What is the difference between baking soda and baking powder?

If you enjoy cooking and baking all kinds of dishes, it is vital that you understand the importance of certain ingredients, the differences between them, and when you can substitute them. All this is to ensure that your creations turn out perfect and delicious. This time we will talk about two ingredients that must not be missing in your kitchen: baking powder and baking soda. As you already know, these two ingredients are essential for baking cookies, cakes, muffins, breads, and all kinds of delights. Although they are similar, baking powder and baking soda are not interchangeable. Here we explain what they are, how they work, and why you should not substitute or modify them in a recipe. All these tips will help you create even more delicious desserts!You can also read: Is baking powder the same as yeast? We explain its usesWhat is baking soda?Baking soda is a very fine white powder and is soluble. Although it is used for medicinal purposes or for cleaning, in cooking it is used as a leavening agent, which means it generates air in mixtures and helps us prepare fluffy cakes.What is baking powder?Like baking soda, baking powder is a leavening agent, meaning it is a substance that produces gas in our preparations, which is essential when baking cakes, muffins, cookies, and other delights.You can also read: 5 tips for making butter cookies for the first timeWhat is the difference between the two?Unlike baking soda, baking powder is made up of three ingredients: bicarbonate, cream of tartar, and cornstarch. Another difference between these ingredients is that baking soda is much more potent than baking powder, as 1 teaspoon of baking powder has the same effect as ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. On the other hand, before thinking about swapping these ingredients, you should consider that baking soda helps cookies and breads achieve a golden color. So if you don't have either of these ingredients at home, it is advisable to check your pantry before baking, because if you modify the recipe, there are no guarantees that the recipe will be successful.You can also read: How to clean your oven using baking soda?Recipes to start bakingNow that you know the difference between these two basic ingredients in baking, roll up your sleeves and prepare our best desserts for every occasion, here we recommend the best!Orange Cake with CreamBanana TiramisuJam-Filled CookiesBlueberry CakeThree Milk Cake with DuvalínHomemade Butter Cookies with VanillaThree Milk Corn Cake with RompopeGreek Yogurt CakeImpossible Cake without OvenBanana and Walnut CakeOriginal Carrot Cake