All-Purpose Flour (reduced) Substitute for Cake Flour: Exact Ratio
Looking for a cake flour substitute? All-Purpose Flour (reduced) works as a direct replacement. Use 1 cup minus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour per 1 cup cake flour in any recipe that calls for cake flour. This swap works best for cakes, cookies, quick breads.
Best Substitute
All-Purpose Flour (reduced)
1 cup minus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour per 1 cup cake flour
A simpler substitute when cornstarch is unavailable. Sift multiple times to aerate. Results will be slightly less tender than with cake flour.
Tips When Replacing Cake Flour in Recipes
Cake flour is bleached and chlorinated, which weakens gluten and allows it to absorb more sugar and fat. This is why cakes made with cake flour are so tender. When substituting, sift your mixture multiple times—aeration helps mimic the fine texture.
What Is Cake Flour and Why Substitute It?
A finely milled, low-protein wheat flour (7-9%) that produces tender, delicate baked goods with a fine, soft crumb.
All-Purpose Flour (reduced) is one of 4 alternatives you can use instead of cake flour. For a complete list of cake flour substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full cake flour substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Cake Flour?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour (reduced) instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour (reduced) as a substitute for cake flour. Use 1 cup minus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour per 1 cup cake flour. A simpler substitute when cornstarch is unavailable. Sift multiple times to aerate. Results will be slightly less tender than with cake flour.
How much all-purpose flour (reduced) equals cake flour?
Use 1 cup minus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour per 1 cup cake flour to replace cake flour with all-purpose flour (reduced). Works best for cakes, cookies, quick breads.
What is the best substitute for cake flour?
All-Purpose Flour (reduced) is a popular substitute for cake flour. Use 1 cup minus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour per 1 cup cake flour for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 4 alternatives on our cake flour substitute page.
Is all-purpose flour (reduced) a vegan substitute for cake flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour (reduced) is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to cake flour. Use 1 cup minus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour per 1 cup cake flour.