Cake Flour vs All-Purpose Flour: Complete Substitution Guide
Learn how to substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour and vice versa. Get proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect results.
Quick Answer
You can substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour by adding 2 tablespoons extra cake flour per cup. For all-purpose to cake flour, remove 2 tablespoons per cup and add 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Sift cake flour before measuring for most accurate results
- 💡Cake flour develops less gluten - mix gently to avoid tough textures
- 💡All-purpose flour needs more gentle mixing when used for tender baked goods
- 💡Use cake flour for light, tender textures; all-purpose for more structure
- 💡Test small batches to find the texture you prefer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour by adding 2 tablespoons extra cake flour per cup to compensate for its lower protein content.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour can substitute for cake flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and adding 2 tablespoons cornstarch to mimic cake flour's low protein content.
What's the difference between cake flour and all-purpose flour?
Cake flour has lower protein content (7-9%) than all-purpose flour (10-12%), making it better for tender, light baked goods. All-purpose flour is more versatile for general baking.
Can I use cake flour for bread?
Cake flour can be used for bread, but it will produce a more tender, less chewy result due to its lower protein content. It's better suited for quick breads than yeast breads.
Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting flours?
Yes, adjust the amount of flour used. Add 2 tablespoons extra cake flour per cup when substituting for all-purpose, or remove 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour per cup and add 2 tablespoons cornstarch when substituting for cake flour.
Summary
Learn how to substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour and vice versa. Get proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect baking results every time.