If you don’t bake often, chances are your baking powder and baking soda aren’t fresh.  See how to test baking powder and baking soda for freshness, before you bake that next batch of cookies or cake.  It’s very easy and you’ll be glad you did.

How to test baking soda and baking powder for freshness.

Have you ever wondered if that can of Baking Powder or Baking Soda that’s hidden in the back of your pantry is still good?  If you don’t frequently bake, chances are it’s not.  Baking Powder and Baking Soda are both chemical leavening agents that are used in baking, and they each play an important part in baking. Note:  It’s important to know that they are not interchangeable.  Baking Powder loses its leavening ability after just a few months.  Baking Soda can last a little longer Don’t be fooled into thinking that if it’s never been opened it’s okay.  If your favorite cake or biscuit doesn’t rise or your favorite cookie doesn’t spread, then you’ve just wasted your valuable time in the kitchen.  It’s important to know if each of them still has leavening ability before using them.  Here’s a quick and easy way to test Baking Powder and Baking Soda for leavening power.

To Test Baking Powder:

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Baking powder is acidic and can be tested using very hot water…

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Place 1 teaspoon of Baking Powder in a small bowl…

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Pour 1/2 cup of boiling water into the bowl…

If the Baking Powder is still good, the water and Baking Powder should instantly foam up, making bubbles on the surface.  If it doesn’t you should throw it away.

To Test Baking Soda:

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Baking Soda is alkaline and needs an acid such as white vinegar or buttermilk to cause it to react…

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To test Baking Soda for freshness, place 1 teaspoon of Baking Soda in a small bowl…

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Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the bowl.  If it instantly foams up with bubbles, it’s good.  If it doesn’t you should throw it away.

Whether you bake frequently or on occasion, you need to know how to test baking powder and baking soda for freshness.  If you don’t, you might find yourself baking a cake that doesn’t rise, and no-one wants that!

Check out more kitchen “how-to’s”…

How to quickly soften butter to room temperature

How to make & peel perfect hard-boiled eggs