A Better Baking Powder

[RiceGuy]

Hi all.

I recently found it practically impossible to get quick-breads, biscuits, etc to rise properly, as discussed in Open Original Shared Link. Though the company insists they didn't change the formula for their baking powder, it's the only thing I can figure might have changed. And while Rumford's didn't ever work as well as I had wished, it sure beat the more recent results.

Anyway, I was therefore on a quest for a better baking powder. I reasoned that if only the CO² gas was released in the oven, it would work. Rumford's produces the reaction on contact with water, and this seems to be too soon, at least for gluten-free baking. After much digging, and some queries with the Rep at Clabber Girl Corp (makers of Rumford), I concluded that all along I've been using the wrong baking powder. Rumford's product is based on monocalcium phosphate, but a more ideal baking powder would be one based on sodium acid pyrophosphate. Such a product requires heat to get the reaction, thus there wouldn't be all the wasted CO² during mixing. Obviously, the wet ingredients should not be warm.

Thankfully, there is such a baking powder, which also happens to have non-GMO cornstarch as does the Rumford product. To my surprise, the brand is Bob's Red Mill! Though they don't claim non-GMO cornstarch, it turns out to be anyway. It also has a small amount of monocalcium phosphate, which is why they call it double-acting. I don't see any reason why we'd need any leavening before the dough goes in the oven, so maybe it's a marketing thing. I was unable to find any such baking powder without cornstarch, and buying pure sodium acid pyrophosphate isn't practical unless you can afford a 50lb bag.

Using Bob's baking powder, I got great results immediately. Never has it been so easy to get gluten-free stuff to rise. I'm sure this will also solve the gooey pancake issue. It should work well for dumplings too. This is one Bob's Red Mill product I definitely recommend!

[missy'smom]

Thanks for the research and report back. I use Rumford because it's non-aluminum. Is the Bob's non-aluminum as well?

[RiceGuy]

Thanks for the research and report back. I use Rumford because it's non-aluminum. Is the Bob's non-aluminum as well?

Yes, Bob's is non-aluminum too! Thanks, I forgot to mention that.

[Cheri A]

Very interesting! I read your other thread, but didn't have any helpful advice to help you. I'm glad that you found something to work for you! Maybe I'll pick some up and do a trial myself.

[JennyC]

Hmm...interesting. I thought all baking powder was the same. I use Clabber Girl, maybe I should try BRM.

[RiceGuy]

Very interesting! I read your other thread, but didn't have any helpful advice to help you. I'm glad that you found something to work for you! Maybe I'll pick some up and do a trial myself.

Yeah, it really does work great. I just made a muffin tonight, and it rose like never before! Truly light and fluffy. If it had been Rumford, it would have either not risen, or there'd be a big air pocket inside, with goo at the bottom.

I'm already finding that my recipes work like they should. I don't have to overcompensate, or rush to get it mixed and into the oven. I haven't noticed any funny taste from it either.

I'm sure you'll get noticeably better results as well!

[RiceGuy]

Hmm...interesting. I thought all baking powder was the same. I use Clabber Girl, maybe I should try BRM.

Doesn't Clabber Girl baking powder have aluminum?

[AndreaB]

I will definately keep this in mind......Thanks!