Cream of tartar is a mystery ingredient to many people, and despite its name, is not actually creamy at all. Cream of tartar is a dry, powdery substance and is a byproduct from fermenting grapes that are being turned into wine.
Cream of Tartar Uses
There are many uses of cream of tartar, but it’s most commonly used in baking. When beating egg whites for a meringue, adding just a little bit of this substance speeds up the creation of foam and helps stabilize the little air bubbles that create this foam. Cream of Tartar helps create the stiff peaks that are desired in meringue pies and the airy bubbles that make a great angel food cake.
Cream of tartar is also widely used in snickerdoodle cookies to give them the distinctive tangy flavor and the chewiness sought after in a great snickerdoodle or Vanilla Buttercream Cookie. Cream of tartar prevents the sugar in cookies from crystallizing which would create a crunchier cookie.
Cream of tartar is also used with baking soda to become a leavening agent, which makes baked goods puff up while in the oven due to the production of carbon dioxide gas. Cream of tartar can be added to boiling vegetables so they keep their bright color.
ADDCREAM OF TARTARTO CART
Substitutes for Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar has many different uses, which means there are many different substitutes to use in different situations. Using 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar creates the acidic impact of 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar in a traditional baking recipe, like in our Coconut Cream Cake recipe. The most widely used substitutes are:
- Lemon juice
- White vinegar
- Baking powder
- Buttermilk
- Yogurt
You can also simply leave out the cream of tartar from a recipe, which may result in baked goods that are not as fluffy, but will still work out and taste good.
Common Cream of Tartar Recipes & Substitution Questions
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Tartar in Snickerdoodles?
Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their signature chewiness and tangy taste. To create a similar effect without the cream of tartar, substitute both the cream of tartar and the baking soda with 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Cream of Tartar Substitute in Meringue
Lemon juice works as a great substitute in meringue to stabilize the egg whites and provide the high stiff peaks you look for in a meringue.
Cream of Tartar Substitute Calculator
The general rule of thumb is for every ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar in a recipe, use 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, you’d use 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar.
FAQs
Cream of Tartar Substitute Calculator
What can I use if I don't have cream of tartar? ›
The 6 Best Things to Use If You Don't Have Cream of Tartar
- Lemon juice.
- White vinegar.
- Baking powder.
- Buttermilk.
- Yogurt.
- Copper bowl.
- No substitute.
Without cream of tartar, you'll get the same baked good in the end, but the consistency may not be as flawless. If you're worried about your cake coming out too flat or your lemon meringue pie going runny, adding cream of tartar is an effective way to prevent it.
Can baking soda replace cream of tartar? ›
If you have baking powder, technically you have cream of tartar, too! Baking powder is 2 parts cream of tartar and 1 part baking soda, so for every 2 parts cream of tartar, use 3 parts baking powder. For example, if you have 3 teaspoons of baking soda, it can replace 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar.
Is white vinegar a substitute for cream of tartar? ›
If a recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar, add one teaspoon of vinegar instead. The only downside of using vinegar is the strong flavor can sneak through. For this reason, white vinegar is the go-to vinegar for substituting cream of tartar, since it has the least distinct flavor.
How necessary is cream of tartar? ›
The bottom line: For smooth, stiff beaten egg whites that keep their shape, don't skip the cream of tartar. If you don't have cream of tartar, substituting 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar per egg white works almost as well. To avoid meringues that weep, don't skip the cream of tartar...
Can I substitute cornstarch for cream of tartar? ›
No. Cornstarch is a starch used for thickening, while cream of tartar is an acid used for leavening, stabilizing, and preventing crystallization. They play totally different roles in baking and are not considered substitutes for one another.
What can I use instead of cream of tartar in play dough? ›
Instead, you can substitute vinegar or lemon juice for the cream of tartar, and still have an awesome end result.
What can I substitute for cream of tartar in Snickerdoodles? ›
You can either replace cream of tartar with baking powder at a 1:1.5 ratio (1 teaspoon cream of tartar : 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder), or you can replace cream of tartar with the combination of baking soda and either lemon juice or vinegar (as with this recipe).
What to do if I forgot the cream of tartar? ›
The Best Substitute for Cream of Tartar
For every 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar in the recipe, use 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar. As an example, if your cookie recipe calls for 1 teaspoon baking soda, add 2 teaspoons lemon juice instead of the cream of tartar.
Baking powder is a good cream of tartar substitute for cookies because it is synergistic with baking soda. You'll need 1.5x the amount of baking powder substitute for the cream of tartar called for in the recipe. Baking powder is a great cream of tartar replacement because it doesn't impart any flavor.
What are the negative effects of cream of tartar? ›
Adverse Effects
Two cases have been reported, where both used cream of tartar as a laxative and resulted in life-threatening hyperkalemia. Symptoms included vomiting, high serum potassium levels, and abnormal heart rate.
What is a substitute for cream of tartar in angel food cake? ›
When cream of tartar is used to add volume and stabilize and whiten whipped egg whites, as with an angel food cake, replace every 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar (the amount needed per egg) with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or distilled white vinegar.
What is the ratio of baking soda to cream of tartar? ›
To make baking powder, mix one part baking soda and two parts cream of tartar. So, if you recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of baking powder, use 1 teaspoon of baking soda, mixed in with 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar.
Does cream of tartar expire? ›
Cream of tartar does not expire so long as you store it in a cool and dry space. When in doubt, check for a powdery, white appearance and a slightly acidic smell. Discard your cream of tartar if it has become discolored or if it has a strong smell.
What is an alternative way to remove tartar? ›
Naturally antibacterial, white vinegar will help to demineralise or soften tartar if used once or twice daily as a mouthwash. Swish a mixture of 2 cups of warm water, 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and a pinch of salt around your mouth for a few minutes. Do this after or between brushing your teeth.
What is a substitute for cream of tartar reddit? ›
Vinegar or lemon juice. Cream of tartar is tartaric acid.
Is cornstarch or cream of tartar better for meringue? ›
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is an excellent way to foolproof your meringue. Use it to create added fluff and keep your hard-won volume from shrinking. Cream of Tartar: Often added in when making meringues, acidic cream of tartar provides lift and stabilization.
