Baking Ingredient | Vegetarian Pescatarian

Cake Flour

Triticum aestivum Allergens: Wheat
cake flour

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Western
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Wheat

The Forktionary Angle

"The Secret to a Tender Crumb"

Definition

A finely milled, low-protein wheat flour, bleached to weaken gluten and create tender, delicate baked goods like cakes and pastries.

Sensory Profile

TasteNeutral, Mildly Sweet
TextureFine, Powdery, Soft
AromaMild, Starchy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Science Fact

Its low protein content (6-8%) results in less gluten formation, producing a finer, softer texture.

Storage Tip

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for up to 1 year.

Usage Tip

Specifically designed for light, airy cakes, cupcakes, and tender biscuits.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/4 cup
Calories364 kcal
Total Fat1.2 g
Saturated Fat0.2 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein7.6 g
Total Carbohydrate78.5 g
Dietary Fiber2.3 g
Total Sugars0.3 g
Calcium15 mg
Iron0.9 mg
Potassium100 mg

Chef’s Secret

To achieve the ultimate tender crumb, always sift cake flour thoroughly before measuring and mixing to ensure proper aeration and prevent lumps.

Substitutions

Best Match

All-Purpose Flour + Cornstarch

1 cup APF - 2 tbsp APF + 2 tbsp Cornstarch

Mimics lower protein and tenderness, ideal for most recipes.

Pastry Flour

1:1

Similar low protein, but typically unbleached, may affect color slightly.

Self-Rising Flour (adjust leavening)

1:1

Contains leavening and salt, requires recipe adjustment for those.

Spelt Flour (for gluten sensitivity)

1:1 (adjust liquid)

Lower gluten alternative, yields slightly denser crumb.

Flavor Pairings

Recipes Using Cake Flour

Dietary Presentation Cakes Time To Make

5 Minute Mug Chocolate Cake

Indulge in this decadent 5-Minute Microwave Mug Chocolate Cake! Made in a mug and ready in a flash, this recipe is perfect for a quick chocolate craving. This surprisingly delicious treat, originally from a neighbor's internet find, might be slightly dry, so we recommend topping it with a swirl of chocolate syrup for extra richness and moisture. Get ready for a chocolatey explosion in under 5 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Easy Course

7 Up Pound Cake

This incredibly moist and fluffy 7 Up Pound Cake is a classic for a reason! The secret ingredient, 7 Up, adds a delightful tang and keeps the cake incredibly tender. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this recipe will become a family favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Nuts Time To Make Occasion Weeknight

A Winning Banana Nut Bread

This incredibly easy banana nut bread recipe, perfected over years by Mrs. H. van der Berg of Brits and featured in the beloved South African magazine Huisgenoot's "Best of Winning Recipes," is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! So simple, even your kids can bake it, this recipe consistently delivers moist, delicious banana bread. Get ready to experience the taste of South African baking tradition!

See Complete Recipe
Comfort Food North American Main Ingredient Dietary

Almond Butter Cake

Get ready to be amazed! This small but mighty Almond Butter Cake delivers an irresistible toasted almond flavor that's truly out of this world. Using a unique mixing method, this recipe guarantees a perfectly moist and delicious cake every time. Easily customize the almond intensity by substituting almond extract for ¾ of the vanilla extract for an even stronger almond punch! Perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat.

See Complete Recipe
Desserts Low In Something 4 Hours Or Less Dietary

Almond Lemon Tea Cake

Recreate the magic of Tartine Bakery's San Francisco with this irresistible Almond Lemon Tea Cake recipe. This delightful cake boasts a delicate almond flavor, bright citrus notes, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or simply a sweet treat.

See Complete Recipe
Cakes Occasion Preparation Dietary

Almost Cake Mix Vanilla Cupcakes

Transform your favorite cake mix into unbelievably fluffy and delicious vanilla cupcakes! This recipe uses a simple trick to achieve perfectly pastel-colored treats. Customize your cupcakes with a few drops of your favorite food coloring. We recommend pairing these with our creamy buttercream frosting (recipe #80118) – a delightful match made in baking heaven! For an extra touch, we've swapped out the usual sugar processing for a simple mix of 2 cups powdered sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Get ready for the ultimate easy-bake cupcake experience!

See Complete Recipe
Coconut Main Ingredient Nuts Desserts

Alton Brown's Coconut Cake With 7 Minute Frosting

Indulge in this decadent Alton Brown-inspired coconut cake! This recipe recreates the magic of his show, featuring a moist and flavorful coconut cake layered with a luscious 7-minute frosting. While Alton Brown famously makes everything from scratch, this adapted version offers flexibility for busy bakers. Discover how to achieve a less-fat version of this birthday cake masterpiece, perfect for a special celebration. Get ready to impress with this show-stopping dessert!

