🥧 Baking

Pastry Flour Substitute UK: Best Alternatives & Where to Buy

Find the best pastry flour substitutes available in the UK. Learn about plain flour combinations, where to buy, and proper ratios for British baking.

✓

Quick Answer

The best pastry flour substitute in the UK is a mix of plain flour and cornflour (1 cup plain flour + 2 tbsp cornflour), or plain flour with self-raising flour (2:1 ratio). Look for 'soft flour' or 'cake flour' in UK supermarkets.

Best Substitutes

Plain Flour + Cornflour

1 cup plain flour + 2 tbsp cornflour

Reduces protein content to create tender baked goods

Best for:

pie cruststender pastriesbiscuitssconescookies

Cornflour reduces protein content for tender results

Plain Flour + Self-Raising Flour

2:1 (2 parts plain flour, 1 part self-raising flour)

Combines plain flour with lower protein self-raising flour

Best for:

pie cruststender pastriesbiscuitssconescookies

Self-raising flour has slightly lower protein content

Soft Flour (Cake Flour)

1:1

UK equivalent of cake flour with low protein content

Best for:

tender pastriesdelicate cookieslight biscuitsflaky sconespie crusts

Soft flour has lower protein content similar to pastry flour

Plain Flour (Direct)

1:1

Direct substitution with slightly different results

Best for:

pie crustscookiesbiscuitswhen other options unavailable

Higher protein content but can work for most recipes

Plain Flour + Cornflour + Baking Powder

1 cup plain flour + 2 tbsp cornflour + 1/2 tsp baking powder

Adds slight leavening for tender baked goods

Best for:

pie cruststender pastriesbiscuitssconescookies

Baking powder adds slight leavening for tender results

Cooking Tips

  • 💡UK plain flour has similar protein content to US all-purpose flour (10-12%)
  • 💡Look for 'soft flour' or 'cake flour' in UK supermarkets for lower protein content
  • 💡Cornflour (cornstarch) is readily available in UK supermarkets
  • 💡Self-raising flour has slightly lower protein content than plain flour
  • 💡Don't overmix when using plain flour to avoid developing too much gluten
  • 💡Chill dough longer when using plain flour to prevent toughness
  • 💡Use a food processor for pie crusts to minimize gluten development

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pastry flour called in the UK?

Pastry flour isn't commonly available in the UK. Look for 'soft flour' or 'cake flour' which have similar low protein content, or make your own by mixing plain flour with cornflour.

Where can I buy pastry flour substitutes in the UK?

Look for soft flour or cake flour in major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons. You can also find them in specialty baking stores or online retailers like Amazon UK.

Can I use plain flour instead of pastry flour?

Yes, plain flour can substitute for pastry flour, but your baked goods may be slightly tougher. For best results, mix plain flour with cornflour or soft flour to reduce protein content.

What's the best pastry flour substitute for UK baking?

Mix 1 cup plain flour with 2 tablespoons cornflour, or use soft flour (cake flour) as a direct substitute. This creates the tender texture that pastry flour provides.

Is self-raising flour a good pastry flour substitute?

Self-raising flour can work, but it contains baking powder which may affect your recipe. For best results, mix plain flour with cornflour or use soft flour instead.

Summary

Find the best pastry flour substitutes available in the UK. Learn about plain flour combinations, where to buy, and proper ratios for British baking.