Finding the best baking powder for cakes can feel like a quest for the holy grail of baking. You’ve probably faced cakes that didn’t rise well or had an off texture, and you’re not alone in this struggle.
Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder is the top overall pick for ensuring your cakes rise beautifully and have that perfect crumb texture.
Curious about how I arrived at this conclusion? I’ve spent hours in the kitchen, putting various brands to the test, and researching the science behind cake leavening agents. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll get the lowdown on the pros and cons of top baking powder brands, how they were researched and tested, and how they compare against each other. So, if you’re looking to elevate your cake game, you won’t want to miss what comes next.
Our Picked Best Baking Powder for Cakes
- Best Overall: Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder
- Best for Health-Conscious Bakers: Argo Baking Powder
- Best for Dietary Restrictions: Bob’s Red Mill Baking Powder
- Most Versatile: Rumford Baking Powder
- Best Bulk Option: Roots Circle Baking Powder
How I Researched & Tested All These Products
I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing various baking powder brands. My methodology included hands-on baking tests, analyzing customer reviews, and consulting expert opinions from trusted sources like America’s Test Kitchen. I evaluated each product based on performance, price, and user reviews to bring you the most reliable options for your baking needs.
Best Baking Powder for Cakes Reviews
Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder: Best Overall
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Overview:
Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder is a reliable leavening agent commonly used in baking. It comes in an 8.1-ounce container, making it convenient for frequent bakers. The product is Kosher certified and is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 7,736 global ratings on Amazon.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Reliable and consistent results
- Kosher certified
- High customer ratings
Cons:
- Not available for international shipping
- Expires within 6 months once opened
Who It’s For:
This product is ideal for home bakers who are looking for a reliable leavening agent. It’s also suitable for those who adhere to Kosher dietary laws.
Comparison:
Compared to other brands like Argo and Bob’s Red Mill, Clabber Girl offers similar quality but has a longer history, dating back to 1850. Unlike some other brands, it doesn’t offer an aluminum-free option, which could be a deciding factor for some consumers.
Argo Baking Powder: Best for Health-Conscious Bakers
- This new product provides many great new features.
- Resalable plastic container; 100% recyclable container; aluminum free
- Gluten free, double acting and kosher.
Last update on 2023-09-27 at 22:27
Overview:
Argo Baking Powder is a staple in the baking world, known for its reliable leavening properties. The product comes in a 12-ounce container and is both Kosher and Gluten-Free.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Aluminum-Free: Better for health-conscious consumers.
- Versatile: Effective in a variety of baked goods.
- High Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars based on customer reviews.
Cons:
- Packaging: No leveling edge for measuring spoons, making it a bit messy.
- Availability: Some users reported difficulty in finding this specific brand in stores.
Who It’s For:
This product is ideal for both amateur and professional bakers who prioritize quality ingredients. If you’re someone who prefers aluminum-free products, this is a good fit.
Comparison:
Compared to other brands like Davis and Arm & Hammer, Argo Baking Powder holds its own in terms of leavening power. Unlike some other brands, it’s aluminum-free, which is a significant advantage for some users.
Bob’s Red Mill Baking Powder: Best for Dietary Restrictions
- One, 14 oz. resealable stand up bag (0.875 lbs.)
- Gluten Free; Vegan; Vegetarian; Kosher Pareve
- Manufactured in a dedicated gluten free facility; R5-ELISA tested gluten free
Last update on 2023-09-27 at 22:27
Overview:
Bob’s Red Mill Baking Powder comes in a 14-ounce resealable stand-up bag, making it convenient for storage. The product is gluten-free, vegan, and kosher.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Gluten-free, vegan, and kosher
- Double-acting
- No aluminum ingredients
Cons:
- Perishable, requiring careful storage
- Slightly more expensive than some other brands
Who It’s For:
This product is ideal for those who have specific dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance or veganism.
Comparison:
Compared to other brands like Argo or Clabber Girl, Bob’s Red Mill offers the added benefit of being gluten-free and vegan. While some other brands may be cheaper, they often contain aluminum, which can leave a metallic aftertaste.