See Complete Recipe
From Scratch Desserts Healthy North American

America's Test Kitchen Coconut Layer Cake

Indulge in this decadent Coconut Layer Cake, a stunning masterpiece from America's Test Kitchen! This recipe features moist, tender coconut cakes layered with a dreamy coconut buttercream frosting and toasted coconut flakes for the ultimate tropical treat. Prepare to impress with this show-stopping dessert.

See Complete Recipe
Amish Mennonite Amish Mennonite Healthy Desserts

Amish Texas Chocolate Roll Cake

Indulge in this decadent Amish Texas Chocolate Roll Cake, a recipe passed down from Edna Miller of Holmes County, Ohio! This moist and delicious chocolate cake is surprisingly easy to make and incredibly versatile. Fill it with your favorite fruit, whipped cream, or even German chocolate frosting for a truly unforgettable dessert. Easily adaptable to a classic yellow cake roll by simply omitting the cocoa and adding vanilla extract. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping treat!

See Complete Recipe
Desserts Fruit Pies And Tarts 60 Minutes Or Less

Apple Pies Made In A Muffin Pan

Indulge in the charm of these perfectly portioned mini apple pies, baked in a muffin tin! These elegant little tarts are ideal for a ladies' tea party or any special occasion. Flaky, buttery crust cradles a sweet and tangy apple filling – a delightful bite-sized dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. Get the recipe now!

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less Desserts Time To Make Cakes

Applesauce Streusel Cake

Indulge in the irresistible aroma of warm spices and apples as this easy Applesauce Streusel Cake bakes! This comforting dessert is surprisingly simple to make, despite the ingredient list. The moist cake, topped with a crunchy streusel and your favorite nuts, is perfect for any occasion. Get ready to be amazed by the incredible flavor and texture – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish Preparation Meat Inexpensive

Bacon Wrapped Sausage Casserole With Apple Tomato Sauce

Indulge in this hearty and flavorful Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Casserole, inspired by a classic Huisgenoot recipe! Juicy pork sausages, wrapped in crispy bacon, are nestled in a tangy apple-tomato sauce and baked to perfection. This comforting casserole, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, is served alongside creamy dauphinoise potatoes (recipe not included). Get ready for a taste of South African comfort food with a delicious twist!

See Complete Recipe
Central American Tropical Fruit Caribbean Time To Make

Bahamian Papaya Rum Cake

Escape to the tropical paradise of the Bahamas with every bite of this decadent papaya rum cake! Infused with the rich flavors of Caribbean rum and sweet papaya, this moist and tender cake is the perfect ending to any meal. Our recipe captures the essence of island life, bringing the taste of a Bahamian vacation straight to your kitchen. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Course 4 Hours Or Less Course Preparation

Banana Chocolate Loaf

This decadent Banana Chocolate Loaf is a family favorite, disappearing faster than you can say 'banana'! Moist, chocolatey, and bursting with banana flavor, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Double the recipe (as I always do!) to ensure there's enough for everyone.

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Rice And Grains Cuisine Southern United States North American

Banana Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert: a moist and decadent Banana Cream Cheese Pound Cake! This irresistible recipe blends the best of banana bread and rich pound cake, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Imagine the creamy sweetness of cream cheese perfectly balanced with the ripe banana's natural sweetness, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an unforgettable afternoon treat. Prepare to be amazed!

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Grains

Basic White Cake

This foolproof basic white cake recipe delivers a flawlessly moist and tender crumb every time! A slightly different mixing method ensures success, resulting in a subtly off-white hue from the butter and vanilla. This classic wedding cake recipe is incredibly versatile – frost it with your favorite buttercream for a truly unforgettable dessert. Prepare to impress!

See Complete Recipe
For Large Groups Desserts Main Ingredient For Large Groups

Basic White Cake Two 12

This foolproof recipe creates a classic, slightly off-white wedding cake with a delicate crumb. Our unique mixing method ensures a perfectly moist and tender cake every time! The subtle buttery flavor, enhanced by a touch of vanilla, makes it the ideal base for your favorite buttercream frosting. Ready to impress? Let's bake!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less North American

Best Yellow Cake Ever

Get ready to bake the most amazing yellow cake you've ever tasted! This recipe uses a unique mixing technique that guarantees a perfectly moist and tender crumb every single time. The secret? A special step-by-step process that builds incredible cake structure. Top it off with 1 1/2 batches of our luscious semi-classic buttercream frosting (milk chocolate is our favorite, but get creative!). Prepare for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe