How to Make Self-Rising Flour
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Self-rising flour is a staple ingredient in many southern recipes, from biscuits to cobblers! This recipe shows you how to make self-rising flour with just 3 simple ingredients for this easy homemade substitute!

Have you ever started a recipe that called for self-rising flour and realized you don’t have any? It is a frustrating thing when that happens! That’s when this simple homemade substitution for self-rising flour comes to the rescue. It’s so quick to make with just a few ingredients!
Self-rising flour is a combination of all-purpose flour (also referred to as plain), baking powder, and salt. Itโs often used in recipes with no leavening agents (such as baking powder, baking soda, or yeast) and reduces the number of ingredients needed.
Difference Between Self-Rising and All-Purpose Flours
The difference between the two flours is simple. Self-rising already has the leavening agent included and all-purpose does not. All-purpose flour must have a leavening agent added to it in a recipe for it to rise.
How to Make Homemade Self-Rising Flour Substitute
If you come across a recipe that uses self-rising, you can make it yourself quickly and easily using 3 simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- All-purpose Flour
- Baking Powder
- Salt
I’ve included the amounts to make a One Cup recipe, or a Small Batch, as well as the amounts needed to make a Large Batch recipe too.
One Cup Recipe:
For each cup of flour, whisk together 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure to whisk all these ingredients together well so that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed within the flour.
Small Batch Self-Rising Flour Recipe
1 cup all-purpose flour
+
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
+
1/4 teaspoon salt
Large Batch Recipe (Makes 4 Cups)
To make a large batch recipe, add flour, baking powder, and salt in the above amounts to a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine so that all ingredients are evenly distributed. Use or store in an airtight container.
Large Batch Self-Rising Flour Recipe
4 cups all-purpose flour
+
6 teaspoons baking powder
+
1 teaspoon salt
Storage Tips
To store: Add to an airtight container and store in the pantry for up to 6 months.
Uses for Self-Rising Flour
This flour is used in so many quick and easy Southern recipes.
It has become a staple ingredient in my kitchen for the perfect buttermilk biscuit, buttermilk pancakes, cinnamon roll biscuits, waffles, easy peach cobbler, quick bread, and more.
More Useful Substitution Recipes
Here’s the printable recipe card for making my self-rising flour substitute. I hope you find it as helpful as I do!
How to Make Self-Rising Flour
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (6 g) baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.6 g) kosher salt
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients and whisk to combine.
Notes
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Originally published April 2012.
Wow, that’s awesome!! I resort to keeping Bisquick on hand. My husband does the breakfast cooking so I’ll have to tell him about this. I have been wanting to experiment more with wheat flour but I’m not sure where to start.
Great tip to have on Pinterest board!! Thanks Robyn!
Bookmarking! Love this! ๐
I love kitchen substitutions! Always great to know how to make something quickly : )
I never think to buy self-rising flour, this is such a great tip!
Thanks, Missy. So great to just whip it up quickly and not have to add something else to my grocery list.
I am saving this for SURE!
Thanks, Sommer. Hope it comes in handy.
This is great information! I had no idea that I could just make it myself. Thank you!
Thanks, Natalie. It’s freed up a canister on my counter top that now gets used for chocolate! ๐
Handy dandy tip for sure!
Thank ya much! It’s perfect for those early morning pancakes and waffles and let’s not get started on the biscuits! ๐
Great post Robyn! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Maria. It’s definitely helped me out a bunch! ๐
You don’t know how many times I’ve needed self rising flour and didn’t have any…this will definitely be put to good use!!
I hope this comes in handy for ya, Kristan.
Thanks for putting this online it comes in handy for small amounts