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Cake Flour Substitute Calculator

Make a cake flour substitute from all-purpose flour and cornstarch — replace 2 tablespoons per cup with cornstarch for the tender, low-protein flour cakes need.

Cake flour needed

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How it works

Per cup cake flour = 1 cup all-purpose − 2 tbsp + 2 tbsp cornstarch (i.e. 14 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp cornstarch), sifted

Cake flour is milled from soft wheat and has a low protein content (about 7–9%), which means less gluten and a finer, more tender crumb. You can approximate it from all-purpose flour (roughly 10–12% protein) by replacing two tablespoons per cup with cornstarch, which dilutes the protein and softens the structure. Sifting several times is essential — it blends the cornstarch evenly and aerates the mix so it behaves like the light, fine flour it is imitating.

Worked example

A sponge cake needs 2 cups of cake flour. Measure 2 cups of all-purpose flour, remove 2 × 2 = 4 tablespoons, and add 4 tablespoons of cornstarch back in. Sift the mixture three or four times, and you have 2 cups of cake flour substitute.

Frequently asked questions

Why swap in cornstarch for cake flour?

Cake flour is low in protein, so it forms less gluten and yields a softer crumb. Replacing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup with cornstarch lowers the effective protein and interferes with gluten formation, mimicking cake flour closely enough for most cakes and delicate bakes.

Why do I need to sift it several times?

Sifting distributes the cornstarch evenly through the flour and adds air, so the blend is uniform and light rather than pockets of starch. Skipping this can leave lumps of cornstarch and an uneven texture; three to four passes is the usual recommendation.

Is this substitute good for all recipes?

It works well for cakes, cupcakes and other tender bakes that call for cake flour. It is less suited to recipes that rely on a lot of structure. For breads or chewy cookies, use all-purpose or bread flour instead, since you want more gluten, not less.

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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.