Rumford Baking Powder: Most Versatile
- DOUBLE ACTING BAKING POWDER - A great leavening agent used in all types of delicious baked good recipes
- RESULTS YOU CAN COUNT ON - Get consistent results with our double acting formula
- NON-GMO - Made from Project Non-GMO verified ingredients
Last update on 2023-09-27 at 22:45
Overview:
Rumford Baking Powder is a balanced, double-acting baking powder that contains no added aluminum and is NON-GMO project verified.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- No added aluminum, eliminating bitter aftertaste
- NON-GMO and vegan-friendly
Cons:
- Six-month best-by date after opening may not be suitable for infrequent bakers
Who It’s For:
This product is ideal for those who prioritize clean, non-GMO ingredients in their baking supplies.
Comparison:
Compared to other brands like Argo and Davis, Rumford Baking Powder holds its own in terms of leavening power but stands out for its non-GMO and aluminum-free formula.
Roots Circle Baking Powder: Best Bulk Option
- TOP QUALITY, SILKY SMOOTH BAKING POWDER: Premium baking powder creates better-tasting baked goods. Our pure mix of sodium carbonate and bicarbonate offers a powdery texture and neutral flavor so you can enjoy the best baking results in all your favorite recipes!
- SUPERB LEAVENING AGENT FOR THE PERFECT RISE: No more flat, soggy or dense baked goods! Baking powder works through a natural acid-base reaction, causing thousands of micro bubbles in the batter mixture to expand and rise. Enjoy delicious baked goods with outstanding consistency.
- YEILDS LIGHT, AIRY, FLUFFY RESULTS EVERY TIME: Freshly baked gooey chocolatey cookies, delectable brownies, and other delightful desserts all require a little baking powder. It not only creates a desirable texture, but also increases volume for shareable breads and rolls!
Last update on 2023-09-27 at 22:27
Overview:
Roots Circle Baking Powder is a gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and Kosher-safe leavening agent designed for a variety of baked goods.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Gluten-Free and Vegan-Friendly: Suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Neutral Flavor: Doesn’t alter the taste of your recipes.
Cons:
- Ingredient Transparency: Doesn’t explicitly state whether it’s aluminum-free, which could be a concern for some.
Who It’s For:
This product is ideal for both amateur and professional bakers looking for a versatile, reliable leavening agent.
Comparison:
Compared to other popular brands like Argo and Gefen, Roots Circle Baking Powder holds its own in terms of performance and versatility.
When Choosing Baking Powder, You Can Consider Things Like:
There are a few things to consider when choosing baking powder for a cake:
- Type of baking powder: There are two types of baking powder: single-acting and double-acting. Single-acting baking powder reacts once when it comes into contact with moisture, while double-acting baking powder reacts twice: once when it comes into contact with moisture and again when it is heated. Double-acting baking powder is generally preferred for cakes because it gives a more consistent rise.
- Strength of baking powder: Baking powder is measured in terms of its “strength,” which is the amount of carbon dioxide gas it produces. The stronger the baking powder, the more lift it will give to a cake. However, too much baking powder can make a cake tough and crumbly.
- Expiration date: Baking powder loses its potency over time, so it is important to use baking powder that is fresh.
- Storage: Baking powder should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Final Thoughts – What is the Best Baking Powder for Cakes
After thorough research and testing, Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder stands out as the best overall choice for most bakers. It offers consistent results, is Kosher certified, and has high customer ratings. However, if you’re health-conscious or have specific dietary restrictions, brands like Argo and Bob’s Red Mill are excellent alternatives.
FAQs about Best Baking Powder for Cakes
Which Baking Powder is Best for Moist Cakes?
Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder is generally the best for moist cakes due to its reliable leavening power.
What is the Number One Baking Powder?
Based on customer reviews and my own testing, Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder holds the number one spot.
How Does Baking Powder Affect Cake Texture?
Baking powder affects the rise and texture of the cake, making it either light and fluffy or dense and flat, depending on the quality of the baking powder used.
Is Aluminum-Free Baking Powder Better?
Aluminum-free baking powder is generally considered better for health-conscious consumers and those who want to avoid a metallic aftertaste in their baked goods.
