If you’re using a gluten-free all-purpose blend, do not do this swap. Gluten-free flours already have gums and starches to mimic gluten. Adding more cornstarch will make your cake gummy.
Instead, just use the gluten-free flour as-is. You can sift it once or twice for lightness. That’s the real substitute there.
For everyone else, this DIY is your best friend. It’s cheap, it’s fast, and it saves a trip to the store. Who has time for that?
The Final Verdict
So, can you substitute cake flour? Absolutely, yes. With this cornstarch-and-scoop trick, you’re a baking ninja. You’ve outsmarted the flour aisle.
Remember the ratio: one cup of all-purpose minus two tablespoons, plus two tablespoons of cornstarch. Write it on a sticky note. Stick it to your flour canister.
Your next cake will be light, fluffy, and secretly made with pantry odds and ends. It’s a delicious little conspiracy. And you’re the mastermind behind it.
Now go bake something gorgeous. You’ve got this.