Skip to content

baking soda

CondimentsYear-round

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)

RCI-BR.004.0479.001

Soy Carrot Cake

.

RCI-BR.005.0576.001

Soy Free and Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hi, I adapted this recipe from Weight Watchers and I love these cookies.

RCI-BR.005.0577.001

Soynog Kringles

Named after you know who. Ho Ho Ho. Enjoy!

RCI-BR.005.0578.001

Soynut Butter Cookies

Yield: 4 dozen cookies.

RCI-RC.005.0081.001

Soy Snickerdoodles

Soy Snickerdoodles from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0481.001

Spanish Bar Cake

Spanish Bar Cake

RCI-BR.004.0482.001

Spanish Cake

A rich loaf cake heavily spiced and studded with plump Raisins.

RCI-BR.004.0486.001

Spice Cake

Spice Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0581.001

Spice cookies

Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.006.0312.001

Spiced Pumpkin Bars

.

RCI-BR.003.0382.001

Spicy Carrot Bread

Spicy Carrot Bread

RCI-BR.003.0384.001

Spicy Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread

RCI-BR.005.0587.001

Spicy Star Cookies

Spicy Star Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0385.001

Star of the East Fruit Bread

Star of the East Fruit Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0387.001

Steep Estate Banana Nut Bread

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Steep Estate in Elmo, Texas in 1989.

RCI-BR.003.0390.001

Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread

Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0391.001

Strawberry Bread

Strawberry Bread This recipe was given to me by my mother, and makes 2 large loaves, or 4 to 6 smaller loaves, depending upon the size of the pans.

RCI-BR.004.0496.001

Strawberry Carrot Cake

.

RCI-BR.003.0393.001

Strawberry Corn Muffins

.

RCI-BR.005.0593.001

Strawberry 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.

RCI-BR.003.0394.001

Strawberry Honey Muffins

.

RCI-DS.004.0273.001

Strawberry Mango Cobbler

.

RCI-BR.005.0599.001

Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0601.001

Sugar Cookies II

Sugar Cookies II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0511.001

Sugar-free Low-carb Red Velvet Cake

Sugar-free Low-carb Red Velvet Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0604.001

Sugar-free Oatmeal Cookies

Yield: 24

RCI-BR.005.0606.001

Sugar-free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Ampere Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1981.

RCI-BR.004.0512.001

Sugarless Cake

Contributed by Amie Lee Hale from Louisiana Woman's Ministries (Assemblies of God)

RCI-BR.003.0400.001

Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins

Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0514.001

Super Chocolatey Cupcakes

Super Chocolatey Cupcakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0402.001

Super Moist Corn Bread

American cuisine Native American cuisine

RCI-BR.003.0403.001

Susan's Scones from Scotland

Susan's Scones from Scotland from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0201.001

Svele Kake

Norwegian Pancakes

RCI-BR.004.0516.001

Swedish Nut Cake

Swedish Nut Cake

RCI-BR.004.0517.001

Swedish Nut cake II

Swedish Nut cake II

RCI-BR.003.0404.001

Swedish Rusks

Swedish Rusks

RCI-DS.003.0303.001

Sweet balls with syrup

Sweet balls with syrup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0406.001

Sweet, Moist, Wholesome Zucchini Bread

Sweet, Moist, Wholesome Zucchini Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0407.001

Sweet Oatmeal Corn Muffins

Sweet Oatmeal Corn Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0409.001

Sweet Potato Biscuits III

From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Original recipe Makes 18 biscuits

RCI-BR.003.0411.001

Sweet Pumpkin Scones

Sweet Pumpkin Scones from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0145.001

Tamale Pie I

Tamale Pie I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0521.001

Tasty pineapple cake

Tasty pineapple cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0616.001

Tasty Tofu Brownie Snacks

Tasty Tofu Brownie Snacks from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0413.001

Tea Biscuits

Pioneer and Indian Recipes by the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, National Parks Service, US Department of the Interior, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: 30 minutes

RCI-BR.003.0417.001

The Best Banana Bread

This is great the second day and freezes great, too. If you have enough bananas make two and freeze one.

RCI-BR.008.0206.001

Tie-dye Pancakes

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan. This batter makes approximately 12 – 14 pancakes.

RCI-BR.005.0627.001

Toaster-oven Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Contributed by Delma at Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.005.0629.001

Toffee-topped Cheesecake Bars

Toffee-topped Cheesecake Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0418.001

Tofu Banana Bread

.