What makes cake fluffy baking soda or baking powder?

Chef's answer
Formally known as sodium bicarbonate, it's a white crystalline powder that is naturally alkaline, or basic (1). Baking soda becomes activated when it's combined with both an acidic ingredient and a liquid. Upon activation, carbon dioxide is produced, which allows baked goods to rise and become light and fluffy (1).
Frequently asked Questions 🎓
Self-raising flour is plain flour with baking powder added to it. If you're short of self-raising flour for a recipe you can make your own. Just add half a teaspoon of baking powder per 100g of plain flour. Once mixed with the wet ingredients, raising agents start fizzing away to make lots of air bubbles..
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