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. It’s 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.
Thank you, sometimes the most simple ingredients are priceless.
Thank you, Dawn.
does this work for self rising cornmeal too?
Can whole wheat flour be made into self rising flour?
Very easy to work with
Good to learn that I can make self-raising flour at home, as this does not exist in Norway.
Now I can use several American cake recipes I have, since I didn’t know what self-raising flour is.
Hans,
I’m so glad this helped you. Enjoy those cakes you bake!
Super helpful!!! God Bless you!!
So glad it was a help to you, Domenica! xo
Making Banana Bread & Yep–no self rising. Somewhat confusing some say 1 1/4 t baking powder
others 1 t. Hmmm. but thank you. good luck to ME. LOL
What if I need 5 cups of flour, do I just multiply the 3 ingredients, flour baking powder and salt by 5?
Yes
Can you use baking soda instead of baking powder?
No, you need to use baking powder, Vickie.
This is awesome knowledge Robyn! Frankly, as much as I bake, I had no idea I could make my own. Really good to know.
If the recipe calls for 3 cups of self-rising flour, does it mean to say i need to add 4 & 1/2 tsp. of baking powder and 3/4 tsp. salt to 3 cups all purpose flour? Thanks in advance for replying.
Thank you so much. Great info. Cant get self raising flour in Croatia
Made scones. It worked perfectly!
Wonderful to hear! Thanks!