If you don’t have cake flour, don’t worry. Here’s how to make cake flour at home in minutes using all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
This simple substitute works perfectly for cakes, cupcakes, and soft baked goods that need a light, tender crumb.
What Is Cake Flour?
Cake flour is a finely milled, low-protein flour.
Because it contains less protein than all-purpose flour, it produces less gluten. Less gluten means softer, lighter, and more delicate baked goods.
If a recipe calls for cake flour, it’s usually because texture matters.
Why This Works?
Sometimes it’s not easy to locate or purchase this ingredient, learning how to make cake flour at home will reduce your trips to various grocery stores, saves you time and money, and not to mention mental fatigue.
All-purpose flour has more protein than cake flour.
By replacing 2 tablespoons with cornstarch, you reduce the overall protein content. Cornstarch also softens the flour mixture, helping create that tender, bakery-style crumb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For every 1 cup of this particular ingredient, you’ll need:
1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) – see notes and directions below.
2 tablespoons cornstarch
That’s it.
Do I Have to Sift the flour?
Yes. If you skip sifting, the cornstarch may not distribute evenly, and the texture of your baked goods can be inconsistent.
When To Use Homemade Recipe
Use this substitute for:
- Layer cakes
- Cupcakes
- Sheet cakes
- Light vanilla or lemon cakes
- Soft chocolate cakes
For recipes that rely heavily on structure (like bread), stick with the flour specified.
Storage
If making ahead, store the mixture in an airtight container and sift again before using.
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How To Make This Mixture
If you’re halfway through baking and realize you’re out of cake flour, this quick substitute will save the recipe.
Simple. Reliable. And effective.
Homemade Cake Flour Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Strainer
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Measure the Flour: Measure 1 level cup of all-purpose flour.Remove 2 Tablespoons: Remove 2 tablespoons of the flour and return it to the container.
- Add Cornstarch: Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the flour.Sift: Sift the mixture together at least twice.Sifting evenly distributes the cornstarch and aerates the flour, which helps create a lighter texture.Your homemade cake flour is ready to use.
Notes
Can I Make More at Once?
Yes. To make 2 cups:- Measure 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Remove 4 tablespoons
- Add 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- Sift well
1 cup flour minus 2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons cornstarch. **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
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