baking powder

noun

1. any of various powders used as a substitute for yeast in baking, composed of sodium bicarbonate mixed with an acid substance, as cream of tartar, capable of setting carbon dioxide free when the mixture is moistened, causing the dough to rise.

baking powder

noun

1. any of various powdered mixtures that contain sodium bicarbonate, starch (usually flour), and one or more slightly acidic compounds, such as cream of tartar: used in baking as a substitute for yeast

baking powder

/ bā′kĭng /

1. A mixture of baking soda, a nonreactive filler (such as starch), and at least one slightly acidic compound (such as cream of tartar). Baking powder works as a leavening agent in baking by releasing carbon dioxide when mixed with a liquid, such as milk or water.

Word History and Origins

Origin of baking powder¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Self-rising flour is a lower-protein all-purpose flour mixed with baking powder and salt.

From Washington Post

Mix the sugar, eggs, salt, baking powder, flour, and milk, and add this to the cooled cornmeal mixture.

From Outside Online

Add the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda, then mix well.

From Outside Online

A little baking powder could help your less-than-flaky crust.

From Washington Post

Before chemical leavening became common with the invention of commercial baking powders in the mid-19th century, cooks had two main ways ways to make a light cake rise.

From Washington Post

Place the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt on parchment or wax paper.

From The Daily Beast

When it came time to add the baking powder, my son asked what it was.

From The Daily Beast

Place the ground pecans, butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, and eggs in a large bowl and beat together until smooth.

From The Daily Beast

In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder, and brown sugar.

From The Daily Beast

Picking up a can of baking-powder, he read the recipes printed thereon, but without finding just what he wanted.

From Project Gutenberg

I just can't look at those baking-powder biscuits without grabbing one; I'm that wolfish.

From Project Gutenberg

The standards have notches cut in them to hold an ordinary baking-powder can which is used for the boiler.

From Project Gutenberg

One diabetic baking-powder examined contained no starch, another brand from 14 to 16 per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar; add shortening and rub in very lightly.

From Project Gutenberg