What Does Baking Powder Do

Baking powder causes whatever it is in to rise when cooked. It is a levening agent and it creates tiny air pockets through a chemical reaction with the dough or batter.

Baking powder is a complex and important leavener. When it is mixed with a liquid, it releases carbon dioxide gas, "tiny bubbles" that cause the cake or bread to rise. There are three basic types of baking powder; "double-acting," this type releases some gas when a liquid is added. The other two types of baking powder react when exposed to oven heat ("Single-acting tartrate" & "phosphate baking powders"). Baking powder is perishable, always check the date on the bottom of the can.