If you want to create a cake but only have bread flour on hand, you may question, Can I bake a cake using bread flour? Indeed, you can, in a nutshell. You may succeed as long as you add cornstarch to the bread flour and do not overmix the components.

Hello there! My name is Shea, and I like baking cakes at home. I usually use all-purpose flour or cake flour, but I understand if you’re in a need and just have bread flour.

Things might become a bit tough when making a cake using bread flour. This article explains why you can, but shouldn’t, make a cake using bread flour. It also explains how to be successful with the right tactics.

Let’s start baking some bread! I’m talking about cake!

Can You Use Bread Flour for Cake?

Absolutely, bread flour may be used in baking.

But, bear in mind that the keyword here is “can.” If all you have is bread flour, you can make a cake with it. It does not always imply that you should.

Why?

Difference Between Bread Flour and Cake Flour

It boils down to the distinction between bread flour and cake flour (or all-purpose flour, for that matter). Bread flour is referred to as hard wheat flour since it contains 11-13% protein. Cake flour is soft wheat due to its lower protein concentration (7-9%).

What is the significance of this? When proteins (glutenin and gliadin) are combined with water, a gluten network forms. The more protein there is, the more gluten there is. This produces a denser and more structured baked item, making it great for bread.

This is also why all-purpose flour is useful for almost everything. It falls somewhere in the center, with roughly 11% protein, making it suitable for cakes but not bread.

What Happens if You Use Bread Flour to Bake a Cake?

Using bread flour will not damage your cake.

But, since the gluten is more prominent and stronger, your cake will be denser and more structured. It may also be notably chewier than previous cakes you’ve prepared.

This is obviously the polar opposite of the light, fluffy, and crumbly texture that most people want in their cake. Yet, the tastes will remain, and you may find yourself appreciating the outcome. Why not try it out?

How to Make Cake Using Bread Flour

If you just have bread flour on hand and are in a hurry, don’t worry. Bread flour may be used to create a cake. But, you will need to reduce the quantity of gluten present. Don’t be alarmed; it’s not as tough as it sounds. This is how you do it.

• Combine cornstarch and bread flour. Cornstarch may be used to dilute some of the protein in bread flour. Just add three teaspoons of cornstarch to each cup of bread flour to achieve this.
• Be sure not to overmix your components. The gluten network forms when substances are combined. But, do not overmix your cake batter. Make sure there are no clumps in the mixture and bake it right away.

You can always use a cake recipe made exclusively for cake flour.

Cake Flour: The Best Option for Cakes

Going ahead, I recommend that you use cake flour rather than bread flour. Cake flour has a protein concentration that ranges from 7% to 9%. As a consequence, it will not form a super-strong gluten network, resulting in a crumbly and light texture.

If you don’t want to spend the additional money on cake-specific flour, you may always use all-purpose flour, which is both cheap and adaptable.

FAQs

You can make a cake using bread flour, but the texture will be different. If you still have questions about baking a cake using bread flour, bakers, Ive got you covered. Let’s look at some often asked questions.

Can you use bread flour instead of plain flour for baking?

The influence of bread flour on baked goods is entirely dependent on the sort of treat you’re making. For baking, you may substitute bread flour for ordinary flour, although the texture may change. Cakes, cupcakes, and pastries, for example, will become more thicker and chewier.

What can I use instead of cake flour?

All-purpose flour is a fantastic substitute for cake flour. You may also minimize the quantity of proteins in the all-purpose flour by adding a touch of cornstarch or arrowroot powder, enabling your cake to get that fluffy texture we all know and love.

Can you use bread flour for banana bread?

While the name banana bread implies bread, you may not want to use bread flour for this baked item. Banana bread is supposed to be moist and light, not thick and chewy like sourdough or white bread. As a result, the banana bread may be a little tough.

Final Words

Bread flour may be used to make a cake, however the protein level will make it considerably thicker and chewier than intended. By combining the bread flour with some cornstarch and without overmixing the cake mixture, you may lower the protein amount.

Have you ever tried making a cake using bread flour? How did things turn out? Please comment below! We’d love to hear about your successes (and fails).