Homemade Cake Flour Recipe
Cake flour is the secret ingredient behind soft, fluffy, and delicate cakes. It’s perfect for light sponges, tender cupcakes, and airy baked goods. But what if you don’t have cake flour on hand? Don’t worry! This homemade cake flour recipe is a quick, cost-effective alternative that works like a charm. With just two ingredients, you can make your own cake flour at home and achieve bakery-quality results every time.
Why Make Homemade Cake Flour?
Cake flour is lower in protein than all-purpose flour, giving your baked goods a softer crumb. While store-bought cake flour is readily available, making it at home can save you a trip to the store, reduce costs, and ensure you have a fresh batch whenever you need it. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding process for any home baker!
The Science Behind Cake Flour
Cake flour has about 6-8% protein, compared to all-purpose flour’s 10-12%. Lower protein levels mean less gluten formation, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth textures. By replacing a small amount of all-purpose flour with cornstarch, you mimic the properties of commercial cake flour.
Homemade Cake Flour Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Measure the Flour: Start with 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
- Remove Excess Flour: Scoop out 2 tablespoons of flour and return it to your flour bag.
- Add Cornstarch: Replace the 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
- Sift Thoroughly: Sift the mixture together at least 4-5 times to evenly distribute the cornstarch and aerate the flour. This step is essential for a light, airy texture.
- Use Immediately or Store: Use the homemade cake flour in your recipe or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Notes
Pro Tips for Success
- Sifting is Key: Sifting ensures the cornstarch and flour combine evenly, preventing lumps in your baked goods.
- Batch Prep: Make a larger batch of homemade cake flour and store it for future use.
- Avoid Overmixing: When using cake flour in recipes, mix just until combined to keep your baked goods tender.
