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Out of Self-Rising Flour? Try These 3 Easy Swaps

Run out of self-rising flour mid-recipe? No worries. We've got 3 tried-and-tested substitutes that actually work. Whether you're making a quick weeknight dinner or baking something special, these alternatives will save your dish. The most popular swap is all-purpose flour + baking powder + salt, which works great in baking recipes. Each substitute below includes exact measurements and tips so you know exactly what to do.

⚡ Quick Answer (30 sec read)

Use All-purpose flour + baking powder + salt instead. For 1 cup: use 1 cup AP flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well.

3 Tested Self-Rising Flour Substitutes (With Exact Ratios)

1. All-purpose flour + baking powder + salt

Baking

For 1 cup: use 1 cup AP flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well.

2. Cake flour + baking powder + salt

Baking

For 1 cup: use 1 cup cake flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt. Lighter texture.

3. Whole wheat flour + baking powder + salt

Baking

Use same ratios as AP flour. Denser result.

Tips for Substituting Self-Rising Flour

When substituting self-rising flour in baking, always consider how the swap affects moisture, fat content, and flavor. Start with the exact ratios given, then adjust in future batches if needed. For best results, bring refrigerated substitutes to room temperature before mixing.

What NOT to Do When Substituting Self-Rising Flour

  • xDon't use the same amount without checking the ratio - some substitutes are stronger or weaker than self-rising flour.
  • xDon't substitute in recipes where self-rising flour is the star ingredient - the difference will be too noticeable.
  • xDon't combine multiple substitutes at once - pick one and adjust from there.

Quick Substitution Ratios

SubstituteAmount for 1 cup Self-Rising FlourBest For
All-purpose flour + baking powder + saltFor 1 cup: use 1 cup AP flour + 1baking
Cake flour + baking powder + saltFor 1 cup: use 1 cup cake flour + 1baking
Whole wheat flour + baking powder + saltUse same ratios as AP flourbaking

Safety Tips

  • 1.Always check for allergies - if someone is allergic to self-rising flour, they may also react to certain substitutes like nut-based alternatives.
  • 2.When baking, substitutes can affect rising and texture. Test with a small batch first if making for an important occasion.
  • 3.Check expiration dates on substitutes - using fresh ingredients ensures the best flavor and food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for self-rising flour?

The best substitute for self-rising flour is All-purpose flour + baking powder + salt. For 1 cup: use 1 cup AP flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well. This works well in most recipes that call for self-rising flour.

Can I use all-purpose instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour + baking powder + salt is an excellent substitute for self-rising flour. For 1 cup: use 1 cup AP flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well.

What can I use instead of self-rising flour in baking?

For baking, the best self-rising flour substitutes are: All-purpose flour + baking powder + salt, Cake flour + baking powder + salt, Whole wheat flour + baking powder + salt. These options will give you similar results in cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.

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No Self-Rising Flour? Try All-purpose flour + baking powder + salt [3 Easy Swaps]