Cake Flour Substitute

Everything 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 its lower in the proteins that form gluten, there is much less gluten development in cake flour than a standard flour. This means that instead of chewy stretchy gluten filled baked goods, you get cakey, delicate, tender baked goods, perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and pastry.

Cake and pastry flour can be purchased in the baking aisle along with the other types of flour, or you can make a cake flour substitute right at home whenever you need it.

Can you make homemade cake flour?

Instead of purchasing premium cake flour from the store, you can make your own cake flour at home using just regular flour and cornstarch. Two simple pantry ingredients that come together in just a few minutes and will make your cakes lighter, fluffier, and more delicate.

Can I use all purpose flour in replace of cake flour?

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, and you will need to pay extra special attention to avoid overworking the dough which leads to the formation of gluten that will make you baked goods tougher.

Do you need to sift cake flour for recipes?

Sifting any flour for cake and other baked goods is always a great idea. It helps break apart any lumps in the flour that not only make 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 lower 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.

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 many months! Keep it in a cool, dry area, away from heat sources and any 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. Not only does freezing flour prolong its life, but the freezer can kill off any pests that might have grown on the flour.

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

How to know if flour has gone bad?

The best way to tell if flour is ok 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 its a pure white color. Smell the flour, if it smells musty, rancid, or sour, then your flour may have gone bad and its best to discard and use fresh flour.