Cream Of Tartar

Potassium bitartrate Baking Agent/Acid

Cream Of Tartar Baking Agent/Acid

At a Glance

  • Category Baking Agent/Acid

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of the baking world, turning delicate meringues into stable masterpieces and achieving perfect confectionary textures."

Definition

An acidic byproduct of winemaking, used as a leavening agent, stabilizer for egg whites, and to prevent sugar crystallization.

Chemical Composition Potassium acid tartrate, a byproduct of winemaking.
Primary Function (Egg Whites) Stabilizes egg whites, allowing them to reach greater volume and hold their shape.
Shelf Life (Sealed) Indefinite if stored in a cool, dry, dark place, but potency may diminish over time.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cream Of Tartar are:

Tart acidic neutral in small amounts

Chef’s Secret

Add a tiny pinch of cream of tartar to boiling sugar syrup when making candy or fudge to prevent crystallization and ensure a smooth texture.

Best Substitutes

Lemon Juice

for stabilizing egg whites, slightly alters flavor
Ratio 1:1

White Vinegar

for egg whites, stronger flavor
Ratio 1:1

Baking Powder

contains cream of tartar, adjust ratios

Buying Guide

Look for it in the baking aisle. Small amounts are usually sufficient for most recipes.

Recipes Using Cream Of Tartar

30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Easy 30 Minutes Or Less

Baby's Southern Banana Pudding

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy perfection of Baby S's Southern Banana Pudding – a family recipe passed down through generations! Forget those boxed mixes – this homemade version is unbelievably delicious, featuring layers of vanilla wafers, creamy custard, and sweet, ripe bananas. Warning: It's incredibly rich and decadent, so save room for this unforgettable Southern treat! This recipe uses a smaller box (approximately 10 oz) of vanilla wafers.

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Eggs Dairy Sweet Eggs Dairy Course

Basic Sponge Cake

Master the art of baking with our foolproof Basic Sponge Cake recipe! This classic recipe from bakingsheet.com is perfect for beginners and yields a light, airy cake, ideal for layering and filling with your favorite frosting and fillings. Learn the secrets to a perfectly moist and tender sponge cake – it's easier than you think!

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Seasonal Desserts Easy Gifts

Best Loved Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies

Indulge in the irresistible magic of these melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies! This beloved recipe, adapted from the Better Homes & Gardens cookbook, is a holiday baking tradition that will leave your guests craving more. Perfectly crisp edges and a delightfully soft center make these cookies the star of any dessert table. Get ready to experience sugar cookie perfection!

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High In Something High In Something Time To Make Rolls Biscuits

Always Perfect Biscuits

Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits that are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting side dish, these biscuits are so easy to make, even beginners will succeed. Triple the recipe (yes, really!) for a family feast or generous leftovers – perfect for enjoying with country gravy or sweet jam the next day. Get ready for biscuit perfection!

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Breads Meat Course Main Ingredient

Bacon And Onion Biscuits

Crispy bacon and sweet caramelized onions baked into fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or even a delicious side dish. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 35 minutes!

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Main Ingredient Dietary Spring Inexpensive

Angel Food Cake With Lemon Meringue Icing

Indulge in this light and fluffy Angel Food Cake, elevated with a tangy lemon meringue icing! A guilt-free delight, this recipe offers a surprisingly low-fat, high-flavor alternative to traditional, heavy desserts. The homemade angel food cake is delicious on its own, but the vibrant lemon meringue adds a truly special touch. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful weekend treat!

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Healthy Cakes Healthy 2 Low Cholesterol

Angel Food Cake Deluxe

Indulge in this heavenly Angel Food Cake Deluxe! This classic recipe, sourced from my cherished collection, delivers a light-as-air cake with a delicate sweetness and irresistible texture. Perfect for special occasions or an elegant afternoon treat, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and yields a show-stopping dessert.

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Occasion Healthy Taste Mood Kid Friendly

Angel Food Cake

Fluffy, light, and heavenly! This homemade angel food cake recipe is unbelievably easy and tastes far superior to anything you'll find in the store. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic dessert that's surprisingly simple to make. Each bite is a cloud of delicate sweetness!

