Cream of tartar is a common ingredient in many recipes, including meringues. It helps stabilize whipped egg whites, resulting in the characteristic high peaks that make meringues so light and airy. However, if you’re out of cream of tartar or simply looking for an alternative, there are several excellent substitutes you can use.
The Best Substitute: Lemon Juice
The best substitute for cream of tartar in meringues is lemon juice. Lemon juice provides acidity similar to cream of tartar, helping to form stiff peaks when whipping egg whites. It also works well in syrups or frostings to prevent crystallization.
How to use lemon juice as a substitute for cream of tartar:
- For every 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar, use 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Add the lemon juice to the egg whites along with the sugar, before you start whipping.
- Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Tips:
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best results.
- If you’re using bottled lemon juice, make sure it’s unsweetened.
- Start with a small amount of lemon juice and add more to taste, as the acidity can vary.
Other Suitable Substitutes
While lemon juice is the best substitute for cream of tartar in meringues, there are other options you can consider:
- White vinegar: Like cream of tartar, white vinegar is acidic and can help stabilize egg whites. Use an equal amount of white vinegar in place of cream of tartar. However, keep in mind that white vinegar may not be a good alternative for baked goods like cakes, as it may alter the taste and texture.
- Baking powder: If your recipe contains both baking soda and cream of tartar, you can easily substitute with baking powder instead. This is because baking powder is made up of sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda) and tartaric acid. Use 1.5 teaspoons (6 grams) of baking powder to replace 1 teaspoon (3.5 grams) of cream of tartar.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is acidic and can work as a replacement for cream of tartar in some recipes. It works especially well in baked goods, but you’ll need to remove some liquid from the recipe to account for the buttermilk. For each 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) of cream of tartar in the recipe, remove 1/2 cup (120 mL) of liquid from the recipe and replace it with 1/2 cup (120 mL) of buttermilk.
- Yogurt: Like buttermilk, yogurt is acidic and can replace cream of tartar in some recipes. Before you use yogurt as a substitute, thin it out with a bit of milk to match the consistency of buttermilk, then use it to replace cream of tartar in the same way. Reserve this substitution primarily for baked goods, as it requires you to remove liquids from the recipe. For every 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) of cream of tartar, remove 1/2 cup (120 mL) of liquid from the recipe and replace it with 1/2 cup (120 mL) of yogurt that has been thinned out with milk.
Can I Use Corn Syrup Instead of Cream of Tartar?
Like cream of tartar, corn syrup can help prevent sugar from crystallizing. This makes it a common cream of tartar substitute in sweet treats. However, corn syrup is very high in sugar and calories, which may not make it a healthy substitute for cream of tartar.
Can I Leave Cream of Tartar Out of a Recipe?
In some recipes, it may be easier to omit the cream of tartar than find a substitute for it. For example, if you’re using cream of tartar to stabilize whipped egg whites, you can leave out the cream of tartar if you don’t have any on hand. Additionally, if you’re making syrup, frosting, or icing and using the cream of tartar to prevent crystallization, you can omit it from the recipe without dire consequences. Although syrups may crystallize eventually if stored for a long period, you can fix this by simply reheating them on the stove or in the microwave.
On the other hand, it may not be a good idea to leave out cream of tartar or a substitute for baked goods that require a leavening agent.
While cream of tartar is a valuable ingredient in many recipes, it’s not essential. With a few simple substitutions, you can still achieve the desired results without it. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or simply don’t have cream of tartar on hand, there’s a suitable substitute available to help you create delicious and satisfying dishes.
What Does Cream of Tartar Do in Cookies?
Because it prevents the sugar in the dough from crystallizing and causing crispiness—the opposite of chewiness—cream of tartar makes cookies chewy. It can also enhance flavor. For example, snickerdoodles’ distinctively tangy flavor is attributed to the cream of tartar, which pairs well with the warm cinnamon. Additionally, because of the way it interacts with sugar, it prevents cookies from browning. For this reason, it is sometimes included in recipes for decorated sugar cookies, which prefer a white “canvas” to a lightly browned one.
What is a Good Replacement for Cream of Tartar?
One teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for every half teaspoon of cream of tartar is a suitable substitute for cream of tartar in baking.
Best Substitutes for Cream of Tartar You Can Find in Your Kitchen
FAQ
What can I use if I don’t have cream of tartar for meringue?
What happens if you don’t add cream of tartar to meringue?
What can I use in place of cream of tartar?
What happens if you leave out cream of tartar?
What can I substitute for Cream of tartar in meringues?
As with any substitute the taste can be altered, which is why lemon juice is always the best acid to substitute cream of tartar in meringues that have a fruit base while white vinegar can be substituted in recipes that just need whipped egg whites – although vinegar can alter the flavor more than lemon juice as it is stronger tasting.
What is the healthier substitute of tamarind paste?
Tamarind paste can be a concentrated source of sugar but overall tamarind is a healthy legume. No sugar versions of tamarind paste are available so you can control the amount and type of sweetener that is added. This would be a healthier option for those trying to limit their sugar intake. Otherwise, pomegranate molasses is a delicious substitute for the sweet and sour characteristics of tamarind paste or concentrate. It is also rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and other health promoting compounds.
Can I use white vinegar instead of cream of tartar in meringues?
With these precautions in mind, using white vinegar as a substitute for cream of tartar in meringues can be a great alternative for those who don’t have cream of tartar or prefer to use natural ingredients. If you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, lemon juice can work as an alternative in making meringues.
Can you make meringues without cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, lemon juice can work as an alternative in making meringues. Lemon juice contains natural acids that help stabilize egg whites, just like cream of tartar. However, the acidic content of lemon juice is not as strong as that of cream of tartar, so you’ll need to use a slightly higher amount.