Out of Self-rising flour, one case
Self-rising flour substitutes: homemade options
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use All-purpose flour + baking powder + salt
1 cup AP flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt
The best self-rising flour substitute is homemade: 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder + ¼ teaspoon salt. For gluten-free: use 1 cup gluten-free flour + 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder + ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk well so the baking powder is evenly spread.
- Best for —
- biscuits
One casethe full flour card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of self-rising flour |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | All-purpose flour + baking powder + saltbiscuits | 1 cup AP flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt |
| 2 | Gluten-free flour + baking powder + saltgluten-free biscuits | 1 cup GF flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt |
| 3 | Cake flour + baking powder + salttender biscuits | 1 cup cake flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt |
| 4 | Whole wheat flour + baking powder + saltwhole wheat biscuits | 1 cup whole wheat flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt |
| 5 | All-purpose flour + self-rising flourwhen you are short of self-rising flour | Make up the shortfall with all-purpose flour, adding 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt per cup |
All-purpose flour + baking powder + salt
neutral taste · light, tender
Homemade self-rising flour using all-purpose flour and leavening
- Best for
- biscuits, pancakes, muffins, quick breads, cakes
Whisk well before using so the baking powder and salt are evenly spread.
Gluten-free flour + baking powder + salt
neutral taste · light, tender
Gluten-free version of self-rising flour substitute
- Best for
- gluten-free biscuits, pancakes, muffins, quick breads
Use certified gluten-free flour blend, mix well before using.
Cake flour + baking powder + salt
neutral taste · very tender, light
Extra tender self-rising flour using cake flour
- Best for
- tender biscuits, pancakes, muffins, cakes
Creates the most tender results, good for delicate baked goods.
Whole wheat flour + baking powder + salt
nutty, hearty
Nutritious self-rising flour using whole wheat
- Best for
- whole wheat biscuits, pancakes, muffins, quick breads
- Texture
- dense, tender
Adds fiber and nutrients, may need slightly more liquid.
All-purpose flour + self-rising flour
neutral taste · light, tender
Stretches the self-rising flour you have with all-purpose flour that you leaven yourself
- Best for
- when you are short of self-rising flour, biscuits, pancakes, quick breads
Use when you have some self-rising flour but not enough. Only the all-purpose flour needs baking powder and salt; the self-rising flour already has them. Not for yeast breads or pizza dough.
How it behaves in this recipe
Self-rising flour is flour with baking powder and salt already mixed in. The homemade substitute works because it adds the same leavening and salt. Whisk it well; the dry mix keeps in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Tips for substituting self-rising flour
8 tips- Mix the substitute thoroughly before using to ensure even distribution of leavening
- The dry mix does not have to be used straight away; baking powder only starts working once it gets wet
- For extra tender results, sift the flour and baking powder together
- When using whole wheat flour, increase liquid by 1-2 tablespoons
- For gluten-free baking, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free
- Store homemade self-rising flour in an airtight container for up to 3 months
- For biscuits, use cold butter and don't overmix the dough
- Test the substitute in a small batch before using in important recipes
Notes on self-rising flour
- Baking mix (like Bisquick) for convenience
- Pancake mix for some recipes
- Muffin mix for quick breads
- Biscuit mix for biscuits and scones
- Cake mix for some cake recipes
Questions
5 questionsWhat is the best substitute for self-rising flour?
The best substitute is homemade: 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk well before using.
How do I make self-rising flour substitute?
Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt. Sift or whisk together thoroughly so the baking powder is evenly spread.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, but you need to add leavening. Use 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt for the same results.
Is there a gluten-free substitute for self-rising flour?
Yes, use 1 cup gluten-free flour blend plus 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk well before using.
What's the difference between self-rising flour and all-purpose flour?
Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt already mixed in, while all-purpose flour is plain flour. Self-rising flour is used for quick breads, biscuits, and pancakes.