How to Make Self-Rising Flour
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Self-rising flour is a staple ingredient in many recipes! Learn how to make self-rising flour with just 3 simple ingredients!
Looking for more easy substitutions? I think you’ll love my easy buttermilk substitution, how to make cake flour, and how to make oat milk.
Have you ever started a recipe and realized that you didn’t have enough of a specific ingredient called for in that recipe? It is a frustrating thing when that happens. That’s when simple substitutions come to the rescue, like this simple self-rising flour recipe for a homemade substitution.
What is self-rising flour?
Self-rising flour is a combination of all-purpose flour (also referred to as plain flour), 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.
What is the difference between regular all-purpose flour and self-rising flour?
The difference between the two flours is one already has the leavening agent included If you only have all-purpose flour on hand, you will need to add the leavener to it for it to rise. If you come across a recipe that uses self-rising flour, you can make it yourself quickly and easily using 3 simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry.
What recipes use self-rising flour?
Self-rising 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 breads, and more.
How to Make Homemade Self-Rising Flour Substitute
This homemade self-rising flour works perfectly in recipes that call for self-rising flour. I’ve included the recipe to make one cup of the homemade substitute, but it can easily be scaled up for a big batch of self-rising flour or scaled down based on your specific needs.
It’s really simple to make and only takes seconds.
One Cup Self-Rising Flour 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 Self-Rising Flour Recipe (Makes 4 Cups)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
To make a large batch of self-rising flour, simply 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 in the pantry for up to 6 months.
Large Batch Self-Rising Flour Recipe
4 cups all-purpose flour
+
6 teaspoons baking powder
+
1 teaspoon salt
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
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Originally published April 2012.
Good tips ๐ thanks.
I have been using all purpose, salt together with baking powder but i had no idea that when you put this three ingredients they make self raising. Thank you for sharing with us.
Hello. Thanks for sharing the recipe but will it really work? I read many articles about DIY flours you know like self-rising flour and cake flour or how to add lemon juice or vinegar to milk to get buttermik etc… and every time the writer will end up like “of course it would be better to use whatever the recipe calls for”. So, will this really work? Just asking.
Thanks
Hi Hala,
It absolutely works – as does the buttermilk substitute. Hope you find it helpful!
This is such a great tip! So handy!
I never keep self-rising flour on hand. It just works better for me to make my own.
Just gave this info to my niece. I didn’t know exact measurements for a cup, so thanks. Also, if you’re using buttermilk or “sour milk” we were always told that you needed to add 1 tsp baking soda along with the baking powder and salt. That info was passed by my grandmother, now I’m the granny. ๐
can i make up a lot of this flour at once
Hi Ellen,
You sure can. If I know I’ll be using a good bit for various recipes, I’ll mix up a batch to keep on hand.
how big is a cup?
Hi Tina,
Depending on if you spoon or dip the all-purpose flour into your measuring cup, you’ll have between 4.5 ounces and 5 ounces.
WoW!!! Just stumbled upon your blog and this
…oops…
Just stumbled upon this amazing recipe and your wonderful blog. Thanks for this. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to make something and then realized that I don’t have self-rising flour. I use it so seldom that I would hate to buy a whole bag. Now I don’t have to!!!
This is such a great tip, Robin. Thanks for sharing!