- baking ingredient leavening agent for baked goods such as cookies cakes pies pastries - Baking Powder is a leavening agent that consists of a combination of baking soda, cream of tartar, and a moisture absorber. - Used in batters where there is no acid present such as many baked goods: cookies, cakes, pastries, pies, quick bread, etc. - acting baking powder is a faster alternative to yeast