Which is better to use baking powder or bicarbonate for a cake?

- The acid in baking powder reacts with the bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide, which is what causes the cake to rise.

Bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate) on its own is a base, and it needs to be combined with an acid to produce carbon dioxide.

- So, if you are using bicarbonate instead of baking powder, you will also need to add an acid, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk.

Another difference between baking powder and bicarbonate is that bicarbonate requires moisture to react.

- So, if you are using bicarbonate in a recipe that does not contain a lot of moisture, such as a cookie recipe, you may need to add a little extra liquid to the recipe to make sure that the bicarbonate has enough moisture to react.

Finally, bicarbonate can sometimes leave a slightly bitter taste in cakes, especially if it is not properly dissolved or if too much is used.

- So, if you are looking for a cake with a delicate flavor, you may want to use baking powder instead of bicarbonate.