Question

Can I Use Baking Soda Instead of Baking Powder?

Answer 1

Baking soda $\left({\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3\right)$:

1. Baking soda is a white crystalline solid compound used as an ingredient in baking powder.
2. It produces carbon-di-oxide when decomposes hence it helps in rising the dough during baking.

Baking powder:

1. Baking powder is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate, other carbonates, some acids, and buffers.
2. It acts as a leavening agent due to the presence of other acids like tartrate, and phosphate.
3. The buffers in baking powder help in the prevention of early acid-base reactions.

Baking soda has a short leavening process but baking powders due to the presence of acids have an extended leavening process.

Hence, baking soda cannot be used instead of baking powder.