If you buy just one kind of baking powder for baked goods, make it this one.

What Is Baking Powder?

Baking powder, likebaking soda, is a leavening agent, meaning it helps doughs and batters rise.

A small glass bowl of baking powder with a measuring spoon on a wood surface

Michelle Arnold / Getty Images

But unlike baking soda, baking powder is a complete leavening agent.

These ingredients allow double-acting baking powder to react when added to the batterandwhen heat is applied.

And double-acting baking powder is what’s commonly used for at-home baking.

Lemon Scones with Lemon Glaze on Parchment Paper

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm