I sometimes receive messages from readers who say they followed my recipe to the letter, but their cake didn’t rise. Baking powder can be dead even if it’s not past baking powder to replace baking soda due date. If it bubbles, it’s still good. Background Dead baking powder is a common cause of cakes not rising, even if it’s not past the due date.
This is because factors such as heat, humidity and jars not properly sealed will reduce the rising power of baking powder. So if you don’t bake regularly and your baking powder has been sitting in the dark corners of your pantry for months, it’s wise to check if your baking powder is still active before embarking on that special celebration cake! If it bubbles energetically as you pour, it’s still good. Note, the bubbles will subside quite quickly once you finish pouring. If it doesn’t foam, then the baking powder is dead. If it foams, the baking powder is still good. Baking powder can go off even if it is not past its expiry date.
This is because baking powder starts to lose its rising powder as soon as you break the seal, and the rate at which it does depends on factors such as heat, humidity and how well the jar is sealed. Patisseries and restaurants replace baking powder regularly to ensure it is fresh. So while the Use By Date on the jar may suggest the baking powder is still good for months or even over a year, if it’s been open for months OR it’s been stored in a hot humid environment, it may no longer be active. So if you don’t bake regularly, it’s wise to check if your baking powder is still active before embarking on that special celebration cake or dozens of cupcakes for the bake sale! So if baking powder is not active OR less active than it should be, anything you use it in will not rise as it should. Time to toss it and get another!
Life of Dozer Just because this isn’t a recipe, doesn’t mean Dozer doesn’t make an appearance! Here he is, just looking cute. I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks! Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.
Nagi, your recipes are fantastic and I truly appreciate your tips and thoughtfulness in detail. You are a clever cook Nagi, this is a great tip! I never realised baking powder could die! When you mentioned checking to see if your Baking Powder was still good I was stunned. I have never heard of it going bad and now I am going to check it. Thank you so much for the good advice.
You’re so welcome Sylvia, you’ll agree it’s absolutely frustrating when a recipe doesn’t work because of an old, out of date ingredient! Oh I did the baking powder test mine is still good thanks for the tips. Our beautiful Natasha has now passed over,Dozer reminds me of how beautiful and funny these can be. Thank You for all the wonderful recipes so easy to follow and using everyday ingredients.
Beautiful picture of this sweet boy. Great tip Nagi thank you as always! I haven’t tried it yet so I would be interested to know if you have Nagi. Could you think about using grams in your measurements. Sometimes cups and tablespoons are a problem when reducing portion size. You don’t have to toss baking powder that’s off!
It can be mixed with moisturiser to make a facial scrub. No breakouts or dry skin any more. I would never have thought of that! Think I’ve said before that I’m no baker, but this is really handy to know for the rare occasions I reaffirm my ineptitude! I think the dozer photo might not have uploaded. Would love to see his little face! Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken – 7 ingredient magic.
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