I’m willing to bet you have a jar or container of cream of tartar tucked somewhere in the back of your pantry right now. Most likely from that time you needed it for a recipe…and you probably haven’t touched it since. While it may not be the most commonly used ingredient, cream of tartar is a quiet powerhouse in baking. From stabilizing egg whites to improving texture and flavor, this simple ingredient can make a big difference in your recipes.
So, let’s break down what it is, how it works, and why you might want to start using it more often.
What Is Cream of Tartar?
Despite its name, cream of tartar isn’t creamy at all. It’s a fine, white powder that looks similar to baking soda or powdered sugar and is typically found in the spice aisle at the grocery store.
Its scientific name is potassium bitartrate, and it’s actually a byproduct of the winemaking process. During fermentation, crystals form inside wine barrels and, once those crystals are refined, they become the cream of tartar used in baking. The result is a mild acidic powder that plays a key role in stabilizing and enhancing other ingredients.
Why Is Cream of Tartar Used in Baking?
Cream of tartar is typically used in small amounts, but it has a big impact. Its acidity helps improve both the structure and texture of baked goods. Here’s how:
1. Stabilizes Egg Whites
One of the most important jobs cream of tartar has is helping whipped egg whites hold their shape. The cream of tartar strengthens the tiny air bubbles formed by beating the egg whites, making them more stable and less likely to collapse.
This is especially helpful for recipes like:
- Meringues
- Soufflés
- Angel food cakes
2. Adds Lightness and Volume
Because it helps maintain structure, cream of tartar contributes to that light, airy texture in delicate desserts.
3. Enhances Flavor
It adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness. This is what gives certain cookies, like snickerdoodles, their signature flavor.
4. Improves Texture
It can help create softer, chewier baked goods and prevent sugar from crystallizing in some recipes.
How to Use Cream of Tartar
A little goes a long way. Most recipes only call for ¼ tsp. to 1 tsp., but that small amount can make a noticeable difference. As I already mentioned, one of the most common uses is when whipping egg whites. To add cream of tartar to this process, all you do is…
- Add a pinch of cream of tartar as you begin beating the egg whites
- Continue beating until soft or stiff peaks form
This extra step helps prevent deflating and gives your baked goods a better finished structure.
Popular Recipes That Use Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar shows up in a variety of classic recipes, especially those that rely on egg whites.
Pavlova
This crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside dessert depends on stable meringue. Cream of tartar helps it hold its shape beautifully.
Macarons
These delicate French cookies are known for being tricky. Cream of tartar can help stabilize the meringue and improve consistency.
Coconut macaroons use egg whites as a binder, and cream of tartar can help improve their texture.
Soufflé
Whether sweet or savory, soufflés rely on a solid structure. Cream of tartar allows them to rise and stay lofty longer.
Angel Food Cake
This light, airy cake depends entirely on whipped egg whites, making cream of tartar essential in most recipes.
Cookies
Snickerdoodles are the most well-known example, but even sugar cookies can benefit from a touch of cream of tartar for softness and a slight tang.
Bread
In certain recipes, cream of tartar can help lighten denser breads, especially those with grains or seeds.
How to Store Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar has a long shelf life when stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place, like your pantry, and it can last for several years.
Since it’s typically used in small amounts, it’s a good idea to buy a smaller container unless you bake with it frequently.
The Bottom Line
Cream of tartar may not be the most used ingredient in your pantry, but it has an important role to play in baking. Just the slightest amount helps stabilize, lighten, and improve the texture of several of your baked goods.
If you’ve been overlooking that little jar in the back of your cupboard, now’s the perfect time to put it to use. Because sometimes the smallest ingredients make the biggest difference.
Want more tips and tricks? Follow Dutch Apron® Bakery for all the latest recipe trends and kitchen techniques that are guaranteed to add a little extra sweetness to your life.
About the Author:
Jess Molina is the genius behind many of the Dutch Apron® Bakery recipe blog posts. She joined the team back in 2022 as a social media manager, and, since then, she has become the brand’s resident photographer and baker. When she’s not perfecting pictures for Dutch Apron® Bakery’s social media feeds, she can be found spending time in nature with her two dogs, going on bike rides with her family, and trying new bread recipes.
