Trish on the (Cake) Level

What’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder, and when should I use them?

Baking soda and baking powder are both leavening agents, similar in appearance yet otherwise pretty distinct. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is alkaline; when combined with an acid, carbon dioxide results. Baking powder, meanwhile, is baking soda already combined with a dry acid; liquid and/or heat must be added to the equation to spark a reaction. You’ll