Think you can’t bake a cake without baking powder? Think again! With the right ingredients and methods, you can create a soft, fluffy cake even if you’re out of baking powder—or avoiding it for dietary reasons.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make cake without baking powder, what to use instead, and how to adjust your recipe for great texture and rise.
What Does Baking Powder Do?
Baking powder is a chemical leavening agent that creates gas (bubbles) when mixed with liquid and heat, helping the cake rise.
But there are other ways to create that same lift!
Smart Substitutes for Baking Powder
1. Baking Soda + Acid
This combo produces a chemical reaction that helps cake rise.
Use ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tbsp vinegar or lemon juice per teaspoon of baking powder.
2. Whipped Egg Whites
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks and fold them into the batter for a natural rise.
Ideal for sponge cakes or chiffon cakes.
3. Club Soda or Sparkling Water
Add gentle lift and moisture.
Use ¼ to ½ cup in place of some liquid.
Basic Cake Recipe Without Baking Powder
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs (separated)
- ½ cup yogurt or milk
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: lemon zest or cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar, oil, yogurt, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Sift in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold into the batter.
- Pour into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until springy and golden.
This method creates a fluffy cake without any baking powder.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume
- Be gentle when folding in egg whites—don’t deflate!
- Don’t skip the acid—it activates the baking soda
- Avoid overmixing once flour is added
- Bake immediately after mixing
Flavor Variations
- Lemon yogurt cake – Add zest + glaze
- Chocolate cake – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder
- Banana cake – Replace yogurt with mashed banana
- Carrot spice cake – Add shredded carrot + cinnamon
- Berry cake – Fold in chopped strawberries or blueberries
Cakes That Work Great Without Baking Powder
- Sponge cake
- Angel food cake
- Chiffon cake
- Egg-based snack cakes
- Yogurt cakes or pound cakes (with soda)
Storage
- Room temperature: 2–3 days
- Refrigerator: 4–5 days
- Freeze: Up to 1 month
Yes, You Can Bake Without Baking Powder
No baking powder? No problem. With a little science and smart substitutions, you can still make a cake that’s soft, tall, and absolutely delicious. Whether you use baking soda + acid or whipped egg whites, the result is proof you don’t need baking powder to bake like a pro. Try it once—you might not even miss it.
