What Is Cream of Tartar, and What Are Its Uses?

There are staple ingredients you rely on frequently, and then there's cream of tartar. Chances are, you’ve had a jar of cream of tartar tucked away in your spice cabinet for quite a while, likely without fully understanding what it's made of.

The good news: We’ve got all your pressing questions about cream of tartar covered, from what it actually is to creative ways to use this versatile powder.

What Is Cream of Tartar?

Despite its name, cream of tartar doesn’t contain any cream. Instead, it's a consumer-friendly term for potassium hydrogen tartrate—otherwise known as tartaric acid—a powdered acid that forms when grapes are fermented into wine. (Delicious!)

You’ll typically find cream of tartar nestled among the spices at your local grocery store or stocked in your kitchen pantry.

How Do You Use Cream of Tartar?

In essence, cream of tartar is the secret ingredient that makes desserts like meringues and whipped cream light, airy, and stable. It helps these treats rise higher, whip faster, and retain their shape better.

It can also be used to add a subtle tart flavor to cookies and cakes.

Does Cream of Tartar Expire?

When stored in a cool, dry location, your cream of tartar should stay potent and ready for use until you’ve used up the entire jar. It’s only time to toss it if you notice any color changes or an unusual odor.

Cream of Tartar Alternatives

If you can't locate your cream of tartar (or find yourself running low!), try substituting it with double the amount of lemon juice. For example, if your recipe calls for half a teaspoon of cream of tartar, use one teaspoon of lemon juice instead.

Recipes That Feature Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is often found in desserts that rely on whipped egg whites, such as meringues, macarons, pavlovas, and angel food cake. It's also an essential ingredient in cinnamon-sugar snickerdoodle cookies, adding a touch of tang to the dough. Discover some of our favorite ways to use cream of tartar.

Sheet Pan Pavlova With Berries and Mangoes

Cream of tartar is key in giving this light, airy meringue its structure. A dollop of sour cream-infused whipped cream, topped with macerated fruit, adds a delightful tang to this sweet treat.

Strawberry Dusted Meringues

These light-as-air meringues are elevated with a burst of flavor from freeze-dried strawberries. The addition of cream of tartar ensures that the meringue stays perfectly stable.

Slow-Cooker Angel Food Cake

A cake that uses egg whites for its airy, spongy texture can benefit from a small amount of cream of tartar to keep it stable.

Chocolate Chip Meringue Kisses

These delicate meringue cookies have chocolate chips tucked inside, adding a sweet surprise beneath their light, airy surface.

Orange Soufflé

A small amount of cream of tartar helps this traditional French dessert, made with egg whites, maintain its height. This particular version includes Grand Marnier and orange zest for a citrus twist, but don’t forget to add cream of tartar to any soufflé you prepare.

Coconut Macaroons

Egg whites and coconut come together in a cookie that’s both crispy and chewy (and absolutely delicious). For an extra touch of indulgence, dip the bottoms in melted chocolate.

Banana Pudding Pie Bars With Meringue

This classic recipe is reimagined as a crowd-friendly dessert, with layers of Nilla wafers, bananas, and vanilla pudding, all crowned with a fluffy meringue topping.

Other Ways to Use Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is useful for much more than just meringue. Discover all the other ways this little jar can be put to work.

As an all-natural cleanser

Combine cream of tartar with baking soda and lemon juice to create a powerful all-natural scrub for cleaning your tub. Let it sit for 30 minutes to let the solution break down dirt.

Alternatively, mix two tablespoons of cream of tartar with one tablespoon of lemon juice to clean your toaster oven racks or tile grout.

As part of a buttermilk substitute

By adding a bit of cream of tartar to milk, you can quickly create a buttermilk substitute. Simply stir 1 1/2 teaspoons of cream of tartar into a cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes before using.

As a baking powder substitute

If you're out of baking powder for your recipes, you can use a teaspoon of baking powder by replacing it with a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of cream of tartar for similar results in your baked goods.

To stabilize whipped cream

Just as it helps stabilize whipped egg whites, cream of tartar can also keep whipped cream firm. Add a pinch or two to your whipped cream to maintain its texture, particularly if you'll be storing it for later or using it on a hot day.