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.
Aunt Inga is too funny!! Thanks for making me laugh. Aunt Inga can give Mrs. Doubtfire a run for her money. I actually went to the store to buy cake flour and was outraged by the price: $4.99 for a box of flour. I refused and found Aunt Inga because I KNEW there had to be a way to make it. My vanilla cupcakes turned out great. I’m about to make the strawberry frosting. The cupcakes are a surprise for one of my children’s golf buddies. He asked for them a month ago and I know he thinks I forgot. Thanks Aunt Inga!!!
–TJ
June 7, 2012, Thursday at 1:42 p.m.
It’s been a long time since Auntie Inga posted a video. Glad to see her back!
Brilliant! Can you ask your Aunt Inga to show us all your recipes in video!
Oh, and if Aunt Inga needs more banana clips I can send her some from Portugal!
Thanks for the video! I’m still cracking up!!!
That is too funny! You tell Aunt Inga to come back any time!
I am crying from laughing so hard!! That was sooooooo funny! I LOVE Aunt Inga~ and you’re not too bad yourself! 😉
you had me at banana clip! LOVE!!
This is too funny! Thank you for the recipe for cake flour. Love your blog!
That is too funny! Thank you for the recipe for cake flour. Love your blog!
Love Aunt Inga! She reminds me of our three years when The Marine was on recruiting duty in northern Wisconsin, lutefisk, krumkake and lefse. We’re not in Kansas anymore!! Most not of been too bad of a tour, our bambino was born there! Great tip too about cake flour. I always forget and end up paying a ridiculous price. Somehow, I don’t think that’s going to be a problem anymore!
Love her~ would love to go shopping with her to the thrift store!!!! Yes more videos!