Learn how to produce your own cake flour alternative with just two ingredients. This easy substitute is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and so much more!
What is Cake Flour?
Let’s be honest, there’s nothing more frustrating than realizing you’re missing an ingredient in the middle of baking. I recently posted a simple homemade buttermilk substitute I wanted to share another replacement with you today – homemade cake flour.
Cake flour vs. regular flour. Cake flour is significantly finer than all-purpose flour and is manufactured from soft wheat. The main difference between the two is the protein content, cake flour usually has about 7-9% and all-purpose flour can have anywhere from 10-12%.
The lower protein content means that it forms less gluten as you’re mixing everything together, which results in a softer and lighter texture. This makes it ideal for dishes requiring a lighter texture, such as cakes and cupcakes.
So today, I’m showing you how to make your own with just two ingredients. And I’m sure you have both materials on hand right now!
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need two items to manufacture your own cake flour substitute: all-purpose flour and cornstarch. If you live outside of the US, then you’ll probably need to look for cornflour, which is the same thing as cornstarch.
Also, this cake flour recipe and tutorial will make about 1 cup. Simply scale the recipe up or down as required if you need more or less.
How to Make Cake Flour
To begin, measure out one cup of all-purpose flour. One important thing Remember to scoop the all-purpose flour into the measuring cup and smooth it out with the back of a knife for this step.
When you scoop flour from the container, it might get compacted within the cup, resulting in WAY too much flour.
Then, remove two tablespoons of the flour and add it back to your flour bag or container. Next, substitute two teaspoons of cornstarch for the two tablespoons of flour (or cornflour).
Why cornstarch? The cornstarch prevents some gluten development, resulting in a softer baked item.
Once you’ve added the cornstarch, whisk it into the flour until well combined and sift the mixture 4-5 times. This will assist to aerate the flour and thoroughly combine the two.
Then, scoop the sifted flour into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife to determine the quantity of cake flour required in your recipe.
How to Substitute Cake Flour for All-Purpose Flour
This homemade replacement may be used in any recipe that calls for cake flour. It may be used as a 1:1 substitution. If the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you’ll want to use 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cake flour in place of 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
Can I Prep a Big Batch in Advance?
Yes! This recipe may be multiplied as required to produce a large quantity. Store it in an airtight container and use whenever a recipe calls for cake flour.
Homemade Cake Flour
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Learn how to produce your own cake flour alternative with just two ingredients. This easy substitute is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and so much more!
Servings: 1 cup
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp (110 g) all-purpose flour , spooned & leveled
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) cornstarch (or cornflour)
- In a mixing basin, whisk together the flour and cornstarch until completely blended. Sift the mixture together 4-5 times, then measure out the amount of cake flour called for in your recipe by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off with the back of a knife.
To make this recipe simpler, measure 1 cup all-purpose flour and subtract two teaspoons.
Always measure the flour required in your recipe. after sifting it.
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Related Questions
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What can I use if I don’t have cake flour?
The simplest method to produce a cake flour alternative, using just two ingredients and a sifter. It’s really simple to make your own cake flour alternative. To make one cup of cake flour, take two tablespoons of all-purpose flour and combine it with two teaspoons of cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
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How is cake flour made?
Cake flour is created by milling soft wheat (wheat that is low in gluten but not gluten-free) and sifting it until the texture is exceptionally fine. The fineness yields tender baked goods with a moist, airy crumb—perfect for delicate sponges and pillowy cookies, like snickerdoodles.
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Can you sub all-purpose flour for cake flour?
Can I replace all-purpose flour with cake flour? You may substitute regular all-purpose flour for cake flour, but the texture of your baked items will be different—they won’t be as supple and delicate. The all-purpose flour-cornstarch combo described above is your best chance.
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How to make cake flour with baking powder?
Whether you accidentally ran out of self-rising flour or never had a bag to begin with, here’s how to manufacture your own. 1 level cup all-purpose flour equals 1 cup self-rising flour in your recipe. Whisk in 112 tablespoons baking powder and 14 teaspoon kosher salt.