Years of baking have taught me that obtaining ingredients may be just as difficult as baking itself. It also showed me how crucial it is to learn to improvise and discover appropriate replacements.
I didn’t realize the difference between self-rising flour and cake flour when I first began baking. Needless to say, I’ve failed several times as a result of it. Self-rising flour and cake flour are not interchangeable; substituting one for the other will provide significantly different results.
‘s been baking for almost a decade. In this post, I’ll discuss the differences between self-rising flour and cake flour, as well as what you may use to replace them. My name is Angie, and I am a self-taught baker.
Let’s flour it!
Contents
- What is Self-rising Flour?
- What is Cake Flour?
- Cake Flour and Self-Rising Flour Substitute
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
- Can I substitute cake flour with self-raising flour?
- What can you substitute for cake flour?
- Is cake flour the same as self-raising?
- What’s the difference between baking flour and self-rising flour?
- Why is self-raising flour best for cakes?
- Why is self-raising flour good for cakes?
- What flour is the same as cake flour?
- How do I convert flour to cake flour?
- What flour is best for baking cake?
- Does cake flour make a difference?
What is Self-rising Flour?
Self-rising flour contains baking powder and a little amount of salt. As the name implies, self-rising flour has leavening capabilities and hence does not need the addition of additional leavener to rise.
For baking cakes, biscuits, pancakes, and other baked products that are anticipated to increase in volume when cooked, self-rising flour comes in useful. You may add it immediately without having to measure out your baking powder, which saves time!
What is Cake Flour?
Cake flour is just a finely milled flour that has less protein than ordinary flour. Cake flour includes around 7-9% protein, while all-purpose flour contains 10-12% protein.
Cake flour produces less gluten due to its fine texture and low protein level, resulting in a fluffier, lighter, and softer cake.
Cake Flour and Self-Rising Flour Substitute
Cake flour and self-rising flour are incompatible. Nevertheless, you may simply build a replacement with items you most likely already have at home.
Self-rising Flour Substitute
All-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt are all you need to produce self-rising flour. To one level cup (125 grams) of all-purpose flour, add 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking powder and teaspoon of salt for every cup of self-rising flour called for in your recipe.
If you only have cake flour and not all-purpose flour, don’t panic; you can get the same (perhaps fluffier) outcome with cake flour. Just be sure to properly whisk or sift your flour mixture before using either substitution technique.
Cake Flour Substitute
Cake flour can no longer be substituted for self-rising flour. Nevertheless, if you have enough cornstarch on hand, you can simply manufacture cake flour.
All you have to do is subtract two tablespoons from one cup of all-purpose flour and replace it with two teaspoons of cornflour. By eliminating part of the flour and replacing it with cornflour, you are effectively decreasing the protein level of the flour to that of cake flour!
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about self-rising flour and cake flour that you may still have. I’ve responded to them below.
What can I use if I don’t have cake flour?
If you don’t have cake flour, you may manufacture your own by following the directions above. You may also use all-purpose flour. The texture may not be as soft, but the flavor will not be altered, and you should still obtain a good outcome.
Is bread flour the same as cake flour?
Bread flour and cake flour are not the same thing. Bread flour has far more gluten than cake flour, allowing the bread dough to become elastic.
Final Thoughts
Cake flour and self-rising flour are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably. Yet, as you can see, creating them isn’t that difficult and should only take a minute. Instead of running to the shop the next time you can’t locate self-rising flour or cake flour, try one of the substitutions listed above!
Have you ever combined self-rising and cake flour? What was the outcome? Please share your horror experiences with us in the comments section!
Angie’s Bio
FAQs
Can I substitute cake flour with self-raising flour?
Cake flour, like self-rising flour, is soft and finely milled, therefore it is an excellent replacement in terms of softness and texture. Replace 1 cup self-rising flour with 1 cup cake flour, 12 teaspoon baking powder, and 12 teaspoon fine sea salt for every cup of self-rising flour called for.
What can you substitute for 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.
Is cake flour the same as self-raising?
Cake flour is NOT the same as “self-raising flour” or “sponge flour.” “Plain flour” sifted with a little cornstarch would be the closest substitute (see “Cake Flour Replacement” below).
What’s the difference between baking flour and self-rising flour?
What is the distinction? Self-rising flour already contains a raising ingredient and, in certain cases, salt. Plain flour need the use of raising agents separately in order for your baked goods to rise.
Why is self-raising flour best for cakes?
This flour is perfect for cakes and pastries that need a crumbly texture due to its low gluten and protein levels. Since plain flour includes no additional components, such as rising agents, your cakes and pastries will not rise if you use it as is.
Why is self-raising flour good for cakes?
We employ self-raising flour in our cake mixes to guarantee that each cake mix includes the ideal combination of flour and rising agents. To ensure that every Sponge rises precisely! In order for the Sponges to raise, our self-raising wheat flour includes sodium bicarbonate.
What flour is the same as cake flour?
To produce a homemade cake flour alternative, you just need two basic ingredients: all-purpose flour and cornstarch. It is critical to sift them together.
How do I convert flour to cake flour?
Here’s how you substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour: Use 1 cup all-purpose flour, minus 2 tablespoons, and sift it. Several sites suggest substituting 2 tablespoons cornstarch for the 2 tablespoons removed flour.
What flour is best for baking cake?
It should come as no surprise that cake flour is the best flour for making cakes. Cake flour has the ideal quantity of protein to give your cake structure and the desired texture. It’s usually available in a box rather than a bag and has a silky-smooth feel to it.
Does cake flour make a difference?
Cake flour is extra-finely crushed, resulting in a lighter, loosely-structured crumb with a fluffy texture. Due to its low gluten level, cake flour is great for baked items with a soft texture, making it simpler to produce lighter, tender textures when baking delicate sponges, cupcakes, muffins, and pastries.
