Cake flour is a type of flour that is low in protein and finely milled, making it ideal for baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and pastries. It creates a light and tender texture in these types of baked goods due to its low protein content.
While cake flour is easily available in supermarkets, some home bakers may wonder if it’s possible to make it from scratch. In this document, we will explore whether or not this is possible and the steps involved in making cake flour at home.
Understanding Cake Flour
Before delving into whether or not it is possible to make cake flour from scratch, it is important to understand what exactly cake flour is and how it differs from other types of flour.
Cake flour is made from soft wheat, which has a lower protein content than hard wheat. This results in a finer and lighter texture when used in baked goods. All-purpose flour, on the other hand, is made from a blend of both soft and hard wheat and has a higher protein content.
Cake Flour vs All-Purpose Flour
The main difference between cake flour and all-purpose flour is their protein content. Cake flour typically has around 7-9% protein, while all-purpose flour has around 10-12% protein.
This difference in protein content is what makes cake flour ideal for cakes and other delicate baked goods that require a light and tender texture. All-purpose flour, with its higher protein content, is better suited for bread and other baked goods that require more structure and chewiness.
Making Cake Flour from Scratch
Now that we understand the difference between cake flour and all-purpose flour, let’s explore whether it’s possible to make cake flour at home.
The short answer is yes, it is possible to make cake flour from scratch using a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
Cake Flour Recipe
Here is how to make cake flour from scratch:
- Measure out 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- Remove 2 tablespoons of the all-purpose flour and replace it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- Sift or whisk the mixture to fully incorporate the cornstarch into the flour
- Repeat this process for however much cake flour is needed for your recipe (e.g. if your recipe calls for 2 cups of cake flour, use 2 cups of all-purpose flour and replace 4 tablespoons with cornstarch)
By following these steps, you can create a homemade version of cake flour that closely resembles the store-bought variety.
Additional Tips for Baking With Cake Flour
If you are new to using cake flour in your baked goods, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
- Cake flour absorbs moisture more easily than all-purpose flour, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe slightly.
- Since cake flour is finer and lighter, it is important not to overmix your batter or dough as this can result in a tougher texture.
- If you do not have cornstarch on hand, you can also use arrowroot powder or potato starch as a substitute in the same ratio.
- Try using cake flour in other recipes that call for all-purpose flour, such as pancakes or waffles, to see how it affects the texture and taste.
Takeaway
While it may be easier to simply purchase cake flour from the store, making it from scratch is possible for those who prefer a more DIY approach.
By understanding the difference between cake flour and all-purpose flour and following a simple substitution process, you can create the perfect flour for your delicate baked goods right at home.
