my container sat empty. No backup. No way I was driving to town for one ingredient.
So, I searched the internet for a solution. Turns out, I had everything I needed—three simple ingredients, a quick mix, and problem solved.
That cornbread? Fluffy. Perfect. Just like it should be.

And now that I know how easy it is? Store-bought baking powder might be a thing of the past.
What does Baking Powder do?

Baking powder makes baked goods rise, giving them a light, airy texture—essential for everything from peach cobbler to pumpkin bread and rhubarb muffins.
When mixed with liquid, it triggers a chemical reaction, releasing carbon dioxide gas, which creates air pockets in the dough.
What Happens If You Skip Baking Powder?
No baking powder means short muffins, dense cakes, and lifeless biscuits.
Ever bite into a baked good and feel like it’s just sitting there, heavy as a rock? That’s what happens when you leave out the leavening.

Is Homemade Baking Powder Different from Store-Bought?
The key difference is how they react.
Homemade baking powder activates immediately when mixed with liquid (single-acting), while store-bought reacts twice—once when wet and again in the oven (double-acting).
The 3 Key Ingredients
You only need a few ingredients to make your own baking powder substitute at home:

- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) – The main leavening agent. It reacts with acid to create carbon dioxide bubbles.
- Cream of tartar – The acid that activates the baking soda, causing that first reaction.
- Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) – Prevents clumping by absorbing moisture. Rice flour works, too, if you need a good substitute.
Homemade Baking Powder Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar (see substitutions below)
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
Instructions
Sift all ingredients through a fine mesh strainer into a small bowl.

Whisk well until evenly mixed.

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for future use.

How to Use Homemade Baking Powder
Use it just as you would store-bought baking powder. Since this is single-acting baking powder, bake your batter or dough immediately for the best results.

What can I use if I don’t have cream of tartar?
No cream of tartar? No problem. Swap it with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice, vinegar, buttermilk, or plain yogurt.
Since these add liquid, you may need to slightly reduce the liquids in your recipe to keep the right consistency.
- Lemon Juice or Vinegar – Use 1 tsp per 1 tsp of cream of tartar.
- Buttermilk, Sour Milk, or Plain Yogurt – Use 1 cup per 1 tsp of cream of tartar.
How to Make Sour Milk – Add 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (white or apple cider) to 1 cup of pasteurized or raw milk and let sit for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs
What’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
People constantly mix these up, but they’re not the same thing.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a base. It needs an acidic ingredient—like lemon juice, sour cream, or buttermilk—to activate. No acid? No reaction.
Baking powder already contains baking soda and an acid (cream of tartar), so it activates on its own when mixed into a batter.
How long does homemade baking powder last?
Stored in an airtight container, your homemade baking powder will last about 6-12 months. If you live somewhere humid, it might lose potency sooner.
Can I use homemade baking powder in all recipes?
Yes! Works great in quick breads, pancakes, fluffy biscuits, and cakes. Just remember—since it’s single-acting, bake your batter right away.
Why does my homemade baking powder taste bitter?
If your baked goods taste bitter, you probably used too much baking soda. This recipe balances it with the right acidic ingredients to keep flavors neutral.
Can I use this homemade baking powder for self-rising flour?
Want to make self-rising flour? Just mix:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons homemade baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
More From-Scratch Kitchen Staples
Making your own baking powder is just the beginning. Once you start stocking your pantry with homemade staples, you’ll never want to go back!
Try my Homemade Mayonnaise in a Jar – a rich, creamy spread perfect for sandwiches, dressings, and dips.
Mix up a batch of Homemade Italian Dressing – fresher and tastier than anything from the store.
Don’t forget about Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice – the perfect warm, cozy blend for pies, lattes, and oatmeal.
Keep building your homestead pantry one staple at a time!

Homemade Baking Powder
Equipment
- small bowl
- fine mesh strainer
- tablespoon
- small jar or container
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar (substitutions in notes)
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
Instructions
- Sift all ingredients through a fine mesh strainer into a small bowl.
- Whisk well until evenly mixed.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for future use.
Notes
- Lemon Juice or Vinegar – Use 1 tsp per 1 tsp of cream of tartar.
- Buttermilk, Sour Milk, or Plain Yogurt – Use 1 cup per 1 tsp of cream of tartar.