
baking soda
Baking soda is primarily sodium bicarbonate and contributes negligible calories or macronutrients; however, it adds sodium to recipes. It is used in such small quantities in baking that its nutritional impact is minimal.
About
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), is a naturally occurring alkaline compound belonging to the salt family. It occurs in nature as the mineral nahcolite and is mined from mineral deposits or synthesized industrially through the Solvay process. Sodium bicarbonate is a white crystalline powder with a slight alkaline taste and odorless character. When heated or exposed to an acid, it decomposes to release carbon dioxide gas, which gives baked goods their characteristic rise and crumb structure. It is chemically distinct from baking powder, which contains additional acidifying agents.
Culinary Uses
Baking soda serves as a chemical leavening agent in baking, where its alkaline properties react with acidic ingredients (buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, brown sugar, chocolate) to produce carbon dioxide bubbles that aerate cakes, cookies, muffins, and quick breads. It is also used to adjust pH in recipes, enhance browning reactions (Maillard reaction), and tenderize proteins in marinades. Beyond baking, small quantities are employed in savory dishes to neutralize acidity, reduce bitterness in vegetables, and create specific textures. Proper ratios are essential; excessive baking soda leaves an undesirable soapy or metallic taste and yellows baked goods.
Used In
Recipes Using baking soda (590)
Pumpkin Bread topped with Crystallized Ginger
Pumpkin Bread Topped with Crystallized Ginger from the Public Health Cookbook, Seattle & King County Office of Public Health—original recipe, in the public domain Serves: 24
Pumpkin Carrot Raisin Bread
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Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin Muffins from the Seattl
PUMPKIN MUFFINS FROM HELEN KEMP
PUMPKIN MUFFINS FROM HELEN KEMP from the Recidemia collection
Pumpkin Scones
We have two versions of , one savory and one sweet.
Pumpkin Soy Cream Cheese Bars
Yield: 24 bars Serving size: 1 bar
Quick Nectarine Oat Muffins
Quick Nectarine Oat Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Quick Oat Bread
Quick Oat Bread
Raisin Bars
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Yield: 16 Serv
Raisin bran muffins
Raisin bran muffins from the Recidemia collection
Raisin Scones
These scones are juicy with raisins, and the tart taste of buttermilk. With all the raisins, these biscuits are a sweet treat even without any toppings or spreads. You can enjoy them all on their own.
Ravishing Rhubarb Cake
Ravishing Rhubarb Cake from the Recidemia collection
Red Plum Crumb Bars
This recipe came from the Hartman Estate Sale. It was obtained it as part of the purchase of the Family Collection from the Hartman Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1984.
Red Velvet Peppermint Cake
This is a great holiday twist on those chocolate-swirled marbled cake batters we've loved for years.
Remarkable Rhubarb Bites
Remarkable Rhubarb Bites from the Recidemia collection
Rhubarb Bread
Rhubarb Bread from the Recidemia collection
Rhubarb Cake
. Rhubarb may be an intimidatingly tart vegetable eaten on its own, but when its sharp flavor is tempered with the addition of butter and sugar, it makes excellent desserts such as the cake recipe below.
Rhubarb Nut Bread
Rhubarb Nut Bread from the Recidemia collection
Rhubarb-Strawberry Cobbler
Rhubarb-Strawberry Cobbler from the Recidemia collection
Rice and Blueberry Pancakes with Ginger Syrup
Makes 6 servings
Rice Bran Buttermilk Pancakes
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the McGowan Estate in Sherman, Texas in 1991.
Rice Buttermilk Pancakes
Makes 6 servings
Rice Buttermilk Waffles
Makes 6 servings
Rice Dollar Pancakes
Makes 8 servings
Rich Chocolate Cake
Rich Chocolate Cake from the Recidemia collection
Rose Petal Drop Scones
What could be more beautiful and decorative than these delicious scones with rose petals? Recipe was adapted from the cookbook, Flowers in the Kitchen, by Susan Belsinger, Interweave.
R-U-Oating Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake
Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake from the Recidemia collection
Scottish Fruited Gingerbread
Scottish Fruited Gingerbread Patience is a virtue, and (trust me) this stuff is WELL worth the wait!
Scottish Lemon Scones
These make a wonderful breakfast or brunch treat. They are also nice served with lemon curd.
Scottish Wheat Bannock
A recipe from Nova Scotia that is called both and .

Sheqerpare
Cookies in syrup
Simply Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies
These can be made in a toaster oven.
Skipper’s Grape Nuts
Purchased from the Van Sickle Estate in Mabank, Texas in 1990. Date and source unknown. Marked as “Paw Paw’s favorite snack”.
Slovak Christmas Honey Cookies
Slovak Christmas Honey Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Snappy Ginger Muffins
=Snappy Ginger Muffins=
Snickerdoodle
A is a soft cookie lightly dusted with cinnamon. It has a characteristically crackly surface, and can be crisp or soft, depending on preference. Some variants include nutmeg, raisins, or nuts.
Snickerdoodles
are sugar cookies rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. These are chewy the same day you make them and become crunchy the next day, sadly.
Soft almond cookies
Soft almond cookies from the Recidemia collection
Soft molasses cookies
Soft molasses cookies from the Recidemia collection
Soft Molasses Cookies
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Sorghum Bread
Sorghum Bread from the Recidemia collection
Sour Cream Banana Bread
This is a recipe I obtained from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hager estate in Canton, Texas in 1982.
Sour Cream Banana Coffee Cake
Sour Cream Banana Coffee Cake from the Recidemia collection
Sour Cream Chocolate Cake
Original recipe Makes 16 squares
Sour Cream-Ginger Cookies
Sour Cream-Ginger Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Sour Cream-Rhubarb Squares
Sour Cream-Rhubarb Squares from the Recidemia collection
Sour Milk Griddle Cakes
From my Grandmother’s Estate. Notation on card says this was one of several griddlecake recipes served at church breakfast fundraisers for years. Dated 1928.
Southern Cornbread
- This is a hearty, unsweetened variety of cornbread, which is widely served in the Southeastern United States. It is easy to make--and is usually served as the bread portion of lunch or dinner (supper).
Soy Bran Muffins
Soy Bran Muffins from the Recidemia collection