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

Preparation Desserts Eggs Dairy Pies And Tarts

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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Preparation Breads North American 4 Hours Or Less

Alaskan Sourdough Cornbread

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Baking Cookies And Brownies Preparation Time To Make

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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4 Hours Or Less Drop Cookies Preparation Oven

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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Sweet Time To Make Healthy 2 Low Saturated Fat

Angel Food Cake

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Preparation Low Fat Low Cholesterol 60 Minutes Or Less

Angel Food Cake Homemade

Experience the heavenly lightness of a homemade angel food cake! This recipe, a cherished family favorite passed down from a dear friend, delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness that will redefine your expectations. Forget dry, disappointing angel food cakes – this one is unbelievably moist and fluffy, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Prepare to be amazed!

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Dietary Easy No Cook Technique

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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Number Of Servings Equipment Easy Desserts

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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Gifts Cookies And Brownies Course 30 Minutes Or Less

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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Desserts Eggs Dairy Dietary Time To Make

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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High Calcium Course Inexpensive Condiments Etc

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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Potluck Potluck Occasion Main Ingredient

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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Desserts Dietary Course Healthy

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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Low In Something Dietary Low Saturated Fat Low Fat

Basic Seven Minute Frosting

Indulge in this wickedly delicious, classic Seven-Minute Frosting! This recipe, adapted from a cherished 1965 edition of Fannie Farmer's cookbook, is unbelievably easy and ready in just minutes. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and more, get ready for a flavor explosion that's surprisingly simple to make.

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Egg Free High Calcium Comfort Food Dietary

Best Buttermilk Biscuits

These flaky, buttery buttermilk biscuits are a game-changer! Inspired by a Better Homes and Gardens recipe (and husband-approved!), these biscuits are so light and fluffy, you can peel them layer by layer. Perfect alongside hearty stews, soups, or even breakfast sausage. Get ready to experience biscuit perfection!

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Comfort Food Preparation Cuisine Refrigerator

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 Protein Time To Make Pies And Tarts Low Protein

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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Number Of Servings Course For Large Groups Time To Make

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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