Introduction

This recipe explains all you need to know about specialty cake flour. You may have come across recipes online that call specifically for “cake flour” but what is cake flour? Can you make your own cake flour? And what are the benefits of cake flour? These questions and more are answered in this in-depth article!

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What is Cake Flour?

Cake flour is a special low-protein flour often used for high-end cakes and pastries. Since it’s lower in the proteins that are derived from gluten, there is less gluten in cake flour than standard flour.

This means that instead of chewy, stretchy, gluten-filled baked goods, you get soft, delicate, tender baked goods, perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and pastry.

If you’re hunting for a cake flour substitute recipe that’s quick, easy, and straight to the point, you’ve come to the right site! This easy cake flour substitute from scratch only requires two simple ingredients and can be mixed together in a matter of minutes, even if you’re new to baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: Just two ingredients and you’re on your way to a delectable cake flour without purchasing a special brand of flour that you may or may not be able to find at your local supermarket.
• Time: Complete this mixture in just a matter of minutes before you begin baking your next cake.
• Pantry Items: Most often, it’s easy to find both traditional all-purpose flour and cornstarch, allowing you to make this baking cake flour substitute at home without a hassle.
• Versatile: You can also add baking powder or baking soda to this recipe for an even lighter and more airy texture.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

All-Purpose Flour: If you or someone in your household is gluten-free, consider swapping the all-purpose flour with almond flour and/or coconut flour. Keep in mind that using only almond flour will result in a grainer texture. A ratio of 2:1 parts almond flour and coconut flour can be a great mixture when baking cakes without gluten.

Cornstarch: If you’re short on cornstarch or seeking an alternative, consider using arrowroot powder, rice flour, or tapioca starch. Potato starch may also be used, depending on your home’s dietary needs, preferences, and potential restrictions.

Learning a bit more about the flours you should stop buying and start making yourself will help you feel much more confident once you’re in the kitchen and getting ready to bake a cake of your own!

If you’re searching for another unique cookie recipe in which your all-purpose flour is used or can be substituted (with coconut and/or almond flour), check out our Sour Cream Cookies!

How to Make It

1. Measure out 1 cup of all-purpose flour. If you’re using almond flour and coconut flour, try 3/4 cup of almond flour to 1/4 of a cup of coconut flour for a fluffier cake batter without the gluten.
2. Measure out 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. You can also use arrowroot powder, rice flour, or tapioca starch, especially if you’re allergic to cornstarch or seeking a healthier alternative.
3. Once you have mixed your dry ingredients (including the flour and cornstarch), you can get started on adding additional ingredients whether you’re going for a classic vanilla cake or if you’re baking a darker, rich, chocolate cake.

Tips for Success

• Research a homemade cake flour substitute dessert in advance so you can gather additional ingredients before getting started with your cake flour.
• If you’re looking for a cake flour substitute with frosting, consider batching your frosting first, especially if you are planning to make cupcakes or multiple cakes in one go.

Storage & Reheating

Can I store homemade cake flour? If so, how long?

Yes! This cake flour substitute uses only shelf stable pantry ingredients. If stored properly, just like regular flour, it can last for months! Keep it in a cool, dry area, away from heat sources and moisture.

Can you freeze cake flour?

Like regular flour, cake flour can be kept in the freezer sealed in a bag for up to 2 years. Freezing flour extends its shelf life.

Let your frozen flour come to room temperature before using it for best results.

How do I know if flour has gone bad?

The best way to tell if flour is suitable to use is by doing a visual inspection and a smell test. Make sure the flour doesn’t have any visible pests, debris, or growth, and that it’s a pure white color. Smell the flour. If it smells musty, rancid, or sour, then your flour may have gone bad, and it’s best to discard and use fresh flour.

Serving Suggestions

Whether you’re in the mood for a Tuxedo Cake or a classic Louisiana Crunch Cake using our old fashioned cake flour substitute recipe, there are plenty of ways to serve it up!

One of the best ways to serve any cake you bake is to do so with fresh, creamy, homemade or store-bought ice cream. You can also serve your cake with homemade buttercream frosting, if you love the texture and taste!

FAQs

Is it easy to make cake flour from scratch?

For those searching for an old fashioned cake flour substitute recipe, this is as simple as it gets!

Can I use all-purpose flour as a replacement?

While AP (all-purpose) flour can be used in place of cake flour when making cake, cupcakes or pastry, it’s important to understand that all-purpose flour will not be as delicate as cake flour.

You will need to pay extra special attention to avoid overworking the dough, which leads to the formation of gluten. If you’re in need of moist cake flour substitute ideas, be sure to browse our desserts!

Do you need to sift cake flour for recipes?

Sifting any flour for cake and other baked goods is always recommended. It helps break apart any lumps in the flour, which not only makes it hard to mix evenly, but it’s hard to measure accurately with lumps. Sifting your flour and other dry ingredients will lead to a smoother batter and a cake with better texture.

What type of recipes use cake flour

Cake flour is great for any soft and tender baked goods thanks to the reduced gluten content. This is great for any type of sponge cake, biscuits, cupcakes, or delicate pastries where you don’t want a chewy stretchy texture, but instead a soft, pillowy, delicate texture.

Notes

Test different ratios of various flours if you’re unable to use all-purpose, or AP flour. Trying different ratios of almond flour and coconut flour will allow you to find the perfect easy cake flour substitute from scratch!