Cake flour is a must-have ingredient for bakers looking to create delicate, tender cakes and pastries. But, don’t worry if you don’t have any; this homemade cake flour is made with just two simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand! Use it for baking light and fluffy cakes, cupcakes, and pastries with a professional bakery finish. Give it a try when making my Perfect Bakery Style White Cake.
What is Cake Flour?
With a lower protein content of 7-8% compared to all-purpose flour (10-12%), cake flour is a specialized flour made from soft wheat that is finely milled for a fine texture. Cake flour helps to absorb more moisture which leads to a more stable structure and even rising of cakes. Using all-purpose flour instead of cake flour in a recipe that calls for it can result in a heavier, denser product.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: You will need one cup of all-purpose flour for every 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Cornstarch: Replacing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch helps lower the protein content of the flour, which is what cake flour is. If you don’t have cornstarch, you could also use potato starch or tapioca flour.
Comparing Homemade Cake Flour to Storebought
Although homemade cake flour and store-bought cake flour have similar properties, there are some slight differences between them. One of the main differences is that store-bought cake flour is usually bleached, which can affect its texture and flavor, while homemade cake flour is not. Another difference is that store-bought cake flour is more finely ground than homemade flour, which can make a difference in the final texture of your baked goods. But, it is a great substitution when needed!
How to Store Homemade Cake Flour
If you want to make a big batch of cake flour, it will last up to 6 months. Be sure to keep the flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. When ready to use, sift the flour to redistribute any ingredients that may have settled during storage.
Homemade Cake Flour
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Measure out one cup of all-purpose flour.
- Remove two tablespoons of flour from the cup.
- Add two tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift together.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
Going to try this and thanks. Have a Merry CH
Thank you!!
I sift mine 5 times, it definitely makes a difference!!
Can you tel me how to make home made bread flour ? i had gone through your ultimate cookie guidlines & it was mentioned as bread flour so i went to chek to the baking store but couldnt find ????.
thanks
I think the video was AWESOME. 5 stars. Make more videos
Would you use the same measurements for Self raising cake flour? I have some recipes which call for that instead of all purpose.
Thank you for a simple way to make cake flour. Can’t wait to try it! Merry Christmas and many blessings!
Do you sift the 6 c of all purpose flour first before taking the 12T does this work in angel food cake from scratch?
It all sounds good to me . I’ll try the recipes
I had not idea this was even possible! Thank you so much for sharing. I am making my brother’s birthday cake this weekend, so this is perfect timing.
Do you have a recipe for making cake? Like whitevanilla cake?