Best Cream of Tartar Substitutes

Cream of Tartar is a white powder that is a byproduct of winemaking. It’s used as a stabilizing agent in baking, particularly in meringues, and acts as a leavening agent in baking powder. Common recipes using Cream of Tartar include Angel Food Cake, meringue toppings, and fluffy frostings.

How To Substitute Cream of Tartar In Most Cooking Recipes

SubstituteDescriptionServing Size
ButtermilkTangy, acidic dairy product that can replace Cream of Tartar1 tsp per 1 tsp Cream of Tartar
YogurtAcidic dairy product with similar properties to buttermilk1 tsp per 1 tsp Cream of Tartar
Lemon JuiceSour, acidic juice that can act as a substitute for Cream of Tartar1 tsp per 1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar
White VinegarClear, acidic vinegar that can replace Cream of Tartar1 tsp per 1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar
Baking PowderLeavening agent that can also act as a substitute for Cream of Tartar1 tsp per 1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar

Can I leave cream of tartar out of a recipe?

Yes, you can leave Cream of Tartar out of a recipe, but it may affect the final result as it helps stabilize and add volume to whipped egg whites and acts as a leavening agent in baking.