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Writer's pictureHigh Altitude Baker

Baking Soda or Baking Powder... What is best for my High Altitude Kitchen?

Hello everyone in the high altitude baking world! I just wanted to let you know that I have recently become an Amazon affiliate in an effort to cover the costs of my website HighAltitudeBaker.com.


As an affiliate, I only showcase a few products that I personally use and love, and that I believe will be helpful to you in your High Altitude Kitchen. I highly recommend purchasing an oven thermometer with internal thermometer feature... This tool can help ensure that your baked goods turn out perfectly every time, and prevent any disappointing bad bakes.

Happy Baking Vic”Tori”a @ 8750’


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High altitude baking can be a bit different from baking at sea level due to the lower air pressure and reduced oxygen levels. When it comes to using baking soda or baking powder, the choice largely depends on the specific recipe and its ingredients. However, there are some general guidelines to consider at high altitudes:

  1. Baking Powder: Baking powder contains both an acid and a base, which react to produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas helps baked goods rise. At higher altitudes, where air pressure is lower, the leavening action of baking powder is more effective. This means that you might need to use less baking powder in high altitude baking compared to sea level baking.

  2. Baking Soda: Baking soda is a base, and it requires an acid to activate its leavening properties. If your recipe already contains acidic ingredients like buttermilk, yogurt, or vinegar, using baking soda can be a good choice. At high altitudes, where the air pressure is lower, you may not need to make significant adjustments to the amount of baking soda used.

In high altitude baking, the primary goal is to find the right balance between the leavening agents (baking soda or baking powder) and acidic ingredients to achieve the desired rise and texture in your baked goods. You may need to make some trial and error adjustments to your recipes, as the optimal amount can vary based on the specific altitude and the type of baked goods you're making.


In addition to leavening agents, other factors to consider when baking at high altitudes include:

  1. Liquid: You might need slightly more liquid at high altitudes because evaporation occurs faster due to the lower air pressure.

  2. Flour: High altitude baking often requires less flour because of the drier conditions.

  3. Oven Temperature: You may need to increase the baking temperature or bake for a longer time to ensure proper doneness.

It's important to follow recipes designed for high-altitude baking when you're at a significantly higher elevation. Local guidelines and tips can also be helpful since specific adjustments may vary depending on your exact altitude and the climate in your area.

 



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