What is the function of baking powder in recipes?

Baking powder serves a critical role in cooking and baking as a leavening agent. When added to recipes, it produces carbon dioxide gas through a chemical reaction, usually when it comes into contact with moisture and heat. This gas is what causes dough or batter to rise, creating a light and airy texture in baked goods such as cakes, muffins, and bread.

As a leavening agent, baking powder is essential for achieving the desired consistency and volume in baked products. Without it, the end result would be dense and compact, lacking the fluffy quality that many recipes require. This function is what distinguishes baking powder from other ingredients that may enhance flavor, thicken sauces, or preserve freshness, which serve different purposes in cooking.