When it comes to baking, there are a lot of different types of flour that can be used.
However, not all flours are created equal and each type of flour will produce a different result.
Cake flour is one of those specific types of flour that is often used in baking because it helps to produce a light and fluffy cake.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what cake flour is, the difference between cake flour and other types of flour, and the benefits of using cake flour.
Finally, we’ll provide a quick and easy recipe for how to make your own cake flour at home, so make sure to read on all the way to the end!
What Is Cake Flour?
Cake flour is a type of flour that is made from soft wheat.
This type of wheat has a lower protein content than other types of wheat, which is what gives cake flour its unique properties.
Cake flour has a very fine texture which helps to produce light and fluffy cakes.
Cake flour can be used for a variety of cakes like chiffon cakes, sponge cakes, angel food cake, and genoise.
Do I Really Need Cake Flour?
Now that we know what cake flour is, you might be wondering if you really need it or if you can just use any old flour.
Well, the answer to that question depends on what type of cake you’re trying to make.
If you’re looking to make a light and fluffy cake, then using cake flour will definitely give you the best results.
However, if you’re making a denser cake like a pound cake, then you can get away with using all-purpose flour.
So if you’re wondering whether cake flour is essential for baking a cake, the answer is no.
You can use other types of flour like all-purpose flour or bread flour, but your cake will not be as light and fluffy.
The Difference Between Cake Flour And Other Types of Flour
One of the main differences between cake flour and other types of flour is the protein content.
As we mentioned, cake flour is made from soft wheat, which has a lower protein content.
This means that cake flour will absorb less liquid than other types of flour, which is why it’s important to use the right proportion of liquid when baking with cake flour.
Another difference between cake flour and other types of flour is the gluten content.
Gluten is a protein that gives dough its elasticity.
Cake flour has a lower gluten content than other types of flour, which means that it will produce a cake that is more tender and delicate.
So, cake flour is definitely not the same as plain flour or other types of flour. If you want to bake a fluffy cake, make sure to use cake flour!
The Benefits Of Using Cake Flour
There are a few benefits to using cake flour when baking. Let’s go ahead and take a look at some of those benefits now:
Cake flour produces a light and fluffy cake
As we mentioned, cake flour is made from soft wheat, which has a lower protein content. This means that cake flour will absorb less liquid than other types of flour, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.
The texture of cake flour helps to create delicate cakes
Another benefit of using cake flour is that it produces a more delicate cake.
This is because cake flour has a lower gluten content than other types of flour. If you’re looking to bake a delicate cake like a chiffon cake or sponge cake, then using cake flour is the way to go.
Cake flour is often bleached
This means that the flour has been treated with chemicals to make it whiter in color. While this may not be a benefit for everyone, some people prefer to use bleached flour for baking because it gives the cake a more uniform appearance.
Cake Flour Is Cheaper
Finally, cake flour is often cheaper than other types of flour, so it’s a great option if you’re on a budget.
So, as you can see, there are definitely some benefits to using cake flour when baking. If you’re looking to bake a light and fluffy cake, make sure to use cake flour!
Is Cake Flour Plain Or Self-Rising?
Cake flour can be either plain or self-rising.
Plain cake flour is simply flour that does not contain any leavening agents, whereas self-rising cake flour already has baking powder and salt added to it.
If you’re using plain cake flour, make sure to add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour.
If you’re using self-rising cake flour, there’s no need to add any additional leavening agents. Just use the flour as is.
Which Is The Best Brand For Cake Flour?
There are a few different brands of cake flour that you can choose from. Some of the most widely used brands are:
- Bob’s Red Mill Cake Flour
- Pillsbury Softasilk Cake Flour
- King Arthur Cake Flour
- Gold Medal Cake Flour
All of these brands make high-quality cake flour that will produce great results.
Just choose the brand that you prefer or that is available in your area.
Does Cake Flour Go Bad?
Cake flour has a shelf life of about 9-12 months. However, if you store it in the fridge or freezer, it can last even longer.
To extend the shelf life of your cake flour, make sure to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You can also store it in the fridge or freezer for even longer storage.
If you see any signs of spoilage, such as mold or discoloration, make sure to throw it out.
How To Make Cake Flour At Home
If you can’t find cake flour at your local grocery store, don’t worry! You can easily make your own cake flour at home with just a few ingredients.
To make cake flour, you will need:
– 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons (15 grams) cornstarch
Then simply follow these steps:
1. Sift the all-purpose flour and cornstarch together into a bowl.
2. Use a spoon or your hands to whisk the ingredients together until they are evenly combined.
3. Use a fine-mesh strainer to sift the flour mixture again.
4. Store the cake flour in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
So, by now hopefully you have a better understanding of cake flour and its many uses.
Cake flour is perfect for baking light and fluffy cakes, as well as other baked goods like biscuits, muffins, and pancakes.
It is a very affordable type of of flour which lasts quite a long time as long as you store it in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
And if you can’t find cake flour at your local grocery store, don’t worry!
You can easily make your own cake flour at home with just a few ingredients.