Cake flour is a popular baking ingredient known for producing cakes with a soft, tender, and delicate crumb. However, it isn’t always available in every grocery store, and many home bakers find themselves needing a quick substitute when a recipe calls for it.
The good news is that you can easily make cake flour at home using all-purpose flour and cornstarch. This simple method takes only a few minutes and works wonderfully in many cake recipes, cupcakes, and other baked goods that benefit from a lighter texture.
1. How to Make Cake Flour (Yield: 1 Cup)
Ingredients
- 14 tablespoons (110g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
Instructions
Begin by measuring the all-purpose flour carefully. Use the spoon-and-level method for the most accurate measurement. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag, then level the top with a straight edge. This prevents adding too much flour, which can affect the final texture.
Place the 14 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into a medium mixing bowl.
Measure 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and add it to the flour. Cornstarch is the key ingredient that helps mimic the lower protein content of commercial cake flour, resulting in a softer and more tender baked product.
Using a whisk, stir the flour and cornstarch together thoroughly. Continue whisking for at least 1 minute to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
For the best results, sift the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl. Sifting helps combine the ingredients more evenly while also aerating the flour mixture.
After sifting, whisk the mixture again briefly. If desired, repeat the sifting process one more time for an even finer texture.
Your homemade cake flour is now ready to use. The finished mixture equals 1 cup of cake flour and can be substituted cup-for-cup in most recipes that call for cake flour.
If you need more than 1 cup, simply multiply the ingredients while maintaining the same ratio of flour to cornstarch.
Use the homemade cake flour immediately or store it in an airtight container until needed.
2. Recipes With Cake Flour
Classic Vanilla Cake
Cake flour helps create a soft and fluffy crumb that makes vanilla cake light and tender. This is one of the most common uses for cake flour and a favorite for birthdays and celebrations.
Red Velvet Cake
The delicate texture of cake flour works beautifully in red velvet cake. It helps produce the smooth, velvety crumb that gives this classic dessert its name.
White Cake
White cake relies on cake flour for its signature light texture. The lower protein content prevents the cake from becoming dense or chewy.
Lemon Layer Cake
Cake flour helps lemon cakes stay soft and moist while allowing the bright citrus flavors to shine. It’s a popular choice for spring and summer desserts.
Cupcakes
Many bakery-style cupcakes use cake flour to achieve a lighter, more delicate crumb. Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and funfetti cupcakes all benefit from the softer texture.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Why does cake flour contain cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps reduce the overall protein content of all-purpose flour. Lower protein levels produce less gluten, which results in softer and more tender baked goods.
Can I use homemade cake flour in any recipe?
Homemade cake flour works well in most cake, cupcake, and delicate baked good recipes. It may not be the best choice for breads or recipes that require a stronger flour structure.
Is homemade cake flour exactly the same as store-bought cake flour?
It is very similar and works well in most recipes. Commercial cake flour is often milled more finely, but the homemade version is an excellent substitute for everyday baking.
How much homemade cake flour should I use in a recipe?
Use it as a direct replacement. One cup of homemade cake flour can generally replace one cup of store-bought cake flour.
Can I make a large batch ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare several cups at once and store the mixture in an airtight container. Be sure to whisk or sift it again before using to redistribute the ingredients evenly.
Conclusion
Learning how to make cake flour from all purpose flour is a useful baking skill that can save a trip to the store and keep your favorite recipes on track. With just flour and cornstarch, you can create a simple substitute that works beautifully in cakes, cupcakes, and other delicate baked goods.
Keeping this easy ratio in mind means you’ll always have cake flour available whenever a recipe calls for it. It’s a quick solution that delivers soft, tender results and helps make homemade baking even more convenient.
