⭐ Baking Soda with Lemon Juice (Best Vegan Option)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda + 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice per 1 cup batterBaking soda is a base that requires an acid to activate and produce carbon dioxide gas for leavening. Lemon juice provides the acid needed in cheesecake batter, which is naturally acidic due to cream cheese and sour cream. This combination can mimic the leavening effect of yeast without fermentation.
Mix the baking soda with dry ingredients and add lemon juice to the wet ingredients just before combining to ensure proper activation. Be careful with quantities to avoid a soapy or metallic aftertaste.
This substitute adds a subtle tang that can enhance the cheesecake’s flavor but may produce a slightly coarser crumb compared to baking powder.