Introduction

Baking powder and baking soda are two of the most common kitchen ingredients. They're both essential for baked goods, and they come together to create countless amazing recipes. In this article, we'll be exploring the history of baking powder and baking soda, as well as some of their best uses. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of why these two ingredients are so important in baking and will be able to create even more delicious treats!

What are the benefits of using Baking Powder and Baking Soda in baking?

Baking powder and baking soda  have multiple benefits that make them a joy to use in baking. Here are some of the benefits of using baking powder and baking soda:

-Baking powder helps to create a smooth texture in cookies and cakes.
-Baking soda helps to create a tart or sour flavor in recipes.
-They both help to prevent the dough from becoming too dry or tough.
-They both add an interesting flavor to baked goods.

Recipes using Baking Powder and Baking Soda

There are some great recipes using baking powder and baking soda that can be enjoyed by all.
These two ingredients combine to create a variety of wonderful baked goods, from cakes and cupcakes to quick breads and biscuits. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, we’ve got a recipe for you that uses one or both of these essential ingredients!
Here are four recipes that will get your baking day off to a great start:
1. Lemon Cake with Blueberry Filling
This lemon cake is deliciously sweet and tart, with a filling of blueberry goodness.
         Ingredients:
           -3/4 cups all-purpose flour
           -2 teaspoons baking powder
           -1 teaspoon baking soda
           -1/2 teaspoon salt
           -3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
           -2 large eggs, beaten
           -zest of 1 lemon
           -juice of 2 lemons
           -2 tablespoons sugar
           -1 tablespoon cornstarch
           -1 cup (240 ml) blueberries, fresh or frozen
         Directions:
            Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. In a small bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer fitted  with the paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. With the mixer on low speed, add in lemon zest and juice until just combined. Add sugar and cornstarch and mix until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean .

2. Lemon Chess Cake with Baking Powder and Lemon Zest
lemon chess cake with baking powder and lemon zest – this delicious dessert is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

            Ingredients:
          3/4 cups all-purpose flour
          2 teaspoons baking powder
          1/2 teaspoon baking soda
          1/2 teaspoon salt
          3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
          2 large eggs, beaten
          1/4 cups sugar
          3 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
          1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
              Directions:
         1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour one 9-inch cake pan and line with parchment paper.
         2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
         3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the sugar until light and fluffy. With the mixer on low speed, add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. Add half of the Meyer lemon juice and mix just until combined. Add half of the lemon zest and mix just until combined. Pour batter into prepared cake . Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Yellow Cake with Orange Frosting
This yellow cake is fluffy and delicious, with a orange frosting that will make it stand out at your next party!

           Ingredients:
             -3/4 cups all-purpose flour
             -2 teaspoons baking powder
             -1 teaspoon baking soda
             -1/2 teaspoon salt
             -3/4 cup (180 ml) unsalted butter, at room temperature
             -2 large eggs, beaten
             -zest of 1 orange
             -juice of 1 orange
             -2 tablespoons sugar
             -1 tablespoon cornstarch
             -1 cup milk
             -1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (preferably canola or vegetable), melted and cooled slightly

           Directions:

                  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour one 9-inch cake pan and line with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the orange zest and juice until just combined. Add sugar and cornstarch and mix until just combined. Pour batter into prepared cake . Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with Orange Frosting following the recipe instructions below.

          Orange Frosting:
                  1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (preferably canola or vegetable), melted
                  1/2 cup (120 ml) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
                  1 tablespoon milk
                  1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest 

Other uses of Baking Soda And Baking Powder

Baking soda and baking powder are two ingredients that many people don't think of when it comes to baking. But, there are plenty of other ways to use them! Here are five other ways to use baking soda and baking powder:

1. To clean your kitchen counters: Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of warm water in a bowl, and scrub the counters clean with a brush.

2. To clean your oven: Preheat your oven to its highest temperature, then mix together 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of warm water in a bowl. Scrub the oven's interior clean with a brush.

3. To clear up clogged drains: Pour 1 cup of hot water down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of baking soda. Wait 10 minutes, then pour a pot of boiling water down the drain and follow the same steps. This should clear up most clogs!

4. To deodorize your refrigerator: Add 2 cups of baking soda to a gallon or two of hot water in a large bowl, and let it soak for several hours. The baking soda will absorb any odors from the refrigerator.

5. To freshen up your car: Add 1 cup of baking soda to 1 gallon of water in a spray bottle, and spritz the car down with it. The baking soda will help to clean the car's exterior and remove any smells.

Conclusion

Did you know that baking powder and baking soda are both common ingredients in many recipes, but they work differently? Baking powder is made of an acid and a binder (such as starch or leavening agents), while baking soda is just the bicarbonate of Soda. When these two powders are combined with an acidic liquid (like buttermilk) in a recipe, they react to create CO2 and heat. This reaction helps to make breads rise, cookies crisp up on the outside, and cakes light and fluffy.

Reference:

https://bakerbettie.com/baking-powder-and-baking-soda/

https://www.eatthis.com/easy-baking-recipes/

https://www.foodandwine.com/cooking-techniques/baking/beginner-baking-recipes

https://www.loveandlemons.com/baking-recipes/

https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/category/beginner/