Have you ever started baking a cake only to realize you’re out of cake flour? Don’t worry—you can easily make your own at home with ingredients you probably already have! Whether you’re using store-bought all-purpose flour or freshly milled flour, this simple trick creates a lighter flour that’s perfect for soft, fluffy cakes and delicate baked goods.
Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps create a tender crumb. Instead of buying a separate bag of flour that you may only use occasionally, you can make exactly what you need in just a few minutes.
How to Make Homemade Cake Flour
For every 1 cup of cake flour you need:
- Measure 1 cup all-purpose flour (or freshly milled soft white wheat flour).
- Remove 2 tablespoons of the flour.
- Replace those 2 tablespoons with cornstarch.
- Whisk or sift the mixture together 2–3 times until completely combined.
Need 2 cups of cake flour? Simply remove 4 tablespoons of flour and replace it with 4 tablespoons of cornstarch.
That’s it!
Using Fresh Milled Flour
If you enjoy baking with fresh milled flour, this method works wonderfully. Soft white wheat is the best choice because it naturally has a lower protein content than hard wheat varieties. Freshly milled flour already gives baked goods incredible flavor, and adding cornstarch creates an even softer, more delicate texture that’s perfect for cakes and cupcakes.
For the best results, mill your flour just before baking to preserve its freshness and nutrients.
What Can You Use Homemade Cake Flour For?
Homemade cake flour works beautifully in recipes such as:
- Birthday cakes
- Layer cakes
- Cupcakes
- Sheet cakes
- Coffee cakes
- Sponge cakes
- Muffins and other delicate baked goods
The result is a cake with a finer crumb, a softer texture, and a lighter bite.
The next time your recipe calls for cake flour, don’t make a special trip to the store. With just flour and cornstarch, you can create your own homemade version in minutes. It’s an easy baking hack that saves money, reduces pantry clutter, and helps you bake delicious cakes whenever the craving strikes!
