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    Home » Baking 101 - Tips & Tricks » How To Make Self Raising Flour

    How To Make Self Raising Flour

    Published: Mar 7, 2022 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe
    An image of a jar filled with flour with the text overlay 'how to make self raising flour'

    Follow my simple recipe and learn how to make self raising flour from scratch using just two ingredients - plain (all purpose) flour and baking powder.

    Use the ratio of 2 teaspoons of baking powder to every 1 cup / 150g / 6 oz of plain flour to make either a small batch or a bulk batch of self raising flour.

    An image of a jar filled with flour with the text overlay 'how to make self raising flour'


    Many baking recipes require self raising flour, which is a flour containing baking powder.

    Whether it's your favourite cake or a batch of cupcakes, a simple slice, loaf or biscuits, self raising flour is the secret ingredient that will make your recipes rise into deliciously airy, light and fluffy baked goods.

    However, despite the popularity of this flour in baking recipes, it's not readily available in all parts of the world - and that's where it's helpful to be able to make your own homemade self raising flour out of plain (all purpose) flour and baking powder.

    And let's not forget that even if you do live in a part of the world where you can easily buy self raising flour, there's always going to be a time when you run out and don't want to make an extra trip to the supermarket!

    Table Of Contents

    • What Is Self Raising Flour?
    • Are Self Raising Flour And Self Rising Flour The Same Thing?
    • How Much Baking Powder Do You Add To Plain Flour To Make Self Raising Flour?
    • Uses Of Self Raising Flour
      • When To Use
      • When NOT To Use
    • FAQ & Expert Tips

    What Is Self Raising Flour?

    Self raising flour is a type of flour that is very popular when baking cakes, loaves, pancakes, scones and biscuits.

    It is made from plain flour (also known as all purpose flour) and a leavening agent - usually baking powder.

    When plain flour and baking powder are sifted together, they create self raising flour which gives baked goods the perfect rise.

    Are Self Raising Flour And Self Rising Flour The Same Thing?

    While the terms self raising flour and self rising flour are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.

    Self raising flour is most commonly used in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. This flour is made from plain all purpose flour and baking powder. It is used to make baked goods such as cakes, cupcakes, cookies and pancakes.

    Self rising flour is popular in the US and is made from plain all purpose flour, baking powder and salt. It is often used when making biscuits, pancakes, (non-yeast) loaves and sometimes even cakes.

    In my recipe card below, I will teach you how to make the UK/Australian/NZ variety of self raising flour using plain (all purpose) flour and baking powder.

    However, if you're looking for the US variety, you can find a recipe for self rising flour here.

    A sieve with flour coming through it.

    How Much Baking Powder Do You Add To Plain Flour To Make Self Raising Flour?

    If you've ever wondered how to make self raising flour from scratch, I can assure you that it really is just SO easy.

    Sift 2 teaspoons of baking powder through every 1 cup / 150 g / 6 ounces of plain (all purpose) flour.

    It's important to sift the baking powder through the plain flour using a sieve so that it is evenly dispersed and ensures that your baked goods rise evenly.

    Uses Of Self Raising Flour

    Self raising flour is a very popular flour that is perfect for so many recipes.

    Here's when you should and shouldn't use self raising in your cooking.

    When To Use

    Use self raising flour in your baking when:

    • The recipe calls for self raising flour
    • When you're wanting your baked goods to be light, airy and fluffy
    • When you're making cakes, cupcakes, biscuits, slices and pancakes

    When NOT To Use

    Do NOT use self raising flour when:

    • making sourdough
    • making breads, loaves or dough that use yeast (as the yeast is the leavening agent)
    • if your recipe already uses bicarbonate soda, baking soda or yeast (self raising flour is generally enough of a rising agent when used on it's own)
    • your recipe call for plain (all purpose) flour - self raising flour and plain flour are not interchangeable
    Two hands holding self raising flour over a bench.

    FAQ & Expert Tips

    Follow my simple tips and learn how to make homemade self raising flour.

    How do you measure baking powder using a teaspoon?

    It's important to ensure that you use a level (not heaped) teaspoon when measuring baking powder. To correctly measure a teaspoon of baking powder, shake or stir the container first then take a slightly heaped scoop. Use a knife or flat edge of a container to level off the powder.

    Can you use bicarbonate of soda instead of baking powder when making self raising flour?

    Bicarbonate of soda is approximately 3 times more powerful than baking powder so it is best to use baking powder when making self raising flour. However, if you only have bicarbonate of soda, sift just over ½ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda through every 1 cup of plain flour.

    Can I make a bigger batch of self raising flour?

    Absolutely - just as long as you keep the ratios of 2 teaspoons of baking powder to every 1 cup / 150g / 6 oz of plain (all purpose) flour.

    Why do I need to sift the plain flour and baking powder together?

    Sifting the flour and baking powder together ensures that your homemade flour has the leavening agent (the baking soda) evenly distributed. This ensure that your baked goods will rise evenly when cooked.

    How do you store self raising flour?

    Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and use within one year.

    A jar of homemade self raising flour tipping over.

    Homemade Self Raising Flour

    Follow my simple recipe and learn how to make self raising flour from scratch using just two ingredients - plain (all purpose) flour and baking powder.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: baking
    Cuisine: Australian recipe
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 cup
    Calories: 459kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    Small Batch (1 Cup)

    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 cup plain flour all purpose flour

    Large Batch (4 Cups)

    • 8 teaspoons baking powder
    • 4 cups plain flour all purpose flour

    Instructions

    • Using a sieve, sift the baking powder and plain (all purpose) flour together into a bowl.
      Note: If you don't have a sieve, you can whisk the baking powder and plain flour together in a bowl.
    • Use as a replacement for the self raising flour ingredient in your desired recipe or store until required.

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES
    Self raising flour and self rising flour are not the same - my recipe teaches you how to make the UK/Australian/NZ variety of self raising flour using plain (all purpose) flour and baking powder.
    Measuring a level teaspoon - It's important to ensure that you use a level (not heaped) teaspoon when measuring baking powder. To correctly measure a teaspoon of baking powder, shake or stir the container first then take a slightly heaped scoop. Use a knife or flat edge of a container to level off the powder.
    Making a larger quantity or bulk batch - ensure that you maintain the ratio of 2 teaspoons of baking powder to every 1 cup / 150g / 6 oz of plain (all purpose) flour.
    Sifting - it's important to sift the baking powder and plain flour together to ensure the leavening agent is evenly dispersed.
    Storing - Store self raising flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It's best to use self-raising flour within 1 year.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 538mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 6mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!
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