Baking Agent|Acid | Vegetarian Vegan Gluten Free Low Sodium

Cream Of Tartar

Potassium Bitartrate Allergen-Free
Cream Of Tartar

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Chemical Compound)
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Grapes (byproduct of winemaking)

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

An acidic salt, potassium bitartrate, used as a leavening agent stabilizer for egg whites, and to prevent sugar crystallization in confectioneries.

Sensory Profile

TasteTart, Acidic
TextureFine Powder
AromaOdorless
AcidityHigh

Technical Metrics

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.

Nutrition Facts

Per 2g (1/2 tsp)
Calories258 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate65 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.1 mg
Potassium16500 mg

Chef’s Secret

When whipping egg whites, add cream of tartar early in the whipping process (when they are foamy) to help stabilize them and achieve maximum volume and firm peaks.

Substitutions

Best Match

Lemon Juice

1 tsp Cream of Tartar : 2 tsp Lemon Juice

Best for stabilizing egg whites or as an acid component in leavening, but adds liquid.

White Vinegar

1 tsp Cream of Tartar : 2 tsp White Vinegar

Good for acidic reactions, similar to lemon juice, but has a stronger taste.

Baking Powder (as leavener)

1 tsp Cream of Tartar : 1.5 tsp Baking Powder

Only suitable if Cream of Tartar is used *with baking soda* for leavening. Baking powder is a complete leavener.

Citric Acid

1 tsp Cream of Tartar : 0.5 tsp Citric Acid

Powerful acid, suitable for preventing sugar crystallization or as a leavener component, but stronger.

Buying Guide

Store in a cool, dark, dry place in an airtight container as it can absorb moisture. Check expiry dates for optimal leavening power.

Flavor Pairings

Meringues angel food cake snickerdoodle cookies hard candy anything requiring stiff peaks.

Recipes Using Cream Of Tartar

Easy 30 Minutes Or Less Preparation Time To Make

30 Minute Lemon Meringue Pie

Whip up this dreamy 30-Minute Lemon Meringue Pie! This quick and easy recipe delivers the classic tangy lemon filling and fluffy meringue topping you crave, all without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for weeknight desserts or impressive gatherings.

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Canadian North American Equipment Time To Make

Alaskan Sourdough Cornbread

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Cookies And Brownies Preparation Cookies And Brownies Number Of Servings

Amazing Butterscotch Crispies Cookie

Get ready to experience pure cookie bliss! These Amazing Butterscotch Crispies Cookies boast an unbelievably fantastic texture, thanks to a blend of butter and oil. The rich butterscotch chips deliver a delightful sweetness, perfectly complemented by optional chocolate chips and Skor toffee bits for an extra touch of crunch. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers melt-in-your-mouth cookies that will disappear in minutes!

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Breads Breads Course Time To Make

Amish Triple Butter Biscuits

Experience the legendary Amish Triple Butter Biscuits! Imagine golden-brown, puffy biscuits, baked in a square pan, their moist and crumbly texture a delightful contrast to their perfectly browned tops. This recipe delivers on the promise of melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness, reminiscent of a sun-drenched farmhouse table. Get ready for the most unforgettable biscuits you've ever tasted!

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Drop Cookies Drop Cookies Time To Make Desserts

Angel Cookies

These heavenly Angel Cookies are a delightful cross between melt-in-your-mouth shortbread and delicate sugar cookies! With a light, crisp texture and subtly sweet flavor, they're incredibly addictive. Prepare to be amazed as these cookies disappear faster than you can say 'recipe'! Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a touch of pure baking bliss.

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Low In Something Course Taste Mood Low Saturated Fat

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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Pasta Rice And Grains Free Of Something Occasion Gluten Free

Angel Food Cake Gluten Free

Indulge in this heavenly gluten-free angel food cake! This recipe delivers a light and airy texture, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth without compromising on taste. Unlike other gluten-free versions that deflate, this recipe uses a technique to ensure maximum rise and a stunningly beautiful cake. Made with simple ingredients and a foolproof method, this recipe is perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners. Serve it plain, or create a delightful strawberry trifle as described in the recipe. Get ready for a gluten-free dessert experience that will leave you and your guests speechless!

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Drop Cookies Easy Drop Cookies Desserts

Anise Cookies

Grandma's secret recipe for melt-in-your-mouth anise cookies! These delicate treats are bursting with warm, spicy anise flavor and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust. Perfect for holiday baking or any time you crave a comforting classic.

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Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less Pies And Tarts Pies

Arizona Lemon Meringue Pie

This Arizona Lemon Meringue Pie recipe is a family favorite, bursting with fresh lemon flavor from our backyard! The high meringue is unbelievably fluffy, and the creamy lemon filling is simply divine. Use your favorite pie crust (recipe #339607 recommended!) or grab a store-bought one for a quicker dessert. Get ready for a taste of sunshine in every bite!

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Cuisine Occasion Comfort Food Preparation

Aunt Zana's Amish Sugar Cookies Eggless

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations, these crisp Amish sugar cookies are unbelievably delicious and easy to make! No eggs needed! Perfect for holiday baking or any time you crave a melt-in-your-mouth treat. This recipe makes approximately 24-30 cookies (though they tend to disappear quickly!). Get ready for a new family favorite!

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Fruit Time To Make Australian Cookies And Brownies

Australian Wattleseed Oatmeal Coconut Cookies

Experience the unique taste of Australia with these delightful Wattleseed Oatmeal Coconut Cookies! Wattleseed, sourced from the Australian acacia tree, lends a captivating nutty flavor profile with hints of dark chocolate and hazelnuts. These chewy cookies combine the comforting warmth of oatmeal with the tropical sweetness of coconut, creating a truly unforgettable treat. Perfect for afternoon tea or a special occasion, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers exceptional results.

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Course 15 Minutes Or Less High In Something Easy

Baking Mix Aka Bisquick

Make pancakes and biscuits with this healthier twist on Bisquick! This recipe uses whole wheat pastry flour and zero trans fat shortening for a higher fiber, lower fat baking mix. Adapted from the New American Diet cookbook, it's perfect for quick and easy baking, but with a nutritional boost. Get ready to enjoy fluffy pancakes and biscuits that are good for you too!

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Occasion To Go Comfort Food Course

Banana Chiffon Cake

Experience a taste of nostalgia with this light-as-air Banana Chiffon Cake! This treasured recipe, passed down through generations, delivers a delicately textured cake that's both incredibly moist and fluffy. Prepare to be amazed by its airy lightness and irresistible banana flavor. Perfect for birthdays, brunch, or any special occasion!

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Course Puddings And Mousses Easy Low Fat

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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Time To Make Dietary Taste Mood Equipment

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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Low In Something Desserts Dietary Pies

Best Ever Lemon Meringue Pie

Conquer lemon meringue pie with this foolproof recipe! Say goodbye to runny or rubbery disasters – this recipe delivers a light, delicate, and perfectly tangy lemon pie that's guaranteed to impress. Get ready for the most delicious, dreamy lemon meringue pie you've ever tasted!

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Time To Make Cookies And Brownies Desserts 30 Minutes Or Less

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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Occasion Eggs Dairy Number Of Servings Dietary

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Save money and time with this easy recipe for homemade sweetened condensed milk! Perfect for decadent desserts and creamy homemade Irish cream liqueur. This quick recipe delivers the rich, creamy sweetness you crave, without the hefty store-bought price tag. Make it once, and you'll never buy store-bought again!

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