How to Make Cake Flour

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 5, 2019 Tested

Are you making a cake, but don't have cake flour around? In this article are instructions for making cake flour out of regular flour so you don't have to buy some specialized flour (when it's easier and cheaper to make right in the comfort of your own home).

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Cornstarch

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Mixing Bowl

1
Measure and add 1 cup all-purpose flour to a mixing bowl.
2
Remove 2 tablespoons of flour.

Advertisement
3
Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the bowl.
4
Mix to sift together the cornstarch and flour mixture. The mixture will need to get mixed thoroughly if you want a light and fluffy cake flour.
5
Continue with your regular baking recipe.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Measuring Cup

1
Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to a 1 cup measure.
2
Use a spoon to fill up the rest with the all-purpose flour.
3
Add the mixture to your mixing bowl. Continue with your regular baking recipe.

Community Q&A

Question

My recipe calls for 3 cups of cake flour. I know they say to sift 1 cup of home made cake flour 5-6 times. Do I have to sift it 15-18 times to blend it well?

Community Answer

No, just do all 3 cups at the same time 5-6 times, so long as every cup of flour goes through the sieve 5-6 times.
Question

What should I do if I only have self-rising flour to make cake flour, is it the same procedure?

Community Answer

Self-rising flour is a ratio of 1 cup of flour to 2 tsp of baking powder. If your recipe calls for 1 cup of flour and 2 tsp of baking powder, then you are golden. If, however, it wanted 2 cups of flour and 2 tsp baking powder, that is going to be too much baking powder; use 1 cup of self-rising and 1 cup of plain.
Question

How do I measure 3/4 cup of flour?

Community Answer

Find a 3/4 cup in your set, or use 1/4 fractions to figure out how to work with 1/4, 1/2, or 1 cup measurements.