⭐ Club Soda (Best Vegan Option)
Replace 1/4 cup liquid with 1/4 cup club soda per 1 teaspoon baking powder Quick tip: Provides mild leavening through carbonation but less reliable and subtle in cheesecakes.
Club soda contains dissolved carbon dioxide which can introduce some lightness and bubbles into the batter, offering a mild leavening effect. However, it lacks the chemical reaction that baking powder provides, so the rise is less consistent.
Use club soda as a partial liquid replacement to avoid overhydrating the batter. Mix gently to preserve carbonation.
This method may result in a slightly lighter texture but is less predictable and can lead to uneven crumb or slight collapse compared to baking powder.