technology | February 20, 2026

Can I use plain flour for cake?

Can I use plain flour for cake?

We explain how to make your cakes rise with plain flour using raising agents and eggs. In fact, you can achieve the same light texture and raised shape usually associated with cakes made with self-raising flour by using plain flour and an alternative raising method, like baking powder or whisked eggs.

Can you make a cake with plain flour instead of self-raising?

Just add 2 teaspoons of baking powder for each 150g/6oz/1 cup plain flour. Sift the flour and baking powder together into a bowl before using, to make sure the baking powder is thoroughly distributed (or you can put both ingredients into a bowl and whisk them together).

Is plain flour good for baking?

All-purpose flour is, well, an all-around good flour to use for baking breads, cakes, muffins, and for mixing up a batch of pancake batter.

Can you use regular flour instead of cake flour?

You only need two common ingredients– all-purpose flour and cornstarch– to make a homemade cake flour substitute. Sifting them together is key. Use this mixture whenever a recipe calls for cake flour. There’s no denying that cake flour produces the softest, most tender cakes and cupcakes.

Can I use plain flour instead of cake flour?

Cake flour is different to all-purpose (plain) flour as it has a much lower protein (gluten) level than all-purpose flour. If you don’t have any cornstarch available then just substitute 1 cup less 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for the 1 cup of cake flour.

Can you turn plain flour into self raising?

All you need is regular plain flour and baking soda to make your own. Thankfully, it’s easy to make self-raising flour from the plain flour that is already in your cupboard; just add baking powder!

Can I turn plain flour into self raising?

Method

  • Add 2 tsp’s of baking powder to each 150g/6oz of plain flour.
  • Sift the flour and baking powder together before you use it to make sure it’s all evenly distributed.
  • If you are using cocoa powder, buttermilk or yoghurt you can add ¼tsp of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) as well as the baking powder.

What can I use if I dont have self-rising flour?

“What can I substitute for self-rising flour? Self-rising flour is all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt added. To make your own, all you have to do is combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

What flour is best for cakes?

What Is Cake Flour? Cake flour is the best choice when you’re making a cake with a fine, tender crumb, such as pound cake, devil’s food cake or sponge cake. Cake flour is milled from soft wheat, and contains between 5 and 8 percent protein, according to Fine Cooking.

How do I substitute plain flour for cake flour?

For every cup of cake flour called for in a recipe, measure out 1 level cup all-purpose flour. Remove 2 tablespoons flour from that measurement. (Return those 2 tablespoons to the bag of flour, you don’t need them.) Add 2 tablespoons cornstarch to the (1 cup minus 2 tablespoons) measured flour.