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Eggs North American Pies And Tarts Main Ingredient

Beau Catchin Lemon Pie

Indulge in the zesty perfection of our Beau Catchin' Lemon Pie! This homemade recipe boasts a creamy, tangy lemon filling, topped with a cloud-like meringue. A classic dessert, elevated to unforgettable levels. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a special treat for yourself!

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Preparation Preparation Oven 5 Ingredients Or Less

Angel Food Puffs Ww

Indulge in these light-as-a-feather Angel Food Puffs, each a mere 1 WW point! A delightful twist on a classic, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and incredibly customizable. Experiment with different flavored sodas for a unique taste sensation every time! Fluffy, delicious, and guilt-free – the perfect treat for your next gathering.

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Technique Desserts Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less

Angel Food Cake With Yummy Chocolate Whipped Cream Icing

Elevate your angel food cake to new heights with this luscious chocolate whipped cream frosting! Perfect for store-bought, mix-made, or homemade cakes (though let's be honest, the mix is just as delicious and saves time!), this recipe adds a layer of rich chocolate indulgence to the light and airy cake. The frosting is incredibly versatile, but it's especially magical when paired with the delicate texture of angel food cake. Add some toffee bits for an extra touch of irresistible crunch and sweetness! This recipe is easy and quick to make, perfect for a delightful dessert.

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Easy Vegetarian Healthy 2 Beginner Cook

Angel Food Cake Malakh Ensvarg Lekekh

Gigi's legendary Angel Food Cake (Malakh Ensvarg Lekekh)! This incredibly simple recipe creates a light and airy cake, perfect on its own or dressed up with whipped cream and fresh berries. A classic dessert that's surprisingly easy to master. Get ready to impress!

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Dietary Heirloom Historical Preparation Desserts

Angel Food Cake Rose's Restaurant

Recreate a piece of Portland culinary history with this legendary Angel Food Cake recipe! Inspired by Rose's Restaurant & Bakery, a beloved Portland institution, this recipe hails from the original cookbooks of the bakery's founder, a Russian immigrant who built her empire one delicious cake at a time. This light-as-air cake, perfected over decades, is a true testament to her passion and skill. Follow the instructions carefully for a result that's simply heavenly! (A chocolate version with marshmallow icing is also available – check out our other recipes!)

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Oven Refrigerator Cuisine Gifts

Best Darn Sugar Cookies Ever

These light and incredibly flavorful sugar cookies will change your mind about this classic treat! With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible sweetness, they're guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Even sugar cookie skeptics will be raving! Get ready for the best darn sugar cookies you've ever tasted!

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For Large Groups Preparation For Large Groups Course

Brown Sugar Cookies

Indulge in the irresistible warmth of these classic Brown Sugar Cookies! A treasured family recipe, passed down through the years, these chewy delights are surprisingly simple to make. Get ready for the perfect balance of sweet brown sugar and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. (Prep time excludes chilling.)

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Frozen Desserts Spring Summer Citrus

Baked Grapefruit Alaska

Start your day with a burst of sunshine! This Baked Grapefruit Alaska is a light and refreshing breakfast (or delightful dessert) that's both easy enough for weeknights and elegant enough for brunch. A family heirloom recipe passed down through generations, this vibrant dish combines the tartness of grapefruit with a touch of sweetness for a truly unforgettable flavor experience. Impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a taste of sunshine!

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Low Fat Low Fat Healthy Course

Banana Meringue Delight

Indulge in this heavenly Banana Meringue Delight, a kosher dessert sensation! This recipe, inspired by the Zaar World Tour '05, features a crisp meringue crust cradling a creamy banana pudding filling. Perfect for potlucks, special occasions, or a simple weeknight treat. Get ready for a taste of pure bliss!

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Healthy Cuisine Eggs Dairy Dinner Party

Australian Pavlova

Indulge in the airy perfection of this classic Australian Pavlova! Named after the legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova, this meringue-based dessert is a showstopper. Crisp, light meringue shell, piled high with fresh, vibrant fruits and creamy whipped cream – it's the perfect summer dessert or celebratory treat. Customize it with your favorite berries, kiwi, or even passionfruit for a truly unforgettable taste experience.

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