While "milling" typically refers to the process of grinding grains into flour, you can easily create a highly effective cake flour substitute at home using common pantry ingredients. This method allows you to replicate the low-protein, fine texture of commercial cake flour, perfect for tender baked goods.
The Simple Method for Homemade Cake Flour
You don't need specialized milling equipment to get cake flour's benefits at home. Instead, you can modify readily available all-purpose flour by combining it with cornstarch. Cornstarch helps to inhibit gluten formation, mimicking the lower protein content found in true cake flour, which results in a softer, more delicate crumb in your cakes and pastries.
Ingredients Needed
To make 1 cup of cake flour substitute, you will need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 14 Tablespoons (110g) |
| Cornstarch | 2 Tablespoons (16g) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your homemade cake flour substitute:
- Step 1: Sift Ingredients Together
Combine 14 Tablespoons (110g) all-purpose flour and 2 Tablespoons (16g) cornstarch together. Sift this mixture thoroughly two times. This ensures the cornstarch is evenly distributed and helps to aerate the flour, making it lighter. - Step 2: Measure Precisely
From this sifted mixture, carefully measure out 1 cup using the spoon & level method. To do this, spoon the mixture into your measuring cup until it overflows, then use a straight edge (like the back of a knife) to level off the excess without compacting the flour. - Step 3: Ready to Use
Now you have 1 cup of cake flour substitute that you can use immediately in most recipes requiring cake flour.
(Based on information from Sally's Baking Addiction, 24-Aug-2019)
Why Make Your Own Cake Flour?
Creating your own cake flour substitute offers several advantages:
- Accessibility: Cake flour might not always be available in your local grocery store, especially in smaller towns.
- Cost-Effectiveness: It's generally more economical to buy all-purpose flour and cornstarch separately than to purchase specialized cake flour.
- Freshness: You can make exactly the amount you need, ensuring freshness for every baking project.
Tips for Best Results
- Accuracy is Key: Precision in measuring both the all-purpose flour and cornstarch is crucial for the best texture. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements.
- Don't Skip Sifting: Sifting multiple times not only combines the ingredients but also aerates the flour, which is vital for achieving the tender crumb characteristic of baked goods made with cake flour.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake flour substitute in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, just as you would regular flour.
- When to Use: This substitute is ideal for delicate baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and some types of cookies where a tender, fine crumb is desired.
By following these simple steps, you can confidently substitute commercial cake flour in your recipes, ensuring delicious and delicate results every time